Confusion Reigns as Israel Intercepts Iranian Missiles Despite Trump’s Ceasefire Claim

Barely hours after US President Donald Trump declared a “complete and total ceasefire” between Israel and Iran, visuals of Israeli air defense systems intercepting incoming missiles from Iran have emerged on social media, plunging the volatile Middle East conflict into further uncertainty. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed sounding sirens across parts of the country after detecting the fresh barrage of missiles.

The renewed attacks directly contradict President Trump’s assertion on Truth Social that a ceasefire had been “achieved” between the two warring nations, following Iran’s earlier missile attack on US bases in Qatar. However, Iran’s foreign minister swiftly denied receiving any formal ceasefire agreement or proposal from the US, stating that Tehran would only halt its military operations against Israel if Tel Aviv ceased its own.

Iran’s top diplomat maintained that Israel initiated the current war and indicated that Tehran would cease its military operations against Tel Aviv at 4 AM local time. Israel has yet to issue an official comment on Trump’s ceasefire claim or the latest missile interceptions. The incident highlights the chaotic and rapidly evolving nature of the 12-day-old conflict, which has seen continuous exchanges of fire and missile attacks.

Tensions sharply escalated after Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ to target Iranian military bases and nuclear facilities. Since then, the conflict has claimed around 400 lives in Iran and approximately 24 in Israel. The United States also joined the fray, carrying out strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, further complicating the regional landscape. The US strikes were described as “Operation Midnight Hammer.”

The previous day saw significant developments, including Iran’s missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, leading to airspace closures and “shelter in place” advisories for US and British citizens in Doha. That attack, dubbed “Operation Besharat Fatah” by Iran, was stated to be in retaliation for the US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. The back-and-forth attacks have kept the entire region on edge, with global concerns mounting over a potential wider conflict.