Iran Voices 'Serious Doubts' Over Israel Commitment To Ceasefire
Iran warned Sunday that it had little faith in Israel's commitment to a fragile ceasefire that ended the most intense and destructive confrontation between the two foes to date.
The 12-day war erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that killed top military commanders and scientists linked to its nuclear programme. Tehran responded with ballistic missile attacks on Israeli cities.
Israel said its aim was to keep the Islamic republic from developing an atomic weapon -- an ambition Tehran has consistently denied.
The fighting derailed nuclear talks between Iran and the United States, which later joined its ally Israel's campaign with strikes on Tehran's nuclear facilities.
"We did not start the war, but we have responded to the aggressor with all our power," Iranian armed forces chief of staff Abdolrahim Mousavi was quoted as saying by state television, referring to Israel.
"We have serious doubts over the enemy's compliance with its commitments including the ceasefire, we are ready to respond with force" if attacked again, he added, six days into the ceasefire.
The conflict rattled the already shaky relationship between Iran and the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iran has rejected the IAEA's request to inspect its bombed nuclear sites, accusing its chief Rafael Grossi of "betraying his duties" by failing to condemn the Israeli and US attacks.
Iranian lawmakers voted this week to suspend cooperation with the agency.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called Grossi's request to visit the targeted facilities "meaningless" and "possibly malign in intent".
Tehran also cited a June 12 IAEA resolution criticising Iran's lack of nuclear transparency as a pretext used by Israel to justify launching its offensive the following day.
The backlash drew a sharp rebuke from Germany and Argentina, Grossi's home country.
"I commend Director General Rafael Grossi and his team for their unrelenting professionalism. Threats against them from within Iran are deeply troubling and must stop," German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul wrote on X.
Argentina's foreign ministry said it "categorically condemns the threats against him coming from Iran".
Neither specified which threats they were referring to, but Iran's ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper recently claimed documents showed Grossi was an Israeli spy and should be executed.
Speaking to US broadcaster CBS on Sunday, Iranian ambassador to the United Nations Amir Saeid Iravani denied there was any threat to nuclear inspectors in Iran, insisting they were "in safe conditions" but their work was suspended.
The United States carried out strikes on three key facilities used for Iran's atomic programme.
In the days after, Trump said the United States would bomb Iran again "without question" if intelligence indicated it was able to enrich uranium to military grade.
Speaking to CBS on Saturday, Grossi said Iran could "in a matter of months" return to enriching uranium.
Questions remain as to how much damage the US strikes did to Iran's nuclear programme, with Trump and his officials insisting it had been "obliterated".
On Sunday, however, The Washington Post reported that the United States had intercepted calls between Iranian officials who said the damage was less than expected.
That followed an early "low confidence" US military intelligence report that said the nuclear programme had been set back months, not years.
Israel has said Iran's programme was delayed by years, while Tehran has downplayed the damage.
The IAEA said Iran had been enriching uranium to 60 percent, far above the levels needed for civilian nuclear power, although Grossi previously noted there had been no indication before the strikes that Iran was working to build an atomic weapon.
Israel has maintained ambiguity about its own nuclear arsenal, neither officially confirming nor denying it exists, but the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute has estimated it has 90 nuclear warheads.
Iran's health ministry says at least 627 civilians were killed and 4,900 injured during the war with Israel.
Retaliatory missile attacks by Iran on Israel killed 28 people, Israeli authorities say.
During the war, Iran arrested dozens of people it accused of spying for Israel.
Iran's parliament on Sunday voted to ban the unauthorised use of communications equipment, including tech billionaire Elon Musk's Starlink satellite internet service, said the official news agency IRNA.
On Sunday, Washington's envoy to Turkey said the Iran-Israel war could pave the way for a new Middle East.
"What just happened between Israel and Iran is an opportunity for all of us to say: 'Time out. Let's create a new road'," Ambassador Tom Barrack, who is also the US special envoy to Syria, told the Anadolu state news agency.
