(Scypre.com) – Israel has held back from launching additional airstrikes on Iran following direct intervention by former U.S. President Donald Trump, marking a surprising but momentarily calming turn in a tense conflict. After nearly two weeks of escalating violence between the two countries, a ceasefire took effect on June 23. According to multiple reports, Trump personally urged Israeli leadership to halt their plans for heavier military action, advising them to “bring your pilots home.” The intervention came hours after Israel reportedly conducted a radar strike near Tehran despite the ceasefire, raising concerns of renewed escalation.
The conflict began on June 13, when Israel—alongside U.S. forces—carried out significant airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow and Natanz. The operations, dubbed “Operation Midnight Hammer,” used advanced bunker-busting bombs and stealth bombers to target Iran’s core infrastructure. Iran responded with multiple waves of drones and missile attacks on Israeli territory, prompting fears that the region was on the verge of a full-scale war. Israel initially appeared prepared to continue its campaign but hesitated following Trump’s mediation.
In a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel accepted the ceasefire proposal after determining its key military objectives had been achieved. Defense officials indicated the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) would remain on high alert, ready to act if Iran violated the terms. While the decision to pause was met with some internal criticism, many Israeli citizens expressed relief that the situation had not spiraled further out of control. Trump’s move drew mixed reactions globally, with supporters praising his influence and critics accusing him of heavy-handedness.
Iran, for its part, cautiously welcomed the ceasefire while celebrating its ability to retaliate. Iranian state media portrayed the outcome as a strategic win, though experts suggest Tehran is assessing its next steps carefully. The death toll from Israel’s strikes, which reportedly included top IRGC commanders, has stirred domestic debate within Iran, where newly elected President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to use the moment to push for reforms. Observers say Iran may continue to exert pressure through regional proxies, such as Hezbollah and militias in Iraq and Syria.
The international community responded with a mix of relief and skepticism. The United Nations and NATO have issued cautious statements urging both sides to avoid provocations. Qatar played a significant role in brokering the ceasefire behind the scenes, even as sporadic rocket fire continued in the hours leading up to the agreement. Financial markets responded positively to the truce, with oil prices dipping and the British pound rallying amid signs that broader conflict may have been averted.
Military analysts note that Israel’s decision to de-escalate underlines the influence diplomacy still holds in modern conflict resolution. While some viewed Trump’s actions as meddling, others saw it as a calculated move to demonstrate continued U.S. influence in the Middle East. Experts remain wary, warning that the ceasefire remains tenuous. Occasional violations and mutual distrust could quickly undo the progress made. Still, with both Israel and Iran indicating interest in indirect U.S.-mediated talks set to begin next week, there is cautious optimism that diplomacy may, at least temporarily, prevail over warfare.
For now, the world watches as two longtime adversaries step back from the brink. Whether the current pause evolves into a longer-term reduction in hostilities—or merely a lull before the next wave—depends on choices made in the coming days.