In a dramatic turn of events that could reignite regional conflict, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has greenlit military strikes on Tehran, accusing Iran of violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire just hours after it was announced.
The ceasefire, declared by former U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform, was intended to halt nearly two weeks of escalating confrontation between the two nations. But Katz claims Iran shattered the peace with a missile launch targeting Israel—an act he branded a “blatant violation.”
“In light of Iran’s violation of the ceasefire declared by the President of the United States, I have directed the IDF to continue high-intensity operations,” Katz said in a stern statement, confirming fresh airstrikes on Tehran’s military and regime assets.
Iran denies the claims, with state-linked media and military officials insisting no such missile was launched. Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the accusations “false and inflammatory,” stating they remained committed to the truce.
The ceasefire, meant to cap the 12-day conflict that began after Israel’s June 13 surprise strike on Iranian nuclear sites, is now teetering on collapse. Prime Minister Netanyahu declared the operation a success, crediting U.S. support for what he called a crippling blow to Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, however, painted a different picture, claiming it was military pressure that forced Israel into a ceasefire, not diplomacy.
With both sides trading blame and launching competing narratives, the fragile truce appears on the brink of breaking entirely—raising global fears of a broader Middle East escalation.
