JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “historic victory” against Iran on Tuesday, following a ceasefire that ended 12 days of intense cross-border strikes. However, a US intelligence report contradicted Israeli and American claims, saying the damage to Iran’s nuclear program may only last a few months.
The conflict escalated dramatically when US President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes using bunker-busting bombs to hit underground Iranian nuclear facilities. While Trump claimed the mission had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities, a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report revealed that Iran’s centrifuges and enriched uranium stocks remained largely intact.
Despite the conflicting assessments, Netanyahu maintained a firm stance. “Iran will not have a nuclear weapon,” he told the nation. “We have thwarted their nuclear ambitions, and we’re ready to act again if necessary.” Israeli military officials also claimed that their campaign had set back Iran’s nuclear plans by years, not months.
Meanwhile, Iran responded cautiously. President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran was open to returning to talks about its nuclear program but insisted on its right to peaceful atomic energy. The Iranian government said it would honor the ceasefire if Israel did the same, a sentiment echoed by Tel Aviv, which paused further attacks.
Reactions within both countries were mixed. In Israel, many citizens welcomed the truce, hoping for a return to normalcy. “Everyone is tired,” said Tel Aviv resident Tammy Shel. “We just want peace — for everyone in the region.” In Iran, uncertainty lingered as civilians questioned whether the ceasefire would truly last.
The international community cautiously supported the agreement. While Saudi Arabia and the European Union expressed hope, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Iran might secretly restart uranium enrichment. With the ceasefire in place, Israel’s military said its attention would now return to Gaza, as domestic and global calls for a broader peace continue to grow.