For nearly two weeks, the citizens of Iran and Israel have been waking without the sounds of sirens or explosions. After a ceasefire was brokered through former U.S. President Donald Trump’s mediation, signs of calm are finally appearing. Yet, debate continues over who truly won the 12-day conflict.
Israel says it achieved its goals during the fighting. On the other hand, Iran claims that its pressure forced Israel to agree to the ceasefire. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeskian says Tehran successfully completed its mission.
According to Tehran’s Ministry of Health, the conflict that began on June 13 caused the deaths of 610 Iranians. Around 5,000 people were injured in Israeli attacks. Meanwhile, Iranian missile and drone strikes killed 28 Israelis. Over 100 homes and infrastructures were damaged in Israel.
During the clashes, Israel claimed to have killed at least 14 Iranian scientists, including chemists, physicists, and engineers. Israel says this has delayed Iran’s nuclear program by several years, calling it a major achievement.
However, a spokesperson for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that Israel continues to threaten attacks and may break the ceasefire at any moment.
Following the ceasefire, pro-Revolutionary Guard gatherings resumed in Tehran. Hundreds also rallied in Basra, Iraq, waving Iranian flags in support.
Life has begun to return to normal in both countries. Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport reopened, schools resumed, and U.S. embassy restrictions were lifted. In Iran, businesses and shops are reopening as daily life stabilizes.
Iran arrested over 700 people on charges of spying for Israel. Among them, three were executed on Wednesday.
Questions remain about how long the ceasefire will hold. China has called for a firm and lasting peace agreement.
Iran’s president expressed regret to Qatar’s Emir over attacks on Monday. He also reassured Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during a phone call that Iran supports maintaining the ceasefire.
