Middle East tensions continue despite U.S. ceasefire deal; Israel says deal limited to Iran

Many Middle Eastern countries sounded missile alerts early Wednesday even as Iran and the United States said they had reached a two-week ceasefire in the war. Despite diplomatic efforts, fighting appears to be continuing on multiple fronts. A natural gas processing facility in Abu Dhabi was set ablaze after an Iranian attack, officials said. It was unclear which targets were hit in Israel, which has faced sustained missile and drone attacks throughout the conflict.Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait also issued alerts, highlighting the chaos and instability surrounding the ceasefire.Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guards have commanded much of the war, and field commanders reportedly make decisions to strike independently, raising questions about whether all forces are adhering to the ceasefire.Observers note that in many conflicts in the Middle East, last-minute attacks are often carried out before a truce fully takes effect, giving both sides an advantage.The ceasefire involving Iran, the United States and Israel aims to pause a war that has destabilized the region and disrupted global energy markets. However, problems soon arose with its terms and implementation.Iran insists it will retain control of the Strait of Hormuz and continue uranium enrichment, major sticking points for Washington. US President Donald Trump initially described Iran’s proposal as “feasible” and later called it a “fraud,” while insisting that ending Iran’s nuclear program remained a key goal.Israel supports the ceasefire but clarifies that it does not apply to the ongoing conflict with Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Pakistan, acting as mediator, said the ceasefire had taken effect immediately and further talks could begin soon in Islamabad – a statement that contradicted the ongoing attacks.In Tehran, pro-government demonstrators took to the streets after the announcement, chanting slogans against the United States and Israel and rejecting any compromise.Under the proposed terms, Iran would allow passage through the Strait of Hormuz under military supervision and possibly impose shipping transit fees along with Oman. Tehran has also demanded the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region, the lifting of sanctions and access to frozen assets.Even as the United States halts its offensive operations, Iran and Israel appear to be continuing their military operations. Recent strikes have targeted infrastructure, including oil facilities and transport networks, exacerbating economic and geopolitical tensions.As casualties mount in Iran, Israel, Lebanon and the wider region, missile sirens continue to sound, ceasefires remain fragile and the future remains uncertain.