"The Middle East is ready to have a new dialogue, people are tired of the same old story," he added. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi was the subject of an Iranian newspaper report accusing him of being an Israeli spy AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
DW
43 minutes ago
- DW
Can Taiwan help Germany ease its reliance on Chinese drones? – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is hoping to buy more drones from Taiwan as an alternative to China, but many financial and political hurdles stand in the way of Berlin reaching out to Taipei. For German companies looking to diversify their supply of drones beyond China and bypass its dominance of the global drone market, Taiwan is starting to look increasingly attractive. A report published this month by DSET, a Taiwanese think tank focusing on democracy, society and emerging technology, shows that Germany has become the second-largest importer of Taiwan-made drones in the first quarter of 2025. "We are trying to become more independent from China [regarding drones]," Verena Jackson, a researcher at the Center for Intelligence and Security Studies (CISS) at the University of the Armed Forces of Germany, told DW. Beijing sees Taiwan, a self-ruled island, as a breakaway province, and is actively discouraging diplomatic and trade ties between Taipei and other nations. Due to Germany's close economic cooperation with China, Beijing is likely to bristle at the idea of Berlin turning to Taiwan-made drones or key components as alternatives to Chinese ones. Although China still dominates the drone market with an estimated 70-80% share of worldwide production, Taiwan is emerging as "a rising star" in the supply chain, Jackson said. "The advantage for Taiwanese companies is that we are trying to do everything China-free. That has a very big attraction for our European partners," Hong-Lun Tiunn, Deputy Director of the National Security Program at DSET, told DW. Since 2022, Taiwan has stepped up its efforts to develop its own drone industry and build a "non-red" supply chain, a reference to manufacturing networks that are independent of China's influence. This is part of Taipei's defense strategy against a potential invasion by Beijing. In a wartime scenario, Taiwan could be subject to a Chinese blockade with no shipping access. "So we need to have our own capacity to manufacture all kinds of (drone) components," Tiunn said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Since the second half of 2024, Europe has overtaken the United States as the primary export destination for Taiwanese drones, according to the DSET report. This shift came as China tightened export controls on drones and components, particularly those with military or dual-use capabilities, citing its own national security concerns. But many analysts believe the shift is largely driven by mounting pressure from the West over China's ties to Russia. "Europeans are trying to reach defense autonomy and they want to manufacture their own weapons or drones," Elizabeth Sun, a Berlin-based research fellow at DSET, told DW. In December, the European Union announced sanctions on four Chinese firms for "supplying sensitive drone components and microelectronic components" to the Russian military. During her visit to Beijing last year, former German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock warned that drones from Chinese factories "attack peace in the middle of Europe" and "hurt our central security interests." CISS researcher Jackson also pointed out that since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Germany has come to realize "there is an imminent risk coming from China when it comes to cybersecurity or drones." However, Berling does not share Taipei's ambition of establishing a fully China-free drone supply chain. "We are very reliant on Chinese drones as a whole, as full drones, but also on parts," Jackson said. She added that cutting China ties entirely would be unrealistic, especially given the country's dominance in raw materials like rare earth elements, which are crucial components in drone technology. Instead, Germany is attempting to diversify key components such as software, sensors, and chips — areas that carry higher national security risks. Software updates, for instance, are subject to data leaks. "There's basically an open door where all information can go out of Germany and then go to foreign intelligence services," Jackson said. This is where Taiwan — home to some of the world's most advanced chip manufacturers and a strong IT sector — could step in. Although Taiwanese companies only hold a small share of the German drone market, "the components we are trying to provide are motors and chips, the very key parts, and our system integration experience to Germany," Tiunn said. While established corporations have long-standing ties with Chinese suppliers, drone production is now surging across southern Germany and startups are increasingly open to partnering with Taiwan, Jackson pointed out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Earlier this month, Taiwan signed a partnership deal with US and German-based Auterion for drone software that has been battle-tested in Ukraine to help step up its defenses against growing military threats from China. As it aims to provide drones and key components to other democracies, Taiwan is struggling to meet its own demand. The island set a goal for domestic manufacturers to produce 180,000 drones per year by 2028. But the current annual production capacity — between 8,000 to 10,000 units — falls well short of that target. This gap is due to the high cost of "China-free" drones, low domestic procurement, and minimal foreign government orders, according to the DSET report. Cathay Fang, a policy analyst in the National Security and Economic Security Research Program at DSET, noted that the current priority is improving the cybersecurity of Taiwanese drones in line with US security initiatives for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). This focus could help open up the European market. "When we see that the United States and Taiwan are collaborating closely, German companies would certainly follow," Jackson said. But Germany is facing its own challenges in reducing its reliance on Chinese drones and key components. "Our procurement laws are really cost-focused. And China is still the most cost-effective country," Jackson said. "It takes time to implement also cybersecurity or security aspects." Last year, the German army reportedly eased procurement procedures for small commercial drones from Chinese companies, including DJI, the world's largest consumer drone manufacturer. This shows that, despite growing concerns from security analysts, the political will in Germany to address the potential risks of using Chinese drones remains limited. "It's developing — the awareness here and the urge to do something about it. But it's certainly not at the point where it's sufficient," Jackson said. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
DW
an hour ago
- DW
