Is the 12-day Israel-Iran war really over – and who gained what?

Here’s the latest from today on whether the “12‑Day War” between Israel and Iran is truly over—and who gained the most:

Multiple credible outlets confirm a fragile ceasefire came into effect on 23–24 June 2025, brokered by former U.S. President Trump. However, both nations reportedly committed violations in the early hours  .

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✅ Has the war ended?

Official lines: Both Israel and Iran agreed to halt hostilities—Israel’s PM Netanyahu called it “historic”; Iran’s President Pezeshkian labeled it a “great victory”—so long as neither side breaks the terms  .

Reality check: Soon after the ceasefire began, Israel reportedly conducted airstrikes near Tehran; Iran fired intermittent missiles and drones. U.S. intelligence and Trump publicly admonished both sides for taking early actions  .

Current status: As of 25 June, the ceasefire still holds mostly, though it remains volatile and under close watch  .

🎯 Who benefited—and how?

Israel

Tactical successes: Used the conflict to carry out precision airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and missile sites, eliminate senior military figures, and demonstrate long-range power projection  .

Strategic impact: Analysts say Iran’s nuclear, missile and proxy capabilities were set back—though not eliminated—and Israel’s deterrence posture is significantly strengthened  .

Costs: The conflict inflicted around $5 billion in military spending and possibly $12 billion+ in total economic effects including civil damage and defense mobilization  .

Iran

Damage suffered: Nuclear and missile infrastructure heavily targeted; senior leaders killed; air defenses failed; heavy civilian and military losses  .

Resilience maintained: Despite material losses, underground nuclear capacity and stockpiles remain intact, keeping Iran's nuclear program alive  .

Political narrative: Iran used the ceasefire to highlight its resistance to external pressure—showing both resolve and preserving national dignity  .

United States

De-escalation achieved: The U.S. played a central role in brokering the ceasefire, reinforcing Trump’s self-proclaimed peacemaker image  .

Limited military gains: U.S. airstrikes delayed Iran’s nuclear timeline by a few months, but didn’t destroy it—per Defense Intelligence Agency  .

Strategic leverage: Reaffirmed U.S. commitment and enhanced regional influence amid volatility  .

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🔭 Bottom line

The ceasefire is in place but fragile—early violations have already occurred, and international pressure remains high for both nations to adhere to it.

Israel gained tactical and strategic leverage, but at high economic cost.

Iran was weakened, yet its nuclear potential remains intact underground, preserving its long-term deterrent.

The U.S. stepped back from direct combat, instead exerting influence through bombardment and diplomacy—walking a tight line between involvement and restraint.