Iranian Missile Strike Kills 3 in Be’er Sheva Amid Uncertain Ceasefire Talks

Tel Aviv, June 24, 2025 : A deadly Iranian missile strike on the southern Israeli city of Be’er Sheva has left at least three civilians dead and several others injured, officials confirmed Tuesday. The attack came just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump declared a "complete and total ceasefire" between Iran and Israel — a claim Tehran quickly refuted.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that three ballistic missiles were launched from Iran within the span of an hour early Tuesday morning. One missile struck a residential apartment complex in Be’er Sheva, triggering emergency sirens and widespread panic across the city.

Medical personnel and rescue teams rushed to the scene, where they recovered the bodies of three victims and provided aid to multiple injured residents. Local authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage.

The missile strike follows a rapid escalation of hostilities in recent weeks. On June 13, Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, a large-scale military campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military facilities. In retaliation, Iran fired a series of missile barrages at Israeli territory.

Tensions surged further after the United States conducted airstrikes on three nuclear facilities in Iran, prompting Iranian forces to strike U.S. military bases in Qatar and Iraq on Monday.

President Trump, in an unexpected announcement late Monday night, claimed that a ceasefire agreement had been reached between Iran and Israel. "We have secured a complete and total ceasefire," Trump said, attributing the breakthrough to American diplomatic efforts following Iran’s limited retaliatory strike on a U.S. base in Qatar.

However, Iran quickly disputed that narrative. In a post on social media platform X, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated unequivocally: “As of now, there is NO agreement on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He added that Iran would cease its operations only if Israel halted its “illegal aggression against the Iranian people” by 4:00 a.m. Tehran time. His message was posted at 4:16 a.m., leaving ambiguity over Iran's current stance.

The international community has responded with alarm as the region teeters on the brink of further conflict. United Nations officials have called for an immediate de-escalation and the reopening of peace channels.

Despite U.S. assertions of a ceasefire, hostilities on the ground suggest a fragile and volatile situation. Both Israeli and Iranian officials have yet to confirm any formal agreement, and the prospect of renewed violence looms large.

As of now, Israeli authorities have placed military and emergency forces on high alert while advising civilians to remain vigilant.