Tehran and Tel Aviv roared with missiles, each side answering the other’s fury in a 12-day clash that shook the world. Israel struck Iran’s 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. “Complete and total,” he called it, urging both sides to hold fire. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any formal deal but hinted Tehran would pause if Israel did, by 4 a.m. local time. Israel’s 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. Israel’s military reported two Iranian missiles streaking over the north, intercepted in fiery bursts. Tehran denied the launch, calling it a mistake or provocation. Israel’s Defense Minister Katz, unyielding, ordered strikes on Tehran’s “regime assets.” The ceasefire teetered, fragile as glass.

By dusk, the guns fell silent again, exhaustion outweighing wrath. Qatar’s emir shuttled calls, soothing egos. Trump, on NBC, boasted the pause might last “forever,” though skeptics in both nations scoffed. In Beersheba, mourners buried their dead, while Tehran’s streets buzzed with defiant chants. The world held its breath, wondering if peace could outlast pride.