Just hours after the US President declared a ceasefire, Israel has ordered a “forceful” pummeling of Tehran, accusing Iran of violating the truce with a missile launch. This rapid escalation threatens to undo all diplomatic efforts.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated his directive to the military to carry out “powerful strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran.” His order came after air raid sirens in northern Israel and reports of two intercepted Iranian missiles, which he deemed a “complete violation” of the ceasefire.
The US President’s early morning social media announcement of a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE” had initially offered a glimmer of hope. However, the subsequent events demonstrate the profound challenges in de-escalating the long-standing conflict.
Before the ceasefire, intense exchanges of fire characterized the conflict, with Israel launching heavy airstrikes on Tehran and Iran responding with missile barrages that caused casualties in Israel. The current situation suggests a precarious balance, with both sides maintaining a high state of alert.