Iran defies ceasefire claims, strikes Israel and US targets amid escalating crisis

Even as US President Donald Trump triumphantly declared a "complete and total ceasefire" between Israel and Iran, the conflict between the two arch-rivals took a dangerous new turn late June 23.

Within minutes of Trump's announcement, Iran launched a sixth wave of missiles targeting Israel’s southern city of Beersheba, killing at least three civilians and injuring eight others, according to Israeli authorities.

The fresh assault undercut Trump's optimistic post on Truth Social, in which he praised the US military for facilitating what he called a "historic deal." “In a certain and very ironic way, that perfect ‘hit,’ late in the evening, brought everyone together, and the deal was made!” Trump wrote, referencing a previous US strike involving B-2 bombers that reportedly forced Iran to the negotiating table.

However, Tehran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi quickly dismissed the ceasefire claims, stating bluntly: “There is no agreement.” He emphasized that while Iran has no intention to escalate if Israel ceases its “illegal aggression,” no formal cessation of hostilities had been reached.

Earlier, the conflict had already spilled far beyond Israeli borders. Explosions rocked Doha as Iran fired at least six missiles towards the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar — Washington's largest military outpost in the Middle East.

According to reports, the base had been under credible threat since noon Monday, forcing Qatar to temporarily close its airspace. US and British citizens across the Gulf were advised to shelter in place as fears of a broader regional war deepened.

The ripple effects have been swift and global. Oil traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint for global energy supplies, continued under heightened threat levels. A drone crash in Jordan’s capital caused material damage, while France condemned an earlier Israeli strike on Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison. Italy voiced opposition to European sanctions against Israel, and Germany reported no immediate security repercussions.

As diplomatic channels scramble to salvage calm, Iran announced the arrest of a European national accused of espionage on behalf of Israel, further stoking tensions. Meanwhile, Israel’s military issued stern warnings to Tehran's residents, advising them to steer clear of any weapons facilities that could become targets.