Tensions in the Middle East surged again on Tuesday as Iranian missile attacks claimed three lives in southern Israel, mere hours after United States President, Donald Trump claimed a ceasefire deal had been reached between Iran and Israel.
According to Trump, both nations had consented to a phased 24-hour truce, with Iran to initiate the cessation of hostilities, followed by Israel. But developments on the ground painted a different picture.
Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, dismissed talk of any finalized truce. “As of now, there is no agreement on ceasefire or cessation of military operations,” he stated in an online post. Still, he hinted that Tehran might pause its offensives if Israel halted what he referred to as “illegal aggression” by 4 a.m. local time.
That optimism was quickly dashed when new waves of Iranian missiles struck Israeli territory. Israel’s national emergency service, Magen David Adom, confirmed that three fatalities had occurred in the south.
“Following the missile impact site in southern Israel: So far, MDA teams have pronounced the deaths of three people,” it posted on X.
Sirens also rang out in northern parts of Israel amid fresh reports from Iranian state media warning of more missiles inbound.
This latest escalation traces back to June 13, when Israel launched a surprise offensive targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations. In response, both countries have since been locked in a cycle of retaliatory missile exchanges.
Adding to the crisis, Iran launched missiles at the U.S. Al Udeid airbase in Qatar on Monday, America’s largest military installation in the region.
Iran’s National Security Council said the strike was a reaction to earlier U.S. bombings of its nuclear infrastructure, describing it as a “measured” move not intended to trigger a broader war.
Although the U.S. reported no casualties, the missile launch has stoked fears of a more extensive regional conflict. Iranian officials claimed the number of missiles mirrored those dropped by U.S. forces, suggesting a calculated tit-for-tat response.
Ali Vaez, a senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, elaborated on the tactic. “This was calibrated and telegraphed in a way that would not result in any American casualties, so that there is an off-ramp for both sides,” he told AFP.
In Iran’s capital, large crowds filled the streets to celebrate the strike on the American base. Protesters waved national flags and chanted slogans such as “Death to America.”
Meanwhile, fresh explosions continued to rock Tehran, with residents describing the latest blasts as among the loudest heard since hostilities began.
According to Iran’s health ministry, Israeli strikes have left over 400 people dead in Iran. Conversely, Iranian attacks have reportedly killed 24 people in Israel so far.
Qatar, which had sought to maintain neutrality, reacted sharply to the strike on its soil. Though Iran insisted its missiles targeted the American base, Doha condemned the move as “blatant aggression” and vowed a proportional response. In the immediate aftermath, Qatari authorities also shut down national airspace as a precaution.
Global leaders are voicing alarm over the escalating violence. French President Emmanuel Macron urged for immediate de-escalation, while China warned of looming global economic consequences if the conflict spirals further.
As of Tuesday, neither Iran nor Israel had officially acknowledged the ceasefire mentioned by Trump. With fighting still ongoing, uncertainty continues to grip the region—and the world watches anxiously for the next move.
