Israel-Iran Conflict Live Updates, June 24, 2025 - Mideast Tensions High: Trump Announces Ceasefire as Israel, Iran Remain Silent on Truce

        Updated: June 24, 2025 | 06:20 am IST

The intense, 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran appeared to be heading towards a potential ceasefire as of early Tuesday, with US President Donald Trump announcing a "complete and total ceasefire" agreement. However, as explosions were still reported in Tehran, and neither Israel nor Iran officially confirmed the truce, the situation remains fluid and highly tense.

Today's developments come after a significant escalation on Monday, with Israel launching "unprecedented force" strikes deep within Iran, following Sunday's US "bunker-buster" attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Key Updates from Late Monday (June 23, 2025) and Early Tuesday (June 24, 2025):

Ceasefire Hopes & Uncertainties:

• Trump's Announcement: US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social, declared that Israel and Iran had agreed to a "complete and total ceasefire" to end what he called "THE 12 DAY WAR." He outlined a phased 24-hour implementation, with Iran ceasing attacks first, followed by Israel 12 hours later.
• No Official Confirmation: Crucially, neither the Israeli government nor the Iranian government has yet officially confirmed Trump's ceasefire announcement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly asked his ministers to avoid public statements, while Iran's mission to the UN declined comment.
• Continued Activity: Despite Trump's declaration, reports from Tehran indicated sounds of explosions across the capital early Tuesday morning, with Iran's Tasnim news agency reporting the activation of air defense systems against Israeli aircraft. Earlier, an Israeli drone was reportedly shot down over Tehran.

Recent Escalation (Monday, June 23, 2025):

• Israel's Deep Strikes: Israel escalated its offensive with extensive strikes across Iran. Targets reportedly included:
  • Evin Prison in Tehran: A facility infamous for holding political prisoners.
  • Fordow Nuclear Enrichment Site: Hit for the second consecutive day, following Sunday's US attacks. IAEA had warned of "very significant damage" to the site.
  • Military Infrastructure: Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed striking "regime targets and governmental repression bodies in the heart of Tehran," including the Basij headquarters. Israeli military also claimed strikes on six airports across Iran, targeting runways, bunkers, and various aircraft.
    
    
• Iran's Retaliation (Operation True Promise 3): Iran launched a new wave of ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel. While Israel's defense systems intercepted many, impacts were reported, causing power outages in some southern Israeli towns.
• Attack on US Base in Qatar: Iran also launched missiles targeting a US military base in Qatar (Al Udeid Air Base). Qatari officials reported that one of 19 missiles struck the base, but there were no casualties. Qatar condemned the attacks and reiterated its mediation role.

Casualties and Humanitarian Impact:

• Iran states that over 400 people, including 13 children, have been killed and at least 3,056 wounded since Israel's attacks began on June 13.
• In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in Iranian strikes.

International Reactions & Concerns:

• Russia's Stance: Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, condemning the US strikes as "unprovoked aggression" and affirming Russia's support and readiness to mediate.
• UN Calls for De-escalation: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of a dangerous "cycle of retaliation" and called for an immediate halt to hostilities. The UN Security Council held multiple meetings.
• IAEA Concerns: The International Atomic Energy Agency expressed concern over damage to Iranian nuclear sites and called for inspectors to return.
• Global Market Volatility: Markets remained volatile, and global oil tankers adjusted routes due to increased risks in the Strait of Hormuz.
• US Evacuations: The U.S. has evacuated approximately 250 American citizens from Israel, mainly to Athens, with more leaving via land.
• Airspace Reopenings: Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait have largely reopened their airspaces after temporary suspensions.

As the world watches anxiously, the coming hours will be crucial in determining whether the declared ceasefire holds and if a path towards de-escalation can truly begin after weeks of escalating hostilities.