Iran and Israel's Ceasefire Holds! Here are Some Surprising Things You Must Know

After nearly two weeks of airstrikes, explosions, and global unease, Iran and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire. Brokered by the United States following its bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities, the agreement has brought a temporary pause to hostilities. 

Yet beneath this calm are unresolved questions. From the legality of the strikes to the state of Iran’s uranium stockpile, and even the future of nuclear non-proliferation, many issues remain murky.

Was the Iran-Israel Conflict Legal under International Law?

The military strikes launched by Israel and later supported by the United States have raised serious legal concerns. 

Under international law, particularly the United Nations Charter, a country may only use force in self-defence if it is responding to an actual or imminent attack. 

Legal experts have pointed out that Iran did not strike either Israel or the US with nuclear weapons. It did not possess them, nor did it appear to have made a concrete threat to use them imminently.

Despite this, both Israel and the US claimed their actions were taken in pre-emptive self-defence. 

Israel justified its initial strike on the grounds of a report from the International Atomic Energy Agency, which found Iran had enriched uranium up to 60% and failed to meet its treaty obligations. 

The US, following its bombing of key nuclear sites, echoed the same rationale. However, several legal scholars argue that no direct threat was proven, making the strikes legally questionable.

Another layer to this issue involves civilian protection. During the 12-day conflict, missile strikes impacted residential areas, and scientists working in Iran’s nuclear programme were reportedly targeted. 

According to humanitarian law, those not actively participating in conflict should be protected. If these reports are accurate, both countries may have breached international humanitarian principles. 

The challenge, however, is accountability. With the US able to veto any United Nations resolution and neither Israel nor the US accepting the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court, legal consequences are unlikely.

Read also: Who Really Won the Iran vs Israel Conflict?

Did Iran Manage to Protect Its Uranium Stockpile?

One of the more surprising developments during the conflict is the claim that Iran may have successfully moved its enriched uranium before the attacks began. 

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran had accumulated over 400 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%. This level is close to weapons-grade, which begins at 90%.

Iran says most of this stockpile was relocated before the US launched its so-called bunker-buster bombs on facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. 

Satellite images taken around the time of the strike show a long line of vehicles entering the Fordow site, suggesting some kind of evacuation or logistical operation.

American intelligence reports appear divided. While initial leaks suggested the bombings only delayed Iran’s nuclear programme by a few months, later statements from defence officials claimed more significant damage. What is clear, however, is that Iran’s nuclear capability was not eliminated. 

The question now is whether Iran will accelerate its programme in response to the attacks, or whether diplomatic efforts will bring a longer-term solution.

International observers have expressed concern that Iran may now be less willing to cooperate with the IAEA, which monitors compliance with nuclear agreements. 

Iran has already hinted it could withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty, which would severely limit global oversight. This could make the current pause in conflict more dangerous than it seems on the surface.

Read also: Looking at the US Stock Market After Trump's Iran Missile

What Does This Mean for Regional Stability and the Future?

The ceasefire has given both Iran and Israel breathing space, but peace is far from guaranteed. According to analysts, Israel claims it achieved its military objectives and views the operation as a strategic success. 

Iran, on the other hand, appears weakened militarily but not politically defeated. There is still uncertainty over how much of its nuclear infrastructure was preserved, and whether it intends to rebuild.

Meanwhile, the involvement of the United States complicates regional politics. It remains unclear whether US military assets based in Australia were used in the conflict, but speculation continues. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has refused to confirm or deny any role, citing intelligence protocol. Still, the use of US submarines and bombers, some of which may have operated from joint bases, raises questions about how far allied nations were involved in the strikes.

Beyond military tactics, this conflict has shifted attention back to the nuclear non-proliferation regime. The IAEA has criticised both the US and Israel for undermining its role. With Iran possibly reducing cooperation, the effectiveness of future nuclear monitoring is in doubt. 

This not only weakens international institutions but could motivate other nations to pursue nuclear weapons, believing that possession is the only effective deterrent.

What lies ahead may depend on upcoming diplomatic talks. The US has indicated it is willing to begin negotiations next week, but Iran has not officially committed. If discussions stall, tensions may flare once again. 

Experts warn that unless the underlying issues of nuclear capability, legal frameworks, and mutual trust are addressed, the region could return to conflict at any moment.

Read also: Iran Attacks US Military Base in Qatar!

How the Conflict Has Rattled Financial Markets

Geopolitical tensions almost always influence global markets, and the Iran and Israel conflict has proven no different. 

In the early days of the airstrikes, oil prices surged on fears that the Strait of Hormuz might be closed. That shipping lane is vital for global oil supply, and any risk to its operations affects fuel prices worldwide.

Alongside oil, traditional equities showed signs of stress. Investors shifted towards safe-haven assets such as gold and government bonds. Volatility increased, and risk appetite shrank quickly. 

However, one of the more reactive sectors was crypto. Bitcoin and Ethereum, often treated as digital alternatives to gold, initially rose but then experienced erratic swings.

This was partly driven by sentiment. Some traders view crypto as a hedge against geopolitical instability. 

Others see it as a high-risk asset to offload in uncertain times. As a result, prices fluctuated throughout the week, with funding rates and open interest also rising on major exchanges. Traders were clearly positioning for further shocks.

What makes this environment particularly sensitive is the absence of clear direction. If the ceasefire holds, markets could stabilise. 

If talks fail or new strikes occur, further volatility is likely. Crypto markets, with their 24-hour nature and global user base, are especially exposed to such developments.

For traders navigating this uncertain environment, platforms with proper risk tools and clear interface design become essential. This is why users have increasingly turned to reliable exchanges to protect their capital while staying active in the market.

Conclusion

The ceasefire between Iran and Israel may have stopped the immediate violence, but deeper issues remain unresolved. 

From the legality of the strikes to the fate of enriched uranium and the future of international nuclear agreements, the situation is still fragile. The region is holding its breath, waiting to see whether diplomacy will take hold or whether history is about to repeat itself.

In times of global tension and economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to trade securely. 

Bitrue offers users a safe and reliable platform for crypto trading, with strong user protection and transparent tools. Explore Bitrue today for a simpler, safer way to navigate volatile markets.

Read also: Geopolitical Tensions and ETF Delays Trigger Selloff

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Did Iran move its uranium before the bombings?

Iran claims to have done so, and satellite images suggest some movement. However, independent verification is still pending.

2. Were the strikes by Israel and the US legal?

Most international law experts argue they were not, since Iran had not launched an attack and there was no imminent threat.

3. Has the ceasefire reduced crypto market volatility?

Only partially. While markets have calmed slightly, uncertainty around future negotiations and nuclear risks continues to influence crypto prices.

Investor Caution 

While the crypto hype has been exciting, remember that the crypto space can be volatile. Always conduct your research, assess your risk tolerance, and consider the long-term potential of any investment.

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