ֱ

Israel ‘refrained’ from further strikes on Iran after Trump call

Live The remnants of an Iranian missile intercepted over Qatar. (AFP)
1 / 4
Live  Israel ‘refrained’ from further strikes on Iran after Trump call
2 / 4
Israel’s military said early on June 24 that it was working to intercept Iranian missiles launched a “short while ago”, without specifying the exact time of the attack. (AFP)
Live  Israel ‘refrained’ from further strikes on Iran after Trump call
3 / 4
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday. (AP)
Live  Israel ‘refrained’ from further strikes on Iran after Trump call
4 / 4
Short Url
Updated 31 min 46 sec ago

Israel ‘refrained’ from further strikes on Iran after Trump call

 Israel ‘refrained’ from further strikes on Iran after Trump call
  • Trump says ceasefire now in place after angrily rebuking Israel for breaking the agreement
  • Israel and Iran on Tuesday accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end their 12-day war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the country “refrained”from further strikes on Iran on Tuesday after he spoke with US President Donald Trump in a call.

Israel accused Iran of violating a fragile ceasefire agreement on Tuesday morning by firing two missiles, with Defense Minister Israel Katz immediately promising “to respond forcefully.”

But writing on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump told Israel: “Do not drop those bombs,”before he angrily accused the country and Iran of ceasefire violations in comments to reporters in Washington.

Netanyahu's office said the prime minister had held a call with Trump and “Israel refrained from further strikes”on Iran.

Israel had “destroyed a radar installation near Tehran”in retaliation for the missile fire, the statement said, with Israeli media reports suggesting Netanyahu had scaled down the operation following Trump's reaction.

Saudi crown prince, Iranian president discuss ceasefire in phone call

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke on the phone on Tuesday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which he welcomed a ceasefire between Iran and Israel announced earlier in the day, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Prince Mohammed expressed the Kingdom’s hope that thetruce would help restore security and stability in the region and prevent the risk of further confrontation, SPA added.

He underscored ֱ’s consistent position in supporting diplomatic dialogue as the preferred path to resolving disputes.

Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udeid

The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, received separate phone calls from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on Tuesday following the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base.

Sheikh Tamim strongly condemned the Iranian attack at the outset of his call with Pezeshkian. He said the act was “a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Sheikh Tamim said that Iran’s action contradicted the principles of good neighborliness and highlighted Doha’s ongoing commitment to dialogue with Iran.

He urged an immediate halt to military operations and a return to negotiations to resolve the crisis and ensure regional security and safety, the Qatar News Agency reported.

Israel's military chief: Airstrikes set Iran's nuclear project back 'by years'

The head of Israel's military said Tuesday that the country had set back Iran's nuclear programme "by years" during 12 days of strikes and the campaign against the country was now "entering a new phase".
"We have concluded a significant phase, but the campaign against Iran is not over. We are entering a new phase based on the achievements of the current one," Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said.
"We've set Iran's nuclear project back by years, and the same applies to its missile program."

Lebanon’s prime minister hails success in staying out of Iran-Israel conflict

During an official visit to Qatar on Tuesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the fact that his country had managed to avoid being pulled into the conflict between Iran and Israel that began on June 13.

When he met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Salam hailed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran announced on Monday, and thanked Doha for its efforts to help end the hostilities. Both leaders agreed that the end of the conflict would help foster stability in Lebanon, Palestine and the wider Gulf region, the prime minister’s media office said.

During a joint press conference with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Salam said: “We in Lebanon, all of us, have succeeded in preventing the country from being drawn into a new war amid the ongoing regional conflict over the past two weeks.

Iranians welcome ceasefire but fearful for future

After 12 days of Israeli airstrikes that echoed in cities around the country, killing hundreds and sending waves of people fleeing their homes, Iranians voiced relief on Tuesday at the surprise overnight announcement of a ceasefire, Reuters reported.

For those in the Iranian capital it brought the prospect of a clean-up, a return to normal life and the soothing — for now at least — of anxiety about a further escalation and sustained warfare.

Many Iranians who fled the strikes were also glad, able to return home after tiring, expensive stays outside the city in rented accommodation or with relatives.

Doha, Dubai airports face delays after airspace shut

Operations at two of the world's busiest airports in Doha and Dubai slowed to a crawl on Tuesday as thousands of travellers queued for hours, facing long delays and flight cancellations after the temporary closure of airspace a day earlier.

Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait shut their airspace late on Monday after Iran's strike on a U.S. military base in Qatar's capital Doha, forcing airlines to cancel or reroute hundreds of flights and creating a backlog of stranded passengers.

Airports across Dubai briefly halted operations.

Iran says not seeking nuclear weapons but will assert 'legitimate rights'

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tuesday that his country was not seeking nuclear weapons but will continue to defend its "legitimate rights" as a ceasefire took hold with Israel.

"We expect you to explain to them, in your dealings with the United States, that the Islamic Republic of Iran is only seeking to assert its legitimate rights," Pezeshkian said during a phone call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, according to the official IRNA news agency. He added that Iran was "ready to resolve the issues... at the negotiating table."

Saudi foreign minister arrives in Doha for emergency GCC meeting

ֱ’s foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Doha on Tuesday to take part in an emergency meeting ofGulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The emergency session has been convened to discuss Monday’sIranian missile attack on US bases inQatar. The meeting will address the implications of the incident for regional security, as well as collective efforts to restore stability across the Gulf, SPA added.

Iran says it will not violate ceasefire deal unless Israel does

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Tuesday that Tehran would not violate the ceasefire deal unless Israel does, Iran's state-run Nournews said.

US President Donald Trump earlier announced that the ceasefire deal had been reached between Israel and Iran.

Tehran is prepared to talk and defend the rights of the Iranian people at the negotiating table, Nournews cited Pezeshkian as saying.

Trump says Israel-Iran ceasefire is in effect

President Donald Trump said a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was in effect Tuesday after the deal initially faltered, and he expressed deep frustration with both sides.

Israel had earlier accused Iran of launching missiles into its airspace after the truce was supposed to take effect, and the Israeli finance minister vowed that “Tehran will tremble.”

Trump told reporters at the White House before departing for a NATO summit that, in his view, both sides had violated the nascent agreement.

But later he said the deal was saved. “ISRAEL is not going to attack Iran. All planes will turn around and head home, while doing a friendly “Plane Wave” to Iran. Nobody will be hurt, the Ceasefire is in effect!” Trump said in his Truth Social post.

Trump rebukes Israel for post-ceasefire strikes

President Donald Trump sharply rebuked Israel on Tuesday for its military response following a ceasefire deal, and accused both Israel and Iran of violating the agreement just hours after he announced it.

"I didn't like the fact that Israel unloaded right after we made the deal. They didn't have to unload and I didn't like the fact that the retaliation was very strong," Trump told reporters on Tuesday.

"In all fairness, Israel unloaded a lot, and now I hear Israel just went out because they felt it was violated by one rocket that didn't land anywhere. That's not what we want," Trump said.

Sirens in north Israel after army detects Iranian missiles

The Israeli military reported two missiles fired from Iran mid-morning on Tuesday, leading sirens to blare in the north several hours after US President Trump announced a ceasefire plan.

“Two missiles were launched from Iran and they were intercepted,” a military official told AFP on condition of anonymity, with the army saying people could leave shelters around 15 minuutes after the first alert.

Trump announced a phased 24-hour ceasefire process beginning at around 0400 GMT Tuesday, which Israel said it had agreed to. Iran has not formally accepted a ceasefire.




US President Donald Trump announced a phased 24-hour ceasefire process beginning at around 0400 GMT on June 24, which Israel said it had agreed to. Iran has not formally accepted a ceasefire. (AFP)

China continues calls for de-escalation

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman has echoed previous calls from Beijing for de-escalation in the Middle East,callingfor parties in the region, “especially Israel,”to reduce tensions.

And it has called for a political solution to help a declared ceasefire hold.

Israeli defense minister orders attacks on Iran after ceasefire 'violation'

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Tuesday he had ordered the country’s military to respond forcefully to what he said was Iran’s violation of a ceasefire with Israel.

The directive followed an announcement by the military that it had detected missile launches from Iran towards Israel.

Less than three hours earlier, US President Donald Trump had said that the ceasefire was now in effect.

Katz said the military had been instructed to carry out high-intensity operations against targets in Tehran.

ֱ welcomes ceasefire between Iran and Israel

ֱ’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the US-brokered ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran on Tuesday morning.

