The fragile cease-fire announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump between Israel and Iran appeared to be hanging by a thread on Tuesday, only hours after it went into effect. According to the Israeli military, Iran violated the agreement by firing a fresh barrage of missiles, prompting Israel to warn of potential retaliation. Iran, however, denied the accusation, with state media reporting that no missiles were launched after the truce officially began.

The conflicting claims immediately cast doubt on the durability of the cease-fire, which had raised hopes of ending nearly two weeks of escalating hostilities between two of the Middle East’s most bitter rivals. For 12 days, Israel and Iran had traded missile strikes, drone attacks, and threats, pushing the region to the brink of wider war. Continues…