Second Day of 'Fragile Ceasefire'... Both Countries State 'Retaliation if Promises are Broken'

Calm After Trump's Warning

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran, declared by U.S. President Donald Trump, has continued for a second day. However, both countries have stated that if the other attacks, they will retaliate immediately, creating a tense and precarious situation.

The ceasefire between Israel and Iran continued even after 1 p.m. on the 25th, as President Trump had announced. However, it is known that both sides continued small-scale attacks with drones and missiles until the night before, immediately after President Trump announced the ceasefire plan. When signs of both sides breaking the ceasefire agreement and attempting to attack each other appeared, President Trump publicly addressed the issue. President Trump posted on social media, "They violated it (the ceasefire)," and warned, "Israel, do not drop bombs. Doing so would be a serious violation." The Prime Minister's Office of Israel stated that it had postponed the attack on Iran.

Both countries remain on high alert towards each other. The Prime Minister's Office of Israel said, "We are adhering to the ceasefire," but also stated, "We will take immediate and limited action if necessary." The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also emphasized, "We are observing the ceasefire, but have completed redeployment of radars and air defense systems (to counter the enemy)."

President Trump is making every effort to uphold the ceasefire. As he left the White House the previous day to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit, he stressed, "The ceasefire is still being maintained." In response to a question about whether he wants regime change in Iran, he replied, "No," and said, "I hope everything calms down as soon as possible."

Reporter Joo-wan Kim kjwan@hankyung.com