After nearly 12 days of airstrikes, missile launches and the fears of wider regional wars, the ceasefire between Israel and Iran has brought a vulnerable but great moment of relief to millions of people living in the Middle East. The ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump outlined a step-by-step arrangement for Iran to stop hostility first, followed by Israel 12 hours later. Neither Tehran nor Jerusalem officially confirmed the ceasefire in official statements, but the sharp decline in military operations since Sunday night strongly suggests that both sides are following the agreement.
The escalation began with a carefully coordinated series of strikes by the US and Israel over several important Iranian nuclear facilities, including Natanz and Fordau. These attacks included advanced weapons such as long-range bombers and submarine-launched cruise missiles, aiming to decompose Iran’s nuclear capabilities and slow its progress. After these strikes, Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli cities in the Gulf region and American military bases, causing widespread air raid sirens, calling for shelter from thousands of civilians.
Israel’s military response, known as Operation Raisinglion, saw a series of over 100 airstrikes aimed at invalidating Iran’s military infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities. Reports from Israeli emergency services found that at least 20 civilians were injured during the Iranian missile attack, many of whom called for doctors to see doctors in the overwhelming hospital. The exact extent of casualties and damages within Iran remains unknown, but satellite imagery and independent observers have identified significant damage to multiple nuclear facilities.
The international community responded quickly to the crisis unfolding amid the UN, the European Union, Russia and China, among those urging both countries to retreat from the brink and seek a peaceful solution. The US Vice President called the ceasefire a “critical turning point,” emphasising the importance of sustained diplomacy and restraint to prevent further bloodshed.
Despite alleviation of hostilities, human damage continues to be deeply felt. Israeli and Iranian civilians endured days of uncertainty and fear, schools were closed, hospitals were blaked with missile sirens and explosions shook the population. The psychological impact on families, including children and the elderly, remains severe.
Analysts warn that while the ceasefire represents positive development, the underlying tension between Israel and Iran has not disappeared. Neither country has committed to a formal peace process, and both remain in a state of increased vigilance. The possibility of future flare-ups continues, highlighting the vulnerability of current calmness.
For now, the ceasefire offers a window of important opportunities. Humanitarian agencies are preparing to provide support to those affected by recent violence, and diplomats continue behind the scenes to encourage dialogue. Crossing cities and towns in both countries, residents are cautiously hoping that this suspension in the battle could lead to more lasting peace.
The coming weeks will be important in determining whether this ceasefire will serve as a foundation for alleviating tensions, or whether the region will once again face the threat of new conflict.
