An Iranian missile strike killed three people in Israel on Tuesday, even as U.S. President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran to end nearly two weeks of hostilities.
Iranian state media reported a new wave of missiles targeting Israel shortly after Trump claimed a “complete and total ceasefire” had been agreed upon by both sides. However, officials in both Iran and Israel have yet to publicly confirm the truce.
According to Trump, the ceasefire was to unfold in phases beginning at 04:00 GMT Tuesday. Iran was expected to halt all military actions first, with Israel following 12 hours later.
“It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social. “Upon the 24th hour, an official end to the 12-day war will be saluted by the world.”
But Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, pushed back on claims of an official deal.
“As of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on a ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” Araghchi wrote on social media. “However, should the Israeli regime cease its illegal aggression by 4:00 a.m. Tehran time, we do not intend to continue our response.”
Despite this, Israel’s military reported air raid sirens in the north, and state media in Iran confirmed fresh missile launches. In the south, emergency services confirmed casualties.
“Following the missile impact in southern Israel: MDA teams have confirmed the deaths of three people,” Magen David Adom stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Meanwhile, loud explosions rocked parts of Tehran overnight, with AFP journalists describing some blasts as the most intense since the conflict erupted on June 13.
Escalation and Global Alarm
The ongoing conflict began with Israeli “preemptive” strikes on Iranian nuclear and military installations, prompting widespread concern about a potential regional war. The death toll has climbed steadily — more than 400 killed in Iran, and at least 24 dead in Israel, according to official figures.
Adding to tensions, Iran launched missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — the largest American military facility in the Middle East. Trump, however, downplayed the strike, calling it “very weak.”
Iran’s National Security Council said the strike was a direct response to U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend.
According to officials, the number of Iranian missiles matched the number of U.S. bombs dropped, indicating a “proportional” rather than escalatory action. “This was calibrated to avoid American casualties and create an off-ramp,” said Ali Vaez, senior advisor at the International Crisis Group.
Repercussions Across the Region
Qatar, though not the target, condemned Iran’s missile launch as “blatant aggression” and vowed a proportional response. State media in Iran claimed six missiles struck Al Udeid, which had been evacuated beforehand.
Blasts were heard in central Doha and Lusail, with projectiles visible in the sky, according to AFP reporters.
In Tehran, crowds gathered to celebrate the missile launch, waving Iranian flags and chanting “Death to America,” state TV showed.
Qatar temporarily closed its airspace, and the U.S. embassy along with other foreign missions advised citizens to shelter in place.
International Response
The international community has called for calm. French President Emmanuel Macron warned against “a spiral of chaos,” while China voiced concerns about the economic consequences of continued conflict.
As of Tuesday, the conflict remains unresolved with missile exchanges ongoing and no official ceasefire agreement acknowledged by the warring parties.