In a statement on X, the ministry affirmed its position of wanting a de-escalation after 11 days of war and thanked US President Donald Trump for his efforts in making the deal.

“The Kingdom looks forward to the coming period witnessing a commitment from all parties to calm down and refrain from using force or threatening to use it,” read the statement.

ֱ hopes “this agreement will contribute to restoring security and stability to the region and sparing it the risks of continued escalation.”




Israel and Iran on Tuesday accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end their 12-day war. (AFP)

Israel and Iran accept ceasefire

Israel and Iran on Tuesday accepted a ceasefire plan proposed by US President Donald Trump to end their 12-day war that roiled the Middle East, after Tehran launched a retaliatory limited missile attack on a US military base in Qatar.

The acceptance of the deal by both sides came after Tehran launched a final onslaught of missiles targeting Israel that killed at least four people early Tuesday morning, while Israel launched a blitz of airstrikes targeting sites across Iran before dawn.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had agreed to a bilateral ceasefire with Iran in coordination with Trump.




Israeli PM Benjamin Natanyahu said he supported the ceasefire. (FILE/AFP)

Israel says agreed to Trump proposal for bilateral ceasefire with Iran

Israel said Tuesday it had agreed to a “bilateral ceasefire” with Iran proposed by US President Donald Trump, following 12 days of war with its arch-foe.

“Last night, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened the cabinet... to announce that Israel had achieved all the objectives of Operation ‘Rising Lion’ and much more,” the government said in a statement, adding that it had removed “an immediate dual existential threat: nuclear and ballistic”.

“Israel thanks President Trump and the United States for their support in defense and for their participation in removing the Iranian nuclear threat,” the statement said, adding that “Israel will respond forcefully to any violation of the ceasefire.”

Israel rescuers say 4 dead in multi-wave Iran missile attacks

At least four people were killed in Israel in a multi-wave Iranian missile attack Tuesday shortly before a staggered ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump was meant to enter force, emergency services and the army said.

Writing on X, the Magen David Adom rescue service said three people were pronounced dead at the scene of a strike in southern Beersheba while a fourth was added in an update to its figures.

Another two people were “moderately injured” while 20 were treated for minor injuries and anxiety, it said.


Rubio thanks Turkmenistan for letting through Americans from Iran

Rubio thanks Turkmenistan for letting through Americans from Iran
Updated 6 sec ago

Rubio thanks Turkmenistan for letting through Americans from Iran

Rubio thanks Turkmenistan for letting through Americans from Iran
  • Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most closed and authoritarian countries, initially balked at allowing Americans to cross
  • Rubio said he 'looks forward to further partnership with Turkmenistan, including expanding economic and commercial ties'
WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday thanked Turkmenistan and promised cooperation with the authoritarian state after it let US citizens cross through as they fled Iran following Israeli strikes.
Turkmenistan, one of the world’s most closed and authoritarian countries, initially balked at allowing Americans to cross but agreed over the weekend following appeals from Washington, officials said.
Rubio, in his call with Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov, “expressed gratitude for Turkmenistan’s cooperation,” State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said.
Rubio said he “looks forward to further partnership with Turkmenistan, including expanding economic and commercial ties,” she said.
Washington has organized evacuation flights for its citizens in Israel, but has limited capacity in Iran due to the lack of diplomatic relations.
Most US citizens in Iran are dual nationals and hundreds have left since Israel launched its military campaign on June 13, another State Department official said.
Around 200 Americans had voiced an interest in going through Turkmenistan, which shares a 1,148-kilometer (713-mile) border with Iran, although so far only “tens” have proceeded through that route, the official said.
“We’re communicating to all of the US citizens... in Iran looking to go to Turkmenistan that that border is open,” the official said on customary condition of anonymity.
With flights unavailable, the vast majority have gone through Azerbaijan, with some also going through Armenia and Turkiye, the official said.
President Donald Trump, who has prioritized cracking down on immigration, earlier this month banned virtually all Iranian citizens and partially restricted nationals of Turkmenistan from entering the United States.
The visa restrictions continue to apply to Iranian nationals who leave even if they are family members of US citizens, the State Department official said.
Trump on Monday announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran but voiced frustration at implementation.

