Despite a ceasefire announced by former President Donald Trump, tensions simmer as conflicting claims of victory, mounting casualties, and US military strategy spark global concern.
The 12-day war between Israel and Iran has entered a tenuous truce, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who sharply criticized what he described as Israeli violations of the ceasefire terms. While the guns have fallen silent for now, the political fallout continues to ripple through the region and beyond.
The White House has responded to intelligence reports suggesting that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure failed to fully dismantle the program. According to insiders, the bombings only delayed Iran’s nuclear capabilities by several months—a revelation that raises significant questions about the effectiveness and long-term vision of US foreign policy in the region.
Both Israel and Iran are claiming victory in the aftermath. In Tehran, massive crowds have filled the streets in celebration, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hailed the military campaign as a generational triumph. Yet the human cost tells a more sobering story.
Iran reports at least 610 deaths, including 13 children, and over 3,000 wounded since Israel’s offensive began on June 13. Meanwhile, Iranian strikes have killed at least 28 people in Israel.
The conflict also casts a grim shadow over Gaza. The Israeli campaign there has resulted in over 56,000 deaths and more than 131,000 injuries, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. These numbers follow the deadly October 7 attacks in Israel, which left 1,139 people dead and more than 200 taken hostage.
As the region pauses to assess the damage, the international community is left grappling with the broader implications—chief among them, how US foreign policy will evolve in the wake of a conflict that has once again underscored the volatility of the Middle East.