Israel-Iran ceasefire holds

 

A fragile ceasefire announced on June 24, 2025 appears to be holding between Israel and Iran, prompting cautious relief across both nations. Following nearly two weeks of intense aerial bombardment, Israel lifted wartime movement restrictions and reopened Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv, while shops, beaches and schools resumed activity as daily life edged back toward normalcy cbsnews.com+1apnews.com+1.

The conflict began on June 13 when Israel launched strikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, aiming to derail Tehran’s uranium enrichment program. Iran retaliated with missile barrages aimed at Israeli cities and U.S. military bases in the region. By battle’s end, Iran reported 610–657 fatalities, chiefly civilians, while Israel confirmed 28 deaths and dozens injured .

Despite assertions by Israeli leaders that the strikes set back Iran’s nuclear capabilities “many years,” early U.S. intelligence assessments suggest only a delay of several months theguardian.com+3cbsnews.com+3apnews.com+3. This discrepancy underlines persistent mistrust even as the truce holds.

U.S. President Trump, credited with brokering the ceasefire and personally pressuring both sides amid violations, remains guarded about its permanence. He stressed that any further escalation would be unacceptable and indicated American and Iranian officials are expected to meet next week, though Tehran has given no official confirmation theguardian.com+15reuters.com+15apnews.com+15apnews.com.

In Tehran, the Iranian parliament reacted fiercely, voting to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and vow accelerated enrichment unless oversight guarantees are restored cbsnews.com+1apnews.com+1. Meanwhile, Europe has moved to restart nuclear diplomacy with Iran, meeting in Geneva June 20 to explore future negotiations axios.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2reuters.com+2.

Satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies shows clear damage to Iran’s Fordow and Isfahan nuclear sites, yet officials warn more time is needed before accurate assessments can be made apnews.com+15cbsnews.com+15apnews.com+15. Both countries have accused the other of breaching the ceasefire—Israel of striking a radar installation near Tehran, Iran of resuming missile launches—though leadership has held the truce steady thus far youtube.com+2reuters.com+2reuters.com+2.

The economic impact has been swift: oil prices dropped and global markets rallied on hopes peace will prevent further Gulf shipping disruption .

Across public spaces in Tel Aviv and Tehran, life cautiously resumed. Families returned to beaches and restaurants, while in Tehran, citizens attended anti-Israeli rallies voicing defiance and demanding nuclear sovereignty cbsnews.com.

Yet deep-rooted mistrust shadows the ceasefire. Iranian officials insist they will accelerate nuclear work, refusing direct talks with the U.S. until attacks end . Israel's military chief confirmed their campaign “significant chapter” had ended but hinted attention would now shift to Gaza reuters.com.

Global diplomacy continues to gain traction. China urged de-escalation and offered to mediate, though both sides have yet to embrace its overtures apnews.com+4time.com+4cbsnews.com+4. The coming week’s developments—whether Iran resumes talks with Europeans, U.S. envoys meet Iranian diplomats, or further violations occur—will test the substance behind the pause.

At this threshold moment, millions across the region observe in wary anticipation, hoping this ceasefire might pave the way beyond military tactics to lasting stability. For now, fragile normality holds—but time, diplomacy and trust will determine whether it endures.