Iranian Strike Kills Three Israelis After Trump Declares Ceasefire

Three people were killed in an Iranian missile strike on Tuesday, Israeli rescue officials confirmed, just hours after Iran’s state media reported new waves of missiles heading toward Israel—despite U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a ceasefire between the two long-time rivals.

So far, neither Iran nor Israel has officially confirmed the ceasefire deal touted by Trump, which came after nearly two weeks of escalating violence that has left hundreds dead in Iran and at least two dozen in Israel.

Trump had stated that the ceasefire would follow a phased 24-hour process, beginning around 0400 GMT on Tuesday. According to his plan, Iran would first halt military operations unilaterally, with Israel following 12 hours later.

“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

He added, “Upon the 24th hour, an official end to the 12-day war will be saluted by the world,” noting that both nations had committed to remain “peaceful and respectful” during the process.

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal agreement, stating, “As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on ceasefire or cessation of military operations.”

Still, he hinted at a conditional pause, saying: “Provided the Israeli regime ends its illegal aggression against the Iranian people no later than 4 a.m. Tehran time, we have no intention to continue our response afterwards.”

Meanwhile, Israel’s military reported air raid sirens sounding in the north shortly after Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB claimed fresh missile salvos had been launched.

Emergency responders also confirmed casualties from a missile impact in southern Israel.

“Following the missile impact in southern Israel, MDA teams have pronounced the deaths of three individuals,” Magen David Adom said in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

In Tehran, powerful explosions rocked the capital overnight, with AFP journalists reporting blasts in the northern and central parts of the city—some of the strongest since the conflict erupted.

A lasting ceasefire would bring much-needed relief to global leaders anxious about the conflict spiraling into a wider regional war.

Tensions have escalated dramatically since June 13, when Israel launched a surprise wave of “preemptive” strikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites, prompting U.S. warnings of a possible “massive” regional conflict.

Trump’s ceasefire proposal came just hours after Iran fired missiles at the U.S. military’s largest base in the region—Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Trump, however, dismissed the attack as “very weak,” claiming Tehran had given prior warning.

Iran’s National Security Council said the strike was in direct retaliation for the U.S.’s “aggressive and insolent actions” targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities.

It added that the number of missiles launched matched the number of bombs dropped by the U.S., a signal that Iran aimed for a measured and proportionate response.

“This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off-ramp for both sides,” said Ali Vaez, a senior advisor with the International Crisis Group.

The Iranian offensive followed U.S. strikes in support of Israel, which targeted an underground uranium enrichment facility and hit two additional nuclear sites between Saturday night and Sunday morning.

As fears of a broader conflict grew, international leaders urged restraint. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that “the spiral of chaos must end,” while China raised concerns about the economic implications of a wider war.

Iran maintained that its missile attack in Qatar wasn’t aimed at the country itself. Nevertheless, Qatar denounced the action as a “blatant act of aggression” and vowed an appropriate response.

Iranian state media quoted the Revolutionary Guard Corps saying six missiles had struck Al Udeid, which Qatari officials confirmed had been evacuated prior to impact.

The missiles—both short- and medium-range ballistic types—were confirmed by a U.S. defense official. AFP reporters in Doha and Lusail heard explosions Monday night and saw projectiles streaking across the sky.

In Tehran, crowds gathered to celebrate, waving flags and chanting “Death to America,” according to footage aired on state television.

In response to regional instability, Qatar announced a temporary closure of its airspace. The U.S. embassy and other foreign missions issued warnings urging citizens to shelter in place.

According to Iran’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed more than 400 people in Iran. In contrast, Iran’s attacks on Israel have left 24 people dead, according to official figures.

Punch

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