Tel Aviv: The 12-day military conflict between Iran and Israel has come to a temporary halt after a high-stakes ceasefire was brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the outcome a "historic victory," emphasizing that Israel had successfully disrupted Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The ceasefire came after the United States, under Trump’s directive, launched bunker-buster airstrikes on key Iranian nuclear facilities, including sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and the heavily fortified Fordow facility. Trump claimed the strikes had "crippled" Iran’s nuclear capabilities. CIA Director John Ratcliffe reinforced this assertion, stating the damage would take Iran "years" to recover from.
However, a leaked U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency report paints a more cautious picture. The assessment reportedly concluded that the airstrikes only caused temporary disruption, possibly setting back Iran’s nuclear program by a few months. Analysts noted that Iran’s core enrichment infrastructure remains largely intact, especially within the deeply buried Fordow complex.
Despite international concern, Netanyahu insisted that Israel achieved its strategic objectives and warned that any future threats from Iran would be met with decisive force.
Meanwhile, Iran maintained that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. Tehran agreed to pause retaliatory actions on the condition that Israel halts further airstrikes. The de-escalation follows heightened regional tensions and rising international pressure for both sides to pursue diplomatic solutions.
In a separate move, Iranian authorities charged 47 citizens with allegedly collaborating with Israel during the conflict, further stoking internal and regional anxieties.
While talks of resumed diplomacy have emerged, including potential U.S.-Iran discussions next week, the situation remains volatile.
This is a developing story. Further updates are awaited.
