Fragile Iran-Israel ceasefire appears to hold; U.S. report says strikes did not destroy Iran nuclear program

A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel took effect on Tuesday after nearly two weeks of deadly airstrikes. U.S. President Donald Trump, who brokered the truce, criticized both sides for prolonged conflict and claimed confusion over their actions. While Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu declared victory, saying Israel had crippled Iran’s nuclear threat, a U.S. intelligence report contradicted this, revealing the damage to Iran’s nuclear program was minimal, setting it back only a few months.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed readiness to resume nuclear talks but reaffirmed Iran’s right to peaceful atomic energy. Despite both countries eventually acknowledging the ceasefire, they initially accused each other of violating it.

Following the ceasefire, both nations reopened airspace and lifted restrictions. Iran reported 610 deaths and over 4,700 injuries, while Israel reported 28 fatalities. Experts warned the ceasefire remains unstable due to lack of a formal agreement or third-party enforcement. China called on all parties to honor the truce and avoid further conflict.

Credit: CGTN