A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran, declared by President Donald Trump just an hour earlier, collapsed early Tuesday after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported missile strikes from Iran.
Israel swiftly vowed a forceful response, effectively ending the brief truce. Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered “intense strikes against regime targets in the heart of Tehran” in light of the “severe violation of the ceasefire.”
Tehran, however, denies firing missiles after the ceasefire began, according to Iranian state media. While Israeli media reported an Iranian barrage, the missiles were reportedly intercepted with no injuries.
The breakdown followed earlier statements from both nations agreeing to Trump’s proposed ceasefire. Israel had claimed it “achieved all the objectives” of its military campaign, and Iran’s top security body confirmed its commitment to the “cessation of war.”
International leaders reacted with concern. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni noted that while the situation initially unfolded as hoped, “things have since become more complicated” due to Iran’s violation. She urged Israel’s response to be “measured and proportionate” and suggested that Iran’s renewed commitment to the ceasefire might indicate “internal divisions.”
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, in a statement released before the ceasefire broke down, called it “an important step towards restoring stability” and urged Iran to engage in a “credible diplomatic process.” German Chancellor Friedrich Merz had also welcomed the ceasefire as a “very positive development.”
