Iran missile kills 3 in Israel after Trump announces ceasefire
What's the story
Three people were killed and eight were injured in Israel's Beersheba after an Iranian missile hit a residential building. "Unfortunately, three people were pronounced dead at the scene. In addition, one person is listed as missing, and the search for him is currently ongoing. Firefighters continue to search the scene," Israel's Fire and Rescue Authority of the Southern Division said in a statement.
Escalating tensions
Tensions between Israel and Iran
The missile strike comes just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a "complete and total ceasefire" between the two nations, which Iran has denied. The ceasefire was to start six hours after Trump's announcement, with Iran initiating it first and Israel following suit 12 hours later. He also congratulated both sides on "having the stamina, courage, and intelligence to end" the conflict that "could have gone on for years."
Deal
Truce mediated by US, Qatar
A senior White House official stated that the truce was mediated by the US and Qatar, with Trump first contacting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. After speaking with Netanyahu, Trump called Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and requested him to bring Iran on board. The Qatari emir then gained Iran's support in a phone call immediately after Tehran launched a salvo of ballistic missiles at the Al Obeid airfield near Doha, which houses thousands of US troops.
Iran
Conflicting reports on ceasefire
Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official said that Tehran had agreed to the deal. But Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later insisted on X that "as of now, there is NO 'agreement' on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations." He did, however, state that the Islamic Republic would not launch any further attacks if Israel immediately discontinued its operations.
Post
Iranian forces continued 'to punish Israel'
In a post some minutes later, Araghchi wrote that Iranian forces continued "to punish Israel for its aggression... until the very last minute, at 4:00am." "Together with all Iranians, I thank our brave armed forces who remain ready to defend our dear country until their last drop of blood, and who responded to any attack by the enemy until the very last minute," he added.