There is cautious optimism in Israel following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Iran that ended a 12-day war resulting in 28 deaths in Israel and hundreds in Iran. The truce, enforced personally by former President Donald Trump, has allowed life in Israel to resume, with restrictions lifted and airports, schools, and businesses reopening.Both nations claimed victory. Israel’s military stated that the strikes significantly damaged Iran’s nuclear program, setting it back “many years.” Trump, speaking at a NATO summit, said Iran’s nuclear efforts were delayed by “decades.” However, a classified U.S. intelligence report contradicted those claims, suggesting Iran’s capabilities were only set back by a few months.Despite the damage, Iran is moving to accelerate its nuclear enrichment efforts. On Wednesday, Iran’s parliament approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing the agency’s failure to condemn the strikes. Iranian officials declared that enrichment would continue without international oversight.Meanwhile, daily life in Israel has largely returned to normal, though uncertainty remains about the true extent of the damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Some Israelis, like medical student Roy Meiri, expressed skepticism: “I still don’t know… what real harm we did.”Iran’s retaliatory strike on the U.S. Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar failed to hit any targets but was hailed as symbolic resistance. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has yet to approve the parliament’s anti-IAEA legislation.In Gaza, the Israeli military has resumed operations following heavy casualties near aid sites. The UN has condemned a U.S.-Israel backed aid group as worsening the crisis. At least 49 Palestinians were reportedly killed in a 24-hour period while trying to access aid.Still, hopes remain that the Israel-Iran ceasefire could pave the way for renewed talks—both to end the Gaza war and secure the release of 20 Israeli hostages.
