Israeli rescue teams said on Tuesday that three people were killed in a missile strike from Iran, even as Iranian media claimed new waves of attacks were underway. This happened just hours after US President Donald Trump made a public announcement of a ceasefire deal between Iran and Israel, raising doubts over the effectiveness of the truce.
Tehran and Tel Aviv have not officially confirmed any ceasefire agreement, despite Trump’s claim on his Truth Social account that both nations had reached a deal to end the 12-day conflict. Trump described it as a “Complete and Total CEASEFIRE,” stating that Iran would begin the process by halting operations at 0400 GMT, followed by Israel 12 hours later.
However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted, “as of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He added that Iran would stop its response only if Israel ended its attacks by 4 a.m. Tehran time.
Despite these words, attacks continued. Sirens were heard across northern Israel as Iran’s state broadcaster, Irib, reported that more missiles were heading toward Israeli targets. In southern Israel, emergency medical teams confirmed the deaths of three people after missiles hit the region.
“Following the missile impact site in southern Israel: So far, MDA teams have pronounced the deaths of three people,” Magen David Adom said on social media.
The back-and-forth missile fire has kept tensions high since June 13, when Israel launched unexpected airstrikes against Iranian military and nuclear sites. The situation has since drawn international attention, with world leaders expressing serious concern about a broader war breaking out in the region.
Iran also launched a separate strike on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which houses US troops. While no American casualties were reported, the move was seen as a sharp warning. Iran’s National Security Council said the missile count matched the number of US bombs dropped on its facilities, suggesting a measured response.
“This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off ramp for both sides,” said Ali Vaez, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group.
In response, Qatar closed its airspace temporarily, while the US Embassy and other foreign offices in the region advised citizens to stay indoors. Iran’s state media showed people in Tehran celebrating the missile attacks, waving flags and chanting slogans.
Meanwhile, the Iranian health ministry said more than 400 people have died from Israeli strikes, while Iran’s attacks on Israel have killed 24, according to official numbers.