Israel lifts domestic restrictions linked to Iran war

Israel lifts domestic restrictions linked to Iran war
Updated 8 min 54 sec ago

Israel lifts domestic restrictions linked to Iran war

Israel lifts domestic restrictions linked to Iran war
  • Israel’s airport authority also announced that all flights to and from the country would resume
  • The country has been under tight restrictions since the start of the war, with schools closed and non-essential businesses shut

JERUSALEM: Israel’s military said Tuesday it was lifting restrictions on public gatherings, workplaces and schools it imposed during its 12-day war with Iran after a ceasefire took effect.
“All areas of the country will shift to full activity” from 8:00 p.m. (1700 GMT) on Tuesday on the orders of Defense Minister Israel Katz, the military said in a statement.
The guidelines will be effective until Thursday evening when they will be reviewed.
Israel’s airport authority also announced that all flights to and from the country would resume.
According to the transport ministry, between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis were stranded abroad when Israel closed its airspace after launching a massive bombing campaign against Iran on June 13.
Tens of thousands of them have since been repatriated by air or sea.
The country has been under tight restrictions since the start of the war, with schools closed and non-essential businesses shut.
Israel and Iran both said Tuesday they would abide by a ceasefire deal first announced by US President Donald Trump.
Israel, in announcing it had agreed to Trump’s plan, said it had achieved all its military objectives.
Iran initially stopped short of officially accepting the proposal, but President Masoud Pezeshkian later said that if “the Zionist regime does not violate the ceasefire, Iran will not violate it either.”
Israel hit Iranian military and nuclear facilities as well as key commanders and scientists, prompting waves of retaliatory Iranian missile fire at Israel.
The full extent of the damage in Israel is still not known due to military censorship rules, but at least 50 impacts have been acknowledged nationwide and the official death toll stands at 28.
At least four people died in the southern city of Beersheba on Tuesday in a missile attack launched by Iran shortly before the ceasefire entered force, the emergency services said.


Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udeid

Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udeid
Updated 24 June 2025

Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udeid

Qatari emir holds calls with Iranian and US presidents, condemns targeting Al-Udeid
  • Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said Iran’s action contradicted the principles of good neighborliness
  • Masoud Pezeshkian expressed regret to Sheikh Tamim for the damages caused by Monday’s attack
  • Donald Trump rejected ‘any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar’

LONDON: The emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, received separate phone calls from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump on Tuesday following the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ missile attack on Al-Udeid Air Base.

Sheikh Tamim strongly condemned the Iranian attack at the outset of his call with Pezeshkian. He said the act was “a blatant violation of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as a breach of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

The IRGC on Monday night fired missiles at Al-Udeid Air Base, the largest US military base in the Middle East, accommodating about 10,000 service members, located 30 kilometers southwest of Doha. The attack was a retaliatory action after the US hit three of Iran’s nuclear facilities over the weekend.

Sheikh Tamim said that Iran’s action contradicted the principles of good neighborliness and highlighted Doha’s ongoing commitment to dialogue with Iran.

He urged an immediate halt to military operations and a return to negotiations to resolve the crisis and ensure regional security and safety, the Qatar News Agency reported.

Pezeshkian expressed regret to Sheikh Tamim for the damage caused by Monday’s attack. He said that Qatar and its people were not the intended targets of the military operation and that “the attack does not constitute a threat” to Qatar.

Sheikh Tamim also spoke with Trump, who affirmed Washington’s solidarity with Doha after the Iranian attack and rejected “any aggression that threatens the security and safety of the State of Qatar and undermines the security and stability of the region.”

During the call with Sheikh Tamim, Trump urged restraint and seeking diplomatic solutions.

Sheikh Tamim thanked Trump for the supportive stance of the United States. He also mentioned that the readiness of the Qatari armed forces and the precautionary measures authorities took resulted in no fatalities or injuries.


Lebanon’s prime minister hails success in staying out of Iran-Israel conflict

Lebanon’s prime minister hails success in staying out of Iran-Israel conflict
Updated 24 June 2025

Lebanon’s prime minister hails success in staying out of Iran-Israel conflict

Lebanon’s prime minister hails success in staying out of Iran-Israel conflict
  • War prevented in Lebanon but true stability demands departure of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, Nawaf Salam says during visit to Doha
  • ‘We are striving to use all available political and diplomatic forces to pressure Israel’ into withdrawing, he adds

BEIRUT: During an official visit to Qatar on Tuesday, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam welcomed the fact that his country had managed to avoid being pulled into the conflict between Iran and Israel that began on June 13.

