Iran's military denied firing missiles at Israel after a ceasefire proposed by US President Donald Trump began on June 24, despite Israeli reports of detecting fresh attacks that threatened to collapse the 12-day conflict agreement within hours.
Iranian state television cited the general staff of Iran's armed forces, which includes the regular military and Revolutionary Guard, in denying the missile strikes. Israel reported detecting an Iranian missile barrage approximately two and a half hours after the ceasefire commenced, with sirens sounding in northern Israel and explosions heard as air defences fired.
Israeli officials ordered a strike on Iran in response to the alleged ceasefire violation, though there was no immediate confirmation of an attack. Fars News Agency quoted Iran's top security official as saying: "Iran's victory forced Israel to admit its defeat and stop its aggression."
The Iranian broadcasting agency IRIB denied reports that missiles were fired from Iran towards Israeli territories after the ceasefire was imposed.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council praised its military for its conduct during the 12-day war, signalling Tehran believes the ceasefire will hold.
The ceasefire acceptance came after Iran launched what it described as a final missile attack targeting Israel that killed at least four people early on Tuesday, whilst Israel conducted airstrikes across Iran before dawn. Iran also launched a limited retaliatory missile attack on a US military base in Qatar.
The conflict began on 13 June when Israel launched surprise attacks on Iranian military and nuclear facilities. The US struck several key Iranian nuclear sites on 22 June, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan facilities.
Trump had announced on social media that both countries agreed to a "complete and total ceasefire" to be phased in over 24 hours. The president said the agreement would bring an "Official END" to the conflict that has destabilised the Middle East.
Israeli soldiers and rescue teams searched for survivors in residential buildings destroyed by Iranian missile strikes in Beersheba, highlighting the human cost of the escalating conflict.
The breakdown of the ceasefire within hours demonstrated the fragile nature of diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities between the longtime adversaries.
Iran topped global crude oil production growth in 2024, increasing output by 374,000 barrels per day (bpd) to achieve a 13% rise, according to OPEC's latest statistical bulletin. The Islamic ... more
The US Treasury Department designated 21 entities linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force as part of efforts to disrupt the country's "shadow banking" network, whilst removing ... more
The head of Iran's Securities and Exchange Organisation's Investment Fund Supervision Centre said fluctuation ranges for leveraged funds have been increased from 3% to 4% to accelerate their ... more