Israel-Iran Ceasefire Expected Amid Missile Attacks, Retaliation Threats

President Trump expressed optimism about the ceasefire between Israel and Iran, suggesting both nations are weary of conflict and that Iran is unlikely to pursue nuclear weapons at this time. However, the truce began with Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites followed by Iranian missile attacks on Israel, leading to ongoing tensions and accusations of ceasefire violations. In Washington, debate persists over Trump's authority to order these strikes without congressional approval, with Democrats emphasizing constitutional limits and Republicans, including Senator Lindsey Graham, supporting the president's actions as justified and effective. Meanwhile, an early U.S. intelligence assessment indicates that the airstrikes did not destroy Iran's nuclear program core and only delayed it by months, contradicting Trump's claims of completely obliterating the sites. This assessment, based on Pentagon analysis, suggests Iran's enriched uranium stockpile remains largely intact, raising questions about the long-term impact of the strikes on Iran's nuclear ambitions. These developments reflect the complex and contested nature of U.S. policy and the broader Middle East conflict dynamics.