Tensions have escalated dramatically on Tuesday morning as Israel's military reported missile launches from Iran targeting northern Israel — just hours after a ceasefire was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had detected incoming projectiles and activated air defense systems to intercept them.
"The public is requested to follow the instructions of the Home Front Command," the IDF stated, per the Daily Mail. "At this time, the Air Force is operating to intercept and strike wherever necessary to eliminate the threat."
Officials stressed the danger was ongoing, warning that "the defense is not hermetic" and urging civilians to remain in shelters until further notice.
Israeli Leadership Responds with Renewed Military Action
In response to what it called a violation of the ceasefire by Iran, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced he had instructed the IDF to retaliate with "intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran."
Per BBC News, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning, asserting that “Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire." He claimed that Israel had already achieved its strategic aims, stating the Rising Lion operation had "removed the immediate existential threat" posed by Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles.
Israeli officials detailed the campaign’s accomplishments, saying their military had "severely struck government targets in the heart of Tehran," eliminated "another senior nuclear scientist," and achieved "full air control over Tehran's skies."
Trump Declares Ceasefire on Social Media
Trump’s declaration that a ceasefire was in place came shortly after 1:00AM ET on Tuesday. Posting on his Truth Social platform, he wrote: "THE CEASEFIRE IS NOW IN EFFECT. PLEASE DO NOT VIOLATE IT! DONALD J. TRUMP, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES!"
Earlier, Trump had praised the end of what he termed a "12 day war" and claimed the conflict would conclude within 24 hours once ongoing military operations were completed. “CONGRATULATIONS WORLD, IT’S TIME FOR PEACE,” he wrote in a separate post.
According to Israeli officials, their government had formally agreed to Trump's proposal. Iran, too, appeared to confirm the ceasefire Tuesday morning through a state TV graphic, though no official acknowledgment of the missile launches was made in that broadcast.
Iran Denies Formal Ceasefire Deal While Missiles Land in Israel
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had disputed the existence of a ceasefire agreement, but indicated Tehran would halt military operations provided Israel did the same.
"There is no ceasefire agreement with Israel," Araghchi said. "But [Iran] has no intention to continue military operations if Israel stops its attacks," which were expected to wind down later on Tuesday as per Trump’s schedule.
Despite those assurances, IDF sirens were triggered shortly before 6:00AM local time. Iran's state media had previously claimed that Tehran stopped its retaliation at 4:00AM local time.
Among the latest wave of missiles, one struck a residential building in southern Israel, killing four civilians and injuring at least a dozen more, dashing hopes that the earlier strikes would be the final salvos in the conflict.
The Toll So Far
The conflict, now in its twelfth day, has taken a significant human toll on both sides. Israeli strikes in Iran have reportedly killed at least 950 people and wounded 3,450, a combination of military personnel and civilians, according to Human Rights Activists speaking with the Associated Press.
In Israel, Iranian missile strikes have left at least 24 people dead, according to local officials, per CBS News.
U.S. forces also entered the fray over the weekend, targeting three Iranian sites believed to be part of its nuclear program. While these strikes stoked fears of a broader war, Iran’s retaliation—missile launches aimed at a U.S. base in Qatar—was largely intercepted and caused no casualties.
Iran labeled its retaliation "devastating and powerful." However, Trump described it as "very weak," adding on social media that he appreciated Iran’s “early notice,” which allowed U.S. forces to avoid any loss of life.
Awaiting Netanyahu's Address
Prime Minister Netanyahu is expected to deliver a formal address later today. His comments are anticipated to clarify Israel’s next steps and address the conflicting narratives surrounding the ceasefire.
As it stands, the situation remains volatile, with both nations claiming to be operating under a ceasefire while hostilities continue. The coming hours are likely to prove critical in determining whether the fragile truce can hold — or if further escalation is inevitable.