Can Donald Trump secure a ceasefire that lasts? Take our poll and have your say
The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran was spectacularly short-lived, unravelling within hours of taking effect.
Israel has already accused Iran of violating the truce - only announced at 5am GMT this morning - by launching a barrage of missiles toward its territory, prompting a swift and forceful response. It has been a humiliating past few hours for Donald Trump. With his plans for peace spectacularly obiliterated, many have questioned if the president is capable of securing a lasting ceasefire. Let us know your thoughts by taking our poll below.
This morning, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the Israel Defence Force to carry out "intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran" in retaliation. The Israeli military confirmed that missiles had been launched from Iranian territory and reported that its air defence systems were actively working to intercept the incoming threats. Civilians were urged to seek shelter and remain there until further notice.
However, Iran has denied firing any missiles since the ceasefire began, casting doubt over the sequence of events and further complicating efforts to de-escalate the conflict. Securing a lasting truce between Israel and Iran is doubtlessly going to be tough, and currently Trump's boast of a 'total ceasefire' looks rather premature to say the least. Today we want to know if you think Trump is capable of securing a lasting ceasefire? Take our poll below, and if you can't see it, click here
What began as a hopeful development this morning quickly unravelled. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had confirmed that Israel had agreed to a cessation of hostilities, raising hopes for a pause in the escalating conflict.
Earlier, Iran’s foreign minister had declared that missile attacks would cease at 4am local time - on the condition that Israel also halted its strikes. Yet in the four hours that followed, Tehran reportedly launched up to five separate waves of missile attacks, casting immediate doubt on the sincerity of the truce.
Ahead of the truce collapse, Trump wrote on his Truth Social site: "On the assumption that everything works as it should, which it will, I would like to congratulate both Countries, Israel and Iran, on having the Stamina, Courage, and Intelligence to end, what should be called, 'THE 12 DAY WAR'".
Daily Mirror
