Fragile Israel‑Iran Ceasefire Sparks Hope for Lasting Peace/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A fragile Israel‑Iran ceasefire brokered by President Trump appears to be holding, prompting cautious optimism for long-term peace prospects. Despite Iran’s vow to continue its nuclear program and parliamentary action against the IAEA, early signs show reduced military exchanges. International actors, including China and the IAEA, are urging diplomatic engagement and renewed inspections.
Fragile Israel‑Iran Ceasefire Sparks Hope for Lasting Peace: Quick Looks
- Ceasefire entered its second day after a tense start with accusations of initial violations.
- President Trump praised the truce from the NATO summit, saying it was “going very well.”
- Iran’s parliament approved a move to limit IAEA cooperation while insisting its nuclear work will forge ahead.
- IAEA chief Grossi emphasized the need to resume inspections amid uncertainty over uranium stockpiles.
- U.S. and Israeli officials claim their strikes significantly delayed Iran’s enrichment program.
- Israeli officials confirm Iran’s nuclear sites were heavily damaged, though full extent remains unclear.
- Trump envoy reported ongoing talks hinting at a “comprehensive peace agreement,” not just a ceasefire.
- China backed the ceasefire, calling for stability and aid to sustain peace in the Middle East.
- Iran executed three alleged spies amid fears of post-war human rights abuses.
Fragile Israel‑Iran Ceasefire Sparks Hope for Lasting Peace
Deep Look
Dubai → The Hague — June 25, 2025
After a turbulent 12-day conflict, a sensitive Israel‑Iran ceasefire brokered by U.S. President Trump holds tenuously after initial accusations of missile violations—bringing a glimmer of hope for a lasting peace agreement.
Early Ceasefire Strain, Then Calm
The truce finally took root Tuesday night after both nations initially accused the other of breaking it. By Wednesday, the military exchanges had subsided. From his seat at the NATO summit, President Trump declared the ceasefire was “going very well,” signaling a pause from hostilities.
Iran Vows Nuclear Continuation
While Russia‑Iran tents remain optimistic, Tehran pushed back diplomatically. Iran’s parliament fast-tracked measures to cut cooperation with the IAEA, insisting its nuclear program will forge on. Speaker Qalibaf condemned what he described as the IAEA’s failure to condemn U.S. strikes on Iranian facilities.
IAEA Seeks Return to Sites
In response, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated inspectors must revisit Iranian nuclear facilities to assess possible uranium stockpile relocations—insurance that the agency’s oversight remains critical.
Damage Claims Under Scrutiny
Washington and Jerusalem assert their strikes inflicted lasting damage on Iran’s enrichment capabilities. A White House envoy claimed the goal—“total destruction of enrichment capacity”—had been achieved. But U.S. intelligence suggests the setback is closer to mere delay. Israeli sources estimate the nuclear program has been “set back by years.”
Hopes Beyond Ceasefire
U.S. diplomats hinted at emerging peace talks. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that diplomatic discussions are ongoing and promising, aiming for “a comprehensive peace agreement that goes beyond even the ceasefire.”
Global Reaction: China and Beyond
China welcomed the pause, urging implementation of a “lasting and effective ceasefire” to support regional stability. The broad international backing reflects both global skepticism and cautious backing for de-escalation.
Humanitarian and Political Hurdles
Amid the conflict, Iran’s judiciary executed three individuals accused of espionage, marking a total of six since mid‑June—triggering concerns about internal repression.
Casualty counts remain stark: at least 28 Israelis killed and over 600 Iranians, though humanitarian groups disagree on exact figures. The dramatic toll highlights the fragility of both the truce and the broader region.
Diplomatic Stakes Ahead
With the ceasefire fragile and deep mistrust still prevalent, diplomats stress that deeper peace will require:
- Resuming nuclear inspections via IAEA involvement
- Maintaining diplomatic dialogue, beyond military calculations
- Encouraging regional cooperation, especially on reconstruction and stability
- Monitoring internal human rights, especially in Iran post-conflict
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