Tensions between Israel and Iran have continued following the breakdown of a short-lived ceasefire, with both countries exchanging accusations and engaging in retaliatory measures. The Israeli military chief of staff stated that Iran committed a serious violation of the ceasefire and confirmed that Israel would respond with force. Soon after, Israeli forces launched a targeted strike on a radar site near Tehran, describing it as a symbolic end to the immediate response.
Iran rejected Israel’s claims and stated that Israel was forced to stop its aggression and accept defeat. Iran’s foreign minister confirmed that the country’s nuclear program will continue. U.S. intelligence assessments indicate that the strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities delayed progress by only a few months. According to multiple reports, Iran had already relocated a significant portion of its enriched uranium stockpile ahead of the strikes. U.S. officials also believe that undisclosed nuclear facilities remain intact and operational.
President Donald Trump, currently serving his second term, criticized both Iran and Israel for violating the ceasefire. He expressed frustration with Israel’s actions, reportedly raising his voice during a phone call with Prime Minister Netanyahu and demanding an immediate halt to the strikes. Trump stated that he was “really unhappy” with Israel and remarked that “we have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don’t know what they are doing.” He reiterated that Iran would not be permitted to rebuild its nuclear program and clarified that the United States does not seek regime change in Tehran.
Despite Israel’s framing of the strike as limited, military officials said the broader campaign against Iran is not over. Israel’s defense forces remain on high alert and have intercepted two drones believed to have originated from Iran. U.S. officials remain concerned that Iran may retaliate using asymmetric or proxy attacks across the region.
In a related development, Iranian authorities executed three men accused of spying for Israel. The judiciary’s Mizan news agency reported that Idris Ali, Azad Shojai, and Rasoul Ahmad Rasoul were convicted of cooperating with Israel and attempting to smuggle equipment into the country to carry out assassinations. Additionally, Iran has arrested 700 individuals accused of having ties with Israel during the 12-day conflict, according to Nour News.
Trump also responded to U.S. media coverage of the recent intelligence leaks. On Truth Social, he accused CNN and the New York Times of attempting to undermine the military operation in Iran. He stated that “the nuclear sites in Iran are completely destroyed” and described the reporting as “fake news.” The Trump administration has dismissed reports suggesting that the strikes failed to significantly impair Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
Meanwhile, the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem announced that it will reopen on Wednesday and lift shelter-in-place orders for its staff. The decision follows the declared ceasefire and the lifting of restrictions by Israel’s Home Front Command. However, a travel advisory remains in effect, limiting U.S. government personnel and their families to areas in and around Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva.