When he met the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Salam hailed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran announced on Monday, and thanked Doha for its efforts to help end the hostilities. Both leaders agreed that the end of the conflict would help foster stability in Lebanon, Palestine and the wider Gulf region, the prime minister’s media office said.

During a joint press conference with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar’s prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Salam said: “We in Lebanon, all of us, have succeeded in preventing the country from being drawn into a new war amid the ongoing regional conflict over the past two weeks.

“Now, with military operations having ceased, we look forward to turning a new page focused on diplomatic efforts.”

Israel has been accused of ramping up strikes on targets in southern Lebanon amid its conflict with Iran, and near-daily violations of a November ceasefire agreement that ended its 14-month war with Hezbollah.

Salam arrived in Doha on Tuesday morning, the day after Iran’s attack on a US military base in Qatar caused his flight to be diverted to Bahrain. He resumed his journey when airspace reopened and was the first passenger to land at the city’s airport following the previous day’s incident.

He condemned the attack on Qatar and expressed his full solidarity with the leadership of the country and its people. He also described the Israeli aggression against Iran as a violation of Iranian sovereignty and a breach of international law.

Addressing the possibility of renewed Hezbollah involvement in conflicts, Salam said: “The Lebanese state will extend its authority, through its own forces, over all Lebanese territory, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement.”

He added that “true stability cannot be achieved unless Israel fully withdraws from the Lebanese territories it continues to occupy, known as the Five Points.”

During talks with his Qatari counterpart, Sheikh Mohammed, Salam thanked Qatar for its “continued support for the Lebanese army.” They addressed the need for intensified international and regional efforts to halt repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and reiterated calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Lebanese territories, reconstruction efforts, and the full restoration of Lebanese sovereignty over all of its territory.

Regarding the possibility that Lebanon could ask Qatar and Turkiye to put diplomatic pressure on Israel to withdraw from its positions in Lebanese territory, Salam said: “We are striving to use all available political and diplomatic forces to pressure Israel, beginning with our Arab brothers and extending to the permanent members of the UN Security Council and the United States.”

He highlighted reported Israeli violations of the November ceasefire deal and called for international pressure on the state “to respect and implement that agreement.”

Qatari officials offered their support for efforts to address the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon, and are considering “practical plans that would allow for a safe and dignified return to their homes,” Salam’s media office said.

The prime minister led a delegation during his trip to Qatar that included Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, Minister of Energy and Water Joe Saddi, Minister of Public Works and Transport Fayez Rasamni, and Minister of State for Administrative Reform Fadi Makki.


Syria welcomes EU sanctions against former Assad security officials

Syria welcomes EU sanctions against former Assad security officials
Updated 24 June 2025

Syria welcomes EU sanctions against former Assad security officials

Syria welcomes EU sanctions against former Assad security officials
  • The EU has imposed sanctions on Suhail al-Hassan, Ghiyath Dallah, Miqdad Fathiyeh, Mudallal Khoury, Imad Khoury
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs say they repeatedly assaulted Syrian security personnel, civilians

LONDON: The Syrian Arab Republic has welcomed an EU decision to impose sanctions on former security figures in former dictator Bashar Assad’s regime, which collapsed in December 2024.

Syria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision reflected a growing acknowledgment of the extent of the violations committed by former figures in the Assad regime against Syrians and their role in fueling violent sectarian events.

The EU has imposed sanctions on Suhail al-Hassan, Ghiyath Dallah, Miqdad Fathiyeh, Mudallal Khoury and Imad Khoury. The ministry said the five were involved in committing serious crimes against Syrians and, in March, played a direct role in fueling sectarian strife in the coastal towns of Banias, Latika and Jableh.

It added they had repeatedly assaulted Syrian security personnel and civilians and attempted to destabilize the coastal areas.

The ministry said a report investigating the coastal events would be submitted to the presidency and those responsible would be held accountable.

“The Syrian government reiterates its commitment to prosecute all those involved in these crimes, wherever they may be, inside or outside the country, to ensure that they are brought to justice and that the victims receive justice,” it said in a statement.