Watch: Iranians gather in Tehran following ceasefire announcement
Watch: Iranians gather in Tehran following ceasefire announcement
In Tehran, citizens gathered in the streets, raising national flags and chanting as the US and Iran declared a two-week conditional ceasefire. The agreement stipulates that Iran will permit unimpeded passage for vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, provided the US halts its military operations against the country. This development follows a month of escalating tensions after Israel and the US launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets, prompting retaliatory actions across the Gulf region.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif acted as a mediator in the talks, confirming the ceasefire took effect immediately. The announcement was accompanied by BBC footage capturing the aftermath of three journalists’ funerals in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces had targeted key locations. Among the visuals, a correspondent from Russian state broadcaster RT was shown diving out of frame as a missile struