Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Tuesday evening a „historic victory” against Iran and its nuclear program, following the implementation of a ceasefire imposed by American President Donald Trump.
Iran, whose key nuclear facilities were bombed by the U.S. on Sunday, also claimed „victory” and reaffirmed its „legitimate rights” to continue its atomic program for civilian purposes, stating readiness to resume talks with Washington, AFP reports.
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"We have achieved a historic victory," Netanyahu congratulated the nation in a speech, shortly after the fragile ceasefire came into effect.
"We have destroyed Iran's nuclear project. And if anyone in Iran attempts to rebuild it, we will act with the same determination, with the same intensity, to counter any attempt. Iran will never have nuclear weapons," promised the Israeli government's leader.
American President Donald Trump previously stated that the ceasefire he announced on Monday evening between Israel and Iran is "now in effect."
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the ceasefire "achieved between Israel and Iran thanks to President Trump's efforts," during a meeting with the American president on Tuesday evening in The Hague, on the eve of the NATO summit.
A new chapter unfolds
The Israeli army lifted restrictions imposed on its population during the conflict on Tuesday evening, but through the Chief of Staff, warned that "the campaign against Iran has not ended" and that a "new chapter" is opening.
Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir also stated that his army will shift focus to the Gaza Strip, where they have been fighting against Palestinian Hamas since October 2023.
Tehran boasted of forcing its declared enemy Israel to "unilaterally cease" the war.
Its President Massoud Pezeshkian announced in the evening the "end of the war (...) imposed" by Israel and committed to respecting the ceasefire on the condition that its adversary does the same.
Israel attacked Iran from the air on June 13, once again accusing Tehran of seeking to acquire nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic, which has always denied and defended its right to civilian nuclear energy, retaliated for 12 days with a series of rocket and drone attacks on Israel.
In Iran, the war has resulted in at least 610 deaths and over 4,700 injuries, according to an official toll that includes only civilian casualties. Iranian fire on Israel has killed 28 people, according to authorities.