To prioritize defense, Germany to cut development aid – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is ramping up defense spending — while cutting funds for development cooperation. Aid organizations warn of the consequences for millions of people in a world beset by wars and crises. Germany's draft federal budget for 2025 includes sweeping cuts. The Economic Cooperation and Development Ministry (BMZ) is set to receive €10.3 billion ($12.1 billion) — nearly a €1 billion less than in 2024. It's the second consecutive year that the budget has been reduced. A glance back at 2022 underscores the scale of the decline: At that time, Germany was still spending €13.8 billion on development aid. Michael Herbst, chair of the umbrella organization VENRO, which represents about 140 development NGOs in Germany, illustrated the human cost of these dramatic cuts amid growing global conflict. "More than 100 million people are displaced," Herbst said. "At the same time, more and more donor countries are pulling back." That's why, he said, Germany needs to ensure stable funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. But the opposite is occurring. Germany's cuts come at a time when US President Donald Trump, early in his second term, has also initiated deep reductions in development aid, reportedly slashing about 80% of funding. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The North Atlantic Treaty Organization agreed at its recent summit on June 25, 2025, that each NATO member state should spend 5% of its gross domestic product on defense annually. Against this backdrop, the global decline in development aid stands out all the more. The consequences are already becoming clear, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance. The United States has completely withdrawn its support for the UN-administered relief fund. Faced with sweeping international cutbacks, emergency aid coordinator Tom Fletcher says he is being forced to shut down numerous programs for the world's poorest. Weeks ago, Fletcher warned that the impact on people in need and suffering from hunger would be devastating. Instead of the originally projected $44 billion, Fletcher now expects just $29 billion to be available for distributing food, water, medicine, shelter, and other essential aid. Fletcher said the reduced funding would enable 114 million people to be reached — down from the 180 million originally planned. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Because of the sharp reduction in the BMZ budget, Germany's official development assistance ratio fell below its self-imposed goal of 0.7% of gross national income in 2024. It had consistently remained above that threshold since 2020. Humanitarian emergency aid is being slashed by 53%, to about €1 billion. VENRO chair, Herbst, says the move is short-sighted: "As the world's third-largest economy, Germany can and must take responsibility here. It cannot continue cutting budgets in these areas." However, his push for a reversal was unsuccessful. As an export-driven nation, Germany depends on strong international ties and global stability. "The German economy benefits from a solid reputation and reliable relationships in countries of the Global South. That helps secure jobs here at home, as well," Herbst points out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The NGOs Welthungerhilfe and Terre des Hommes give the federal government a poor overall assessment. However, the coalition agreement between the governing center-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and center-left Social Democratic Party describes the cuts to development and humanitarian aid as "appropriate." In response, the aid organizations counter: "That contradicts the government's own stated goal of ensuring sustainable humanitarian funding — especially at a time when other donor countries are pulling out." All the same, Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan, a Social Democrat, said Germany remained committed to its global responsibilities — "despite painful budgetary constraints on development spending imposed by the coalition agreement."While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
DW
2 hours ago
- DW
Germany to cut development aid – DW – 06/30/2025
Germany is ramping up defense spending — while cutting funds for development cooperation. Aid organizations warn of the consequences for millions, amid a world beset by wars and crises. Germany's draft federal budget for 2025 includes sweeping cuts. The Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) is set to receive just €10.3 billion ($12.1 billion) — nearly a billion less than in 2024. It's the second consecutive year of reductions. A glance back at 2022 underscores the scale of the decline: at that time, Germany was still spending €13.8 billion ($16.2 billion) on development aid. Michael Herbst, chair of the umbrella organization VENRO, which represents around 140 development NGOs in Germany, illustrated the human cost of these dramatic cuts amid growing global conflict: "More than 100 million people are displaced. At the same time, more and more donor countries are pulling back." That's why, he argues, Germany needs to ensure stable funding for development cooperation and humanitarian aid. But the opposite is occurring. Germany's cuts come at a time when US President Donald Trump, early in his second term, has also initiated deep reductions in development aid, reportedlyslashing around 80% of funding. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) agreed at its recent summit on June 25, 2025, that each member state should spend 5% of its economic output on defense annually. Against this backdrop, the global decline in development aid stands out all the more starkly. The consequences are already becoming clear, especially in the field of humanitarian assistance. The US has completely withdrawn its support for the UN-administered relief fund. Faced with sweeping international cutbacks, emergency aid coordinator Tom Fletcher says he is being forced to shut down numerous programs for the world's poorest. Just weeks ago, the UN representative warned that the impact on those in need and suffering from hunger would be devastating. Instead of the originally projected $44 billion, Fletcher now expects just $29 billion to be available for distributing food, water, medicine, shelter, and other essential aid. According to him, the reduced funding will only enable 114 million people to be reached — down from the 180 million originally targeted. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Due to the sharp reduction in the BMZ budget, Germany's so-called ODA ratio (Official Development Assistance) fell below its self-imposed goal of 0.7% of gross national income in 2024. It had consistently remained above that threshold since 2020. Humanitarian emergency aid is being slashed by 53% to around €1 billion ($1.2 billion). VENRO chair, Herbst, says the move is short-sighted: "As the world's third-largest economy, Germany can and must take responsibility here. It cannot continue cutting budgets in these areas." However, his push for a reversal was unsuccessful. As an export-driven nation, Germany depends on strong international ties and global stability. "The German economy benefits from a solid reputation and reliable relationships in countries of the Global South. That helps secure jobs here at home, as well," Herbst points out. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The NGOs Welthungerhilfe and Terre des Hommes give the federal government a poor overall assessment. However, the coalition agreement between the governing center-right Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) describes the cuts to development and humanitarian aid as "appropriate." In response, the aid organizations counter: "That contradicts the government's own stated goal of ensuring sustainable humanitarian funding — especially at a time when other donor countries are pulling out." All the same, German Development Minister Reem Alabali Radovan (SPD) affirmed that Germany remains committed to its global responsibilities – "despite painful budgetary constraints on development spending imposed by the coalition agreement."While you're here: Every Tuesday, DW editors round up what is happening in German politics and society. You can sign up here for the weekly email newsletter, Berlin Briefing.
