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2w ago

Fragile Ceasefire Holds Despite Violations and Europe Divided Over US Strikes on Iran

European leaders debate the legality of the weekend strikes with growing calls for diplomacy to prevent Iran’s secret uranium enrichment

French President Emmanuel Macron flanked by French Presidency General Secretary Emmanuel Moulin and France's General Fabien Mandon attends a national security meeting on the crisis between Israel and Iran in the Jupiter room at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier/Pool/ File Photo
French President Emmanuel Macron gestures a reception at The National Museum in Oslo, Norway, on June 23, 2025. French President Emmanuel Macron visits the Kingdom of Norway on June 23 and June 24, 2025, the first visit by a French head of state to Norway since 1984. The visit will underline France's ongoing commitment to the Nordic and Arctic region, particularly in terms of security. The trip will also provide an opportunity to reaffirm Europe's position on the conflicts in Ukraine and the Near and Middle East. (Photo by Odd ANDERSEN / AFP) (Photo by ODD ANDERSEN/AFP via Getty Images)
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Overview

  • President Trump announced a phased 24-hour ceasefire after US and Israeli aircraft bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities on June 20-21, and both Tehran and Jerusalem have largely observed the truce despite sporadic missile fire.
  • French President Emmanuel Macron branded the strikes illegal under international law and insisted that only diplomatic and technical measures can effectively curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
  • Macron warned that the attacks may have driven Tehran to move enrichment equipment and uranium stockpiles to concealed locations, heightening the risk of secret nuclear activity.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte defended the bombings as lawful preventive measures, in stark contrast to Norway and other European voices demanding UN authorization.
  • US-Iran talks and high-level discussions at the NATO summit in The Hague are underway as diplomats race to de-escalate tensions and secure a lasting diplomatic path forward.