Iran–Israel Ceasefire in Peril: Violations Reported Within Hours of Announcement

 

June 24, 2025 | International Desk | By: Staff Reporter

In a dramatic turn of events that underscores the volatility in the Middle East, a recently brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel has come under serious threat, just hours after being announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The fragile peace deal, which was set to end nearly two weeks of escalating conflict, is now facing mounting challenges following reports of violations from both sides.

Trump's Role in the Ceasefire Announcement

Former President Donald Trump, who played a central role in mediating the temporary halt in hostilities, declared the ceasefire late Monday. Speaking at a press briefing from his campaign headquarters in Florida, Trump stated, “We’ve done what the world said was impossible. We brought Iran and Israel to the table. But I’m not happy with Israel. They need to hold their fire.”

His statement came as a surprise to many observers, given Trump’s historically strong support for Israel. However, his criticism of Israel’s post-ceasefire conduct signaled that the peace accord was already showing cracks.

The 12-Day Conflict: What Happened?

The latest round of violence began nearly two weeks ago after a series of airstrikes in Syria reportedly targeted Iranian-linked militia bases. In response, Iran launched a series of ballistic missile attacks on Israeli military outposts in the Golan Heights and Negev region. Israel retaliated with a sweeping air campaign over suspected Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

The situation escalated quickly, leading to the death of over 1,200 civilians and combatants across both countries, according to reports from international observers. Several major cities, including Tehran, Tel Aviv, and Haifa, were placed on high alert, with residents forced into shelters for days.

Ceasefire Terms and Early Violations

The ceasefire agreement, according to a White House memo, included the following terms:

• A 24-hour phased de-escalation.
• Immediate halt to missile launches from both sides.
• Opening of humanitarian corridors for medical aid and evacuation.
• No airspace violations by either military.

However, within just a few hours, Iranian media reported an Israeli drone strike in the western province of Kermanshah. Meanwhile, Israeli sources accused Iran of launching short-range missiles into northern Israel overnight.

“These actions are unacceptable and put millions of lives at further risk,” said a UN Security Council representative. “A ceasefire must be respected by both parties without exception.”

Regional Fallout and International Response

The ceasefire’s collapse, even if partial, has drawn strong reactions from across the globe.

The European Union urged restraint, calling on both Iran and Israel to avoid “a catastrophic full-scale war in the region.” The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting to assess the situation. Russia and China expressed concern over the role of Western powers in the negotiations, while Saudi Arabia and Turkey have offered to act as alternative mediators.

The United States, under the leadership of President Kamala Harris, has maintained a cautious distance from Trump’s diplomatic initiative. In an official statement, the U.S. State Department said:
“While we support any efforts to reduce bloodshed, real peace must be built on trust, verification, and long-term accountability.”

Public Reaction and Ground Reality

On the ground, civilians are once again caught in the crossfire. In Tehran, residents reported hearing air sirens in the early hours of Tuesday, followed by a series of loud explosions. In Israel, border communities near Lebanon were evacuated amid fears of Hezbollah’s involvement.

“My children haven’t slept in days,” said a mother from southern Israel. “First we heard there was peace, and now the sirens are back. It’s like a cruel joke.”

In Iran, social media videos showed large crowds at petrol stations, grocery stores, and ATMs—an indication of rising panic over a potential escalation.

Looking Ahead: Is Peace Still Possible?

With both sides seemingly unwilling to fully adhere to the ceasefire, analysts fear a return to full-scale hostilities in the coming days. Experts believe the international community must act swiftly to stabilize the situation.

“The longer this ambiguity continues, the greater the risk of war,” said Dr. Leila Mansouri, a Middle East analyst at the London School of Economics. “We need a multilateral framework, not just unilateral announcements.”

Despite the apparent breakdown, there are still diplomatic efforts underway. Jordan and Egypt have opened backchannel communications with both Tehran and Jerusalem, hoping to salvage what remains of the ceasefire agreement.

Conclusion

While the ceasefire between Iran and Israel offered a brief glimmer of hope in a region plagued by decades of conflict, its near-immediate violations have raised serious concerns about the prospects of lasting peace. With diplomatic channels still open but tension mounting, the coming days will be critical in determining whether the Middle East steps back from the brink—or dives deeper into chaos.