Tel Aviv: A ceasefire was reached today after 12 days of intense military confrontation between Israel and Iran. The tension began on June 13, when Israel targeted Iran’s strategic nuclear and military facilities. With the initial strikes by the Israeli Air Force, Iran’s air defense systems were disabled, and commanders of the IRGC and the Army, as well as nuclear scientists, were killed.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Israel gained air superiority and destroyed Iran’s nuclear facilities, weapons depots, and missile production centers. In response, Iran launched ballistic and cruise missile attacks on Israeli territory. However, Israel’s Iron Dome and other air defense systems intercepted the majority of the attacks. Despite this, casualties among civilians were recorded on both sides.
On June 22 – the 9th day of the confrontation – the United States also joined the conflict. The US struck Iran’s Fordo nuclear facility with 12 bunker-buster bombs delivered by six B-2 bombers. Two bombs were dropped on the Natanz nuclear facility. At the same time, 30 cruise missiles were launched from submarines at the Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities.
In response, although Iran attacked the US base in Qatar with missiles, the missiles were intercepted mid-air. Following this, on June 24, Trump announced that a ceasefire had been reached between Iran and Israel.
Israeli analyst Mikhael Borodkin, commenting on the conflict between Israel and Iran to APA, stated that Israel paralyzed Iran’s defense and precisely destroyed key strategic targets during the 12-day war. He noted that Israel demonstrated extraordinary capabilities in both military and intelligence fields, gaining air superiority over Iran and effectively achieving its strategic goals.
On the other hand, Iranian political analyst Qaem Maqami told APA that Israel’s attacks aimed to create internal turmoil in Iran, but the national unity of the Iranian people thwarted these plans. He emphasized that despite targeted killings of high-ranking Iranian commanders, Iran quickly regrouped and launched large-scale missile attacks against Israel, targeting several cities including Tel Aviv.
Israel and the United States declared that during the 12-day war, Iran’s nuclear facilities were destroyed, and the main military objective was achieved. However, Iran rejected these claims, stating that the facilities had been relocated in advance and that the attacks did not yield any strategic results.
According to Israeli analysts, the operation was successful and reshaped the balance of power in the region. However, Iranian experts argue that the locations of nuclear centers had been changed, rendering the attacks ineffective.
The United States’ involvement in the Israel-Iran war significantly impacted the course of the conflict. The intelligence data, air defense systems, and logistical support provided by Washington increased the effectiveness of Israel’s military operations. This limited Iran’s ability to respond and altered the dynamics of the confrontation.
Mikhail Borodkin believes the U.S. intervention was a key factor that persuaded Iran to agree to a ceasefire, although it may only temporarily weaken the Iranian threat. He emphasized the need for diplomatic approaches for a lasting solution to the problem.
Qaem Maqami, however, stated that the U.S. clearly supported the war launched by Israel against Iran both politically and from a military-strategic standpoint, becoming the main force that directly and indirectly encouraged it.
After 12 days of intense military confrontation, a ceasefire has been declared between Israel and Iran. However, it remains unclear how lasting the ceasefire will be. Mutual distrust and strategic contradictions between the parties leave this question open.
The Israeli political analyst noted that Iran’s symbolic strike on the U.S. base in Qatar and its attempt to avoid further escalation indicate Tehran’s willingness to accept the ceasefire. If Israel believes it has achieved its objectives, the ceasefire may hold, particularly if a negotiation process begins.
Qaem Maqami expressed skepticism about Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire, citing historical instances where Israel has violated ceasefires and resumed military operations. He warned that if the ceasefire is broken, Iran will respond with more destructive missile strikes.
The future of Iran’s nuclear program remains uncertain. Mikhael Borodkin believes that without regime change in Iran, the likelihood of completely stopping the nuclear program is low. Qaem Maqami stated that despite all pressures, Iran will not stop its nuclear program and missile production. Iranian officials are determined to continue their programs.