The United States and Iran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire, halting a conflict that has killed more than 5,000 people, displaced over one million civilians, and severely disrupted global energy supplies. Both sides declared victory, with Iran committing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the US halting strikes. However, fundamental disagreements remain, and negotiators face a long path to a lasting peace deal.
According to US-based rights group HRANA, 3,636 people have been killed since the war erupted on 28 February. In Iran, crowds celebrated the ceasefire by gathering in streets and burning US and Israeli flags. Meanwhile, fighting continues in Lebanon, where Israel launched its largest strikes yet, causing hundreds of casualties, according to Lebanon's health minister.
The US military claims to have struck more than 13,000 targets and sunk or damaged 155 Iranian vessels by the eve of the ceasefire. The US also fired over 850 Tomahawk missiles in the first four weeks, each costing $3.5 million. Former Pentagon budget official Elaine McCusker estimated that battle damage and replacement costs for the first three weeks alone would be between $1.4 billion and $2.9 billion.
Iran launched over 500 missiles and 2,000 uncrewed aircraft in the first 100 hours of the war, targeting US bases in neighbouring countries. Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE intercepted 232 unmanned aircraft and 194 missiles on the first day, but only 52 aircraft and eight missiles by day 23. The US lost four F-15E Strike Eagles, two MC-130 aircraft, and suffered damage to the USS Gerald R Ford aircraft carrier.
Key issues remain unresolved, with Iran's reported 10-point peace proposal showing little overlap with the US's 15-point plan. The ceasefire brings hope but the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.
