U.S. President Donald Trump declared that a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was “in effect” on Tuesday, notwithstanding his frustration over both parties’ violations of an agreement he had orchestrated. Earlier in the day, Israel had accused Iran of firing missiles into its airspace after the truce was to have commenced. This was categorically denied by the Iranian military through state media outlets.
Yet, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proclaimed that Israel had devastated Iran’s nuclear program, a U.S. intelligence report contradicted this assertion. This assessment, informed by two individuals acquainted with the matter, stated that the program had only been hindered by a few months due to recent U.S. military actions. The Defense Intelligence Agency had disseminated an early report on the issue, disclosed by anonymous sources who were not permitted to speak on the record.
This report challenges Trump’s prior claim that Iran’s nuclear capabilities were “completely and fully obliterated.” The White House dismissed the secretive assessment as “flat-out wrong.”
Iranian U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani informed the Security Council that Iran was nearer to diplomacy than ever. He declared that Iran emerged “proud and steadfast” amidst the U.S. and Israeli assaults. He emphasized that diplomacy and dialogue were essential for resolving the crisis.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, indicated that the U.S. and Iran had engaged in early discussions to resume negotiations on Iran’s nuclear endeavors. These dialogues, occurring both directly and via intermediaries, aimed to build on the ceasefire Trump facilitated.
France also urged Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency, granting access to inspectors to confirm compliance with nuclear accords. French U.N. Ambassador Jerome Bonnafont called for renewed negotiations on a lasting diplomatic solution, cautioning that failure by summer could trigger the reimplementation of U.N. sanctions.
An early U.S. intelligence report had suggested that the impact of the U.S. strikes was not as catastrophic as publicly portrayed; however, the White House countered this narrative. CIAs and other intelligence bodies refrained from commenting on the said assessment.
Acting U.S. Ambassador Dorothy Shea highlighted Iran’s escalated nuclear activity in violation of past agreements and its weapon support to proxies, stressing that U.S. airstrikes had been preventative measures against such threats.
The EU’s Stavros Lambrinidis encouraged a return to diplomatic solutions, viewing it as a security priority. Similarly, U.N. political chief Rosemary DiCarlo remarked that the ceasefire presented an opportunity to avoid further escalation.
Israel’s UN Ambassador Danny Danon noted the need for diplomatic engagement post-ceasefire, expressing confidence in Israel’s ability to handle threats.
Israel planned to ease civil defense restrictions following a government security evaluation, bringing most of the country back to normal activity except near the Gaza border. Netanyahu praised Israel’s military efforts against Iran as having severely disrupted its nuclear agenda.
Following American airstrikes on Iran, President Trump asserted to Netanyahu the desire to halt American military engagements, with discussions indicating the wish to return to peaceful negotiations.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio engaged with international counterparts, discussing the strategic importance and steps towards enduring peace between Iran and Israel.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the ceasefire while highlighting the sufferings endured by both peoples involved in the conflict.
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also echoed support for peace and understanding under U.N. charters.
The IAEA brought attention to possible localized contamination and chemical hazards due to additional impacts from the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, emphasizing the need for resumed agency activities in Iran.
Oil prices dipped further amidst the expectation that the conflict would not disrupt global crude supply significantly. Oil prices appeared to stabilize below levels recorded before hostilities escalated.
The UN criticized Israel’s attack on an Iranian prison as violating international law, noting the facility should not have been targeted.
Despite recent conflicts, a top U.S. military official indicated Iran retained significant tactical capabilities, demonstrating resilience with retaliatory strikes.
Global travel suffered disruptions as the U.S.’s involvement in the conflict led to increased flight cancellations, unsettling air travel across the region and certain long-haul routes.