Tehran and Tel Aviv roared with missiles, each side answering the otherâs fury in a 12-day clash that shook the world. Israel struck Iranâs nuclear sites first, claiming an imminent threat. Iran retaliated, lobbing hypersonic missiles that killed four in Beersheba. The U.S.drawn in after strikes on its Qatar base, loomed large, its jets screaming over the Persian Gulf.
On June 23, whispers of peace emerged. Qatar, a nimble mediator, carried messages between the capitals. President Trump, ever the dealmaker, seized the moment, announcing a ceasefire on Truth Social at midnight. âComplete and total,â he called it, urging both sides to hold fire. Iranâs Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal deal but hinted Tehran would pause if Israel did, by 4 a.m. local time. Israelâs Netanyahu, wary but pressured, agreed, vowing to crush any violation.As dawn broke, Iranian state TV claimed the truce had begun. Yet, within hours, sirens wailed in Haifa. Israelâs military reported two Iranian missiles streaking over the north, intercepted in fiery bursts. Tehran denied the launch, calling it a mistake or provocation. Israelâs Defense Minister Katz, unyielding, ordered strikes on Tehranâs âregime assets.â The ceasefire teetered, fragile as glass.
By dusk, the guns fell silent again, exhaustion outweighing wrath. Qatarâs emir shuttled calls, soothing egos. Trump, on NBC, boasted the pause might last âforever,â though skeptics in both nations scoffed. In Beersheba, mourners buried their dead, while Tehranâs streets buzzed with defiant chants. The world held its breath, wondering if peace could outlast pride.