Iran's state-run news agency IRINN (Islamic Republic of Iran News Network) reported on 24/6, "The missile operation of the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) in response to US aggression was successful. Along with the steadfast will and unity of the people to defend the country, we have forced the enemy to accept a ceasefire".
The news anchor did not specify when the ceasefire would begin or which parties would participate. The report also did not quote any Iranian officials.
IRINN only asserted that US President Donald Trump had "begged" Tehran to accept a ceasefire agreement "just an hour after the IRGC launched missiles at the US Al Udeid Air Base" in Qatar. The report emphasized that Israel initiated the conflict, but the US requested Iran to initiate the ceasefire.
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Haj Qasim (left) and Khorramshahr (right) long-range missiles at an exhibition on Iran's defense achievements in Tehran in 8/2023. Photo: AFP |
Haj Qasim (left) and Khorramshahr (right) long-range missiles at an exhibition on Iran's defense achievements in Tehran in 8/2023. Photo: AFP
IRINN's statement came after Iran launched a total of 6 ballistic missile barrages towards Israel, hitting an apartment building in Beersheba, killing 4 and injuring several others. The attack took place hours after President Trump announced on Truth Social that Israel and Iran had reached a ceasefire, ending the 12-day conflict.
According to Trump, the agreement would be implemented in stages, starting at approximately 4h GMT on 24/6 (11h on 24/6 Hanoi time). Iran would implement the ceasefire first, followed by Israel.
Iranian media said this morning's missile launches occurred before the ceasefire took effect.
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US President Donald Trump in the Situation Room at the White House on 21/6. Photo: AP |
US President Donald Trump in the Situation Room at the White House on 21/6. Photo: AP
Israeli political analyst Akiva Eldar told Al Jazeera, "Hopefully, these missiles are the finale, the first light at the end of the tunnel," suggesting that Tehran was seeking to end the conflict "victorious or saving face."
He compared the situation to previous ceasefires with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Until the last minute, each side tried to inflict damage on the other to claim victory.
"They want the last image in the media to show them in control, not surrendering. They want to prove that whatever the enemy can do, they can do better," Eldar said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not made an official statement on the ceasefire. According to the Jerusalem Post, citing informed sources, he convened a security cabinet meeting that lasted until the early morning of 24/6 and asked ministers not to speak publicly about the ceasefire.
However, an anonymous Israeli official told Walla that the ceasefire would hold if both sides adhered to the commitment to stop attacks. "President Trump announced the ceasefire, and if the parties comply, it will be maintained," the official said.
Thanh Danh (CNN, AFP, Al Jazeera)
