Tensions between Iran and Israel have spiked in recent months. Iran executed its first cross-border missile strikes against Israel as well as against the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar. Though Iran had purportedly declared a ceasefire, deadly clashes continued to break out on the ground. This growing violence is deeply concerning as tensions continue to climb throughout the region.
On December 30, 2024, Iran fired a dozen or so short and medium-range ballistic missiles. Their ultimate aim was the Al Udeid Air Base, home to 10,000 personnel, the largest U.S. military facility in the Middle East. The attacks featured missiles aimed at Israel, with one projectile hitting a residential structure in Beer Sheva, injuring eight. Tragically, this attack on mobility, safety, and health led to the killing of at least three people.
Iran’s state media quickly reported that a ceasefire was “imposed on the enemy” following the country’s military response to what they termed “U.S. aggression.” At a Feb. 11 joint press briefing in Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi implied that hostilities would soon come to an end. He announced that in the event Israel halts its attacks on Iranian land by 4 A.M. Tehran time, Iran will stop its own military operations.
“Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave Armed Forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute,” an Iranian TV broadcast quoted an official, underscoring the resolve of Iran’s military forces.
The ceasefire agreement was confirmed by Iranian state media. Israeli authorities have given little comment regarding the terms and implications of this significant development. Until the ceasefire announcement, reports suggested that Israel had already carried out several different types of attacks in several different areas of Tehran.
Military actions set off an increase in oil prices of more than 10%. This upheaval lifted prices to a five-month high as worries mounted over possible interruptions to the global oil supply as a result of the fighting. The economic implications, especially regarding food security, underscore the widespread effects of hostilities on civilians beyond the direct violence.
Late Monday night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Twitter that Israel and Iran had both called him simultaneously. They were even more interested to talk about possible peace talks between their countries. His recent remarks indicate a possible diplomatic path forward in spite of the ongoing hostilities.
With discussions ongoing, both sides are still figuring out the new political climate under the ceasefire agreement. Abbas Araghchi underscored that military actions targeting Israel continued up until the last moment. This shows the deepening rift between the parties, even as they talk about a possible compromise.
Iran’s state media reported that Iran has accepted the terms of the ceasefire. How Israel will respond is still an open question, and whether this agreement will lead to real peace.
As regional stakeholders watch closely, analysts caution that while a ceasefire may provide temporary relief, underlying tensions could easily resurface if diplomatic negotiations fail to address core grievances. The international community continues to watch the situation closely, with the hope that dialogue will win out over military intervention.
