Israel and Iran appear to be maintaining a ceasefire despite initial accusations of violations shortly after the truce was announced. The ceasefire follows a period of intense conflict that began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran’s nuclear sites. The war was marked by Israeli airstrikes, Iranian ballistic missile retaliation, and direct U.S. military involvement.
President Donald Trump, attending a NATO summit in the Netherlands, has strongly defended the U.S. military action against Iran. He compared the strikes to the historical use of nuclear bombs on Japan during World War II, suggesting they were intended to prevent further conflict and set back Iran’s nuclear ambitions by many years. However, an early U.S. intelligence assessment indicates that the recent U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities did not significantly damage the core components of Iran’s nuclear program.
The classified report revealed the strikes only delayed Iran’s nuclear program by a few months, contradicting President Trump’s claims of “total obliteration.”
Iran has threatened to withdraw from a key nuclear non-proliferation treaty (NPT) in response to the attacks. This treaty is critical in preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and ensuring peaceful use of nuclear technology.
Israel-Iran ceasefire holds amid tension
Concerns are rising over the potential ramifications this withdrawal could have on regional and global security. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has designated the Central Bank of Iran and other entities as terrorist organizations, targeting Iran’s financial systems linked to terrorism, particularly those affiliated with the Quds Force and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi hinted at potentially reassessing Iran’s commitment to the NPT following the strikes on its nuclear facilities.
While maintaining that their nuclear program is peaceful, Iranian officials have expressed grave concerns over their ability to continue under the current treaty framework. During discussions at the NATO summit, President Trump expressed doubt that Iran was able to relocate its enriched uranium before the U.S. strikes, given the rapid response of U.S. forces. As Israelis and Iranians attempt to resume normal life, authorities in Israel have lifted emergency restrictions, reopened schools and workplaces, and resumed operations at Ben Gurion Airport.
In Tehran, supporters of the government held a victory rally, with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praising his people’s resilience and signaling a willingness to resume international nuclear talks. The international community closely watches the evolving situation between Iran and Israel, the U.S.’s military actions, and President Trump’s diplomatic and defense strategy at the NATO summit. Alongside immediate geopolitical repercussions, there is significant speculation about Iran’s future involvement in global nuclear governance frameworks.
