Graphic detail | Deal or no deal

How often do ceasefires in the Middle East work?

Donald Trump says he expects the Iran-Israel truce to last forever. Our analysis of more than 2,000 truces suggests that’s optimistic

|3 min read

A CEASEFIRE BROKERED by Donald Trump between Israel and Iran marks the latest turn in the conflict between old enemies. On June 13th Israel launched a surprise assault on Iran, crippling its air defences, killing several of its nuclear scientists and generals, and damaging uranium-enrichment sites. America joined nine days later with “Operation Midnight Hammer”, hitting Iranian nuclear facilities with bombs and missiles. By June 23rd Mr Trump had declared a “complete and total” ceasefire. He told NBC News he believed it would last “forever”.

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