ISLAMABAD:
On the 12th day of the Israel-Iran war, hopes of a ceasefire have been shaken after fresh accusations and military activity from both sides.
Despite an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump that a ceasefire was “now in effect,” tensions reignited when Israel claimed Iran violated the agreement by launching ballistic missiles.
In response, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered “high-intensity” strikes against targets in Tehran.
Iran, however, has denied launching any fresh attacks, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated.
The war began on June 13 with Israel attacking Iranian nuclear sites, killing top military leaders, scientists, and civilians.
Iran retaliated with missile strikes, and over the following days, both countries exchanged dozens of attacks.
Tehran reports 430 deaths, while independent rights groups claim 639; Israel has confirmed 25 fatalities so far.
US forces also bombed three nuclear facilities in Iran, prompting Iran to strike US bases in Iraq and Qatar.
Conflicting Claims and Rising Tensions
Just hours after the ceasefire announcement, sirens rang across northern Israel as two missiles were intercepted.
Israeli officials immediately blamed Iran, claiming ceasefire terms had been violated.
Iranian state media, however, reported no fresh missile activity and dismissed Israeli claims as misinformation.
Meanwhile, Qatar summoned the Iranian ambassador over Tehran’s missile strike on a US base in the Gulf.
Iraq, reacting to easing tensions, reopened its airspace after a 12-day closure.
Global Reaction and Cautious Optimism
Saudi Arabia, the EU, and China welcomed the US-brokered truce, urging both nations to de-escalate.
Despite some calm, military alerts remain active across northern Israel.
The Israeli military has warned that while a ceasefire may be technically in place, the danger “still persists.”
Airport authorities in Tel Aviv and Haifa confirmed no changes to flight schedules, reflecting guarded optimism.
However, with both sides trading accusations, the fragile ceasefire appears increasingly difficult to sustain.
