Iran voices growing skepticism over Israel’s adherence to the recently announced ceasefire, as tensions remain high following a brutal 12-day war between the two adversaries. The ceasefire, brokered six days ago and announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, is already under intense scrutiny from Tehran, which accuses Israel of failing to uphold its commitments.
The conflict, which erupted on June 13, marked the most intense military escalation to date between the two arch-foes. The fighting began when Israel launched a wave of airstrikes in Iran, targeting key military officials and scientists allegedly linked to Iran’s controversial nuclear program.
Iran’s Armed Forces Chief of Staff, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, delivered a stern warning during a nationally televised speech on Sunday. “We have serious doubts over the enemy’s compliance with its commitments, including the ceasefire,” he said. “We are ready to respond with force if attacked again.”
Iran Voices Readiness to Respond if Ceasefire Fails
Mousavi emphasized that Iran had not initiated the conflict but was fully prepared to defend its sovereignty and retaliate against future aggression. “We did not start the war, but we have responded to the aggressor with all our power,” he added.
The comments come amid a fragile truce that has done little to dispel fears of renewed hostilities. Although no major attacks have occurred since the ceasefire began, Iran’s military and political leadership continue to issue warnings, underscoring the lack of trust between the two nations.
The conflict has had major geopolitical consequences, including a complete breakdown of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States. The U.S., a long-standing ally of Israel, joined the military campaign and carried out airstrikes on three key facilities associated with Iran’s nuclear development.
Washington has accused Tehran of enriching uranium at levels beyond civilian needs, sparking renewed fears that Iran is pursuing nuclear weapons. Iran, however, insists that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and is designed to meet energy needs.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iran had enriched uranium to 60% purity by 2021—well above the 3.67% limit agreed upon in the 2015 nuclear deal, which the United States unilaterally exited in 2018. Uranium must be enriched to 90% to be weaponized.
Israel has not officially confirmed its own nuclear capabilities but is widely believed to possess nuclear weapons. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) estimates that Israel holds approximately 90 nuclear warheads.
The war inflicted heavy casualties on both sides. Iran’s health ministry reported that 627 civilians were killed and nearly 4,900 injured due to Israeli airstrikes. Retaliatory missile attacks by Iran killed 28 people in Israel, according to Israeli authorities.
In addition to the air and missile strikes, Iran claimed to have arrested dozens of individuals accused of spying for Israel, and it seized various military assets, including drones and weapons.
A particularly controversial episode occurred when an Israeli airstrike hit Tehran’s Evin Prison, killing 71 people, including guards, administrative staff, inmates, and nearby residents. Iran’s judiciary condemned the strike and reported extensive structural damage.
Evin Prison is infamous for housing political prisoners and foreign nationals, including Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, as well as French citizens Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, who have been detained for three years.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot described the attack as “unacceptable” but confirmed that the French detainees were unharmed.
In the wake of the conflict, Iran’s parliament voted to ban unauthorized use of communication equipment, including Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Officials claim the move is aimed at securing national infrastructure and preventing espionage, though critics argue it is a crackdown on information flow and civil liberties.
The decision is part of broader efforts by Tehran to tighten internal security and control external influence following the war. It is also seen as a response to foreign intelligence activities and rising unrest triggered by military escalation.
As the ceasefire enters its second week, tensions remain palpable. Iran voices strong doubt about Israel’s long-term intentions, and its leadership has made it clear that any violation of the truce will be met with force.
Diplomatic efforts to resume nuclear talks appear to be on hold, and both sides continue to view each other with deep suspicion. Analysts warn that without a concrete peace framework and verifiable commitments, the region could quickly slide back into violence.
Source- EWN
