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Missile details: The strike involved approximately 20 ballistic missiles, some equipped with bomblets, which complicated rescue efforts nypost.com.
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Civilian toll: Initial reports in both Reuters and AP noted four fatalities; Israeli sources briefly reported up to five, later confirmed as four apnews.com+2wsj.com+2hindustantimes.com+2.
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Motivation: Iran launched this barrage in retaliation for recent U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites and earlier Israeli attacks on its military infrastructure apnews.com+1wsj.com+1.
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Timing: The assault happened just before the ceasefire’s 7 a.m. local start—minutes prior to its enforcement—clearly violating the intended truce timesofisrael.com.
Reactions & Fallout
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Israel’s response: Defense Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, accusing Tehran of flagrantly defying the ceasefire. He pledged a robust response, and Israeli forces reportedly conducted strikes on Iranian radar sites near Tehran shortly afterward nypost.com+2washingtonpost.com+2timesofisrael.com+2.
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Trump’s role: President Donald Trump had announced the ceasefire late Monday, describing it as a "complete and total" halt to the fighting. After the strike, he scolded both nations, particularly chastising Israel on Truth Social not to retaliate in a way that could break the ceasefire wsj.com+11reuters.com+11nypost.com+11.
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International perspective: Despite the ceasefire, both Iran and Israel quickly claimed violation by the other. Iran claimed its attack stopped at 4 a.m. Tehran time, while Israel warned of continued Iranian missile salvos apnews.com+2wsj.com+2apnews.com+2.
Why It Matters
This deadly strike just before the ceasefire deadline scuttles fragile peace efforts. Even with diplomatic pressure and U.S. mediation, the breach reveals deep mistrust and the potential for renewed escalation. While the ceasefire technically remains in place, both nations’ immediate exchanges signal a precarious truce that could collapse without careful monitoring and restraint.