Iran-Israel ceasefire on edge as trust remains elusive, analyst says
Israeli air defence systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv early on June 18. Photo by Menahem Kahana/AFP FILE PIX
SHAH ALAM - The ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains fragile and volatile, with a high risk of renewed conflict due to Israel's repeated breaches of earlier agreements.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) international law expert Professor Dr Salawati Mat Basir said that the uneasy truce could break down at any time, pointing to recent Israeli airstrikes that occurred despite the ceasefire being declared.
'I see this ceasefire as still being in a critical stage and at any moment, attacks could resume because it is well known that Israel has a reputation for violating agreements.
'So, it is not impossible for the same thing to happen again. Therefore, we cannot place trust in Israel. In fact, on Iran's side, they too have said they remain alert and if Israel attacks, they will retaliate,' she said. Rocket trails are seen in the sky above the Israeli coastal city of Netanya amid a fresh barrage of Iranian missile attacks on June 17. Photo by Jack Guez/AFP FILE PIX
Salawati pointed out that Iran had made it clear they would not hesitate to strike back if provoked.
When asked whether Israel's restraint was a result of warnings from United States (US) President Donald Trump, she rejected that assumption.
'Israel has no respect for the US; they merely use Trump as a puppet to carry out attacks. Moreover, Israel did not expect Iran to be capable of launching such a large-scale counterattack.
'Israel claims they have won, but I do not believe Iran would be so easily deceived. So right now, Iran remains on high alert to face any move made by Israel,' she added.
Commenting on the broader context of the conflict, Salawati said the Iran-Israel war was part of a larger geopolitical strategy by the US and the Zionist regime to weaken and divide Iran in order to dominate the Middle East.
'Their agenda is to install Reza Pahlavi, the son of the former Shah of Iran, as President to ease their ambitions,' she said.
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