Iran's top general doubts Israel's ceasfire vow

TEHRAN — Iran’s top military commander on Sunday, June 29, 2025, questioned Israel’s commitment to a recently agreed ceasefire following 12 days of fighting, warning that Tehran was prepared to respond forcefully to any renewed aggression, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported.

Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, made the remarks during a phone call with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman. The two discussed the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

“We have serious doubts about the enemy’s adherence to the ceasefire,” Mousavi said. “If aggression is repeated, we are fully prepared to respond decisively.”

He accused Israel and the United States of launching attacks on Iran despite what he described as Tehran’s restraint, including during indirect nuclear talks with Washington.

Condemnation

Saudi Arabia’s defense chief condemned “aggression” against Iran and said Riyadh had made efforts to help end the conflict, according to Tasnim. The two sides also agreed to maintain consultations aimed at improving bilateral ties and promoting regional stability.

Separately, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for political affairs, Majid Takht-Ravanchi, said Tehran had not scheduled any meeting with US officials. He rejected recent claims by US President Donald Trump of upcoming nuclear talks, state media reported.

Speaking at the close of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit earlier this week, Trump said US and Iranian officials would meet the following week to discuss a possible nuclear deal.

The conflict escalated on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian territory, targeting military and nuclear facilities. The attacks killed senior commanders, nuclear scientists and civilians, according to Iranian officials.

Iran retaliated with waves of missile and drone strikes against Israel. On June 22, US forces bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities — Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In response, Iran struck the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was reached last Tuesday after nearly two weeks of fighting. / XINHUA