Israel-Iran Ceasefire Nears After 12-Day Conflict Amid Nuclear Tensions

A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran, brokered after a 12-day conflict initiated by Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, has brought tentative calm but left U.S.-Iran relations and Iran's nuclear threat uncertain. President Trump downplayed reports of a potential $30 billion civilian nuclear deal with Iran and insisted that U.S. strikes significantly set back Iran's nuclear program, although intelligence reports and intercepted Iranian communications suggest the damage was less extensive, with key nuclear facilities largely intact. Iran's Supreme Leader and government officials have expressed skepticism about the ceasefire's durability and warned of retaliation if attacked again, while Iran's parliament has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency, limiting nuclear inspections. Despite ongoing Israeli attacks causing civilian casualties in Gaza and Iran, Trump indicated optimism about a Gaza ceasefire within a week and criticized legal proceedings against Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. The U.S. military's use of heavy bombs on Iranian nuclear sites and the diplomatic intervention of Qatar, following Trump's orders, were pivotal in reaching the ceasefire, highlighting the delicate balance between military action and diplomatic efforts. The ceasefire's sustainability remains critical to preventing further regional escalation and fostering lasting peace in the Middle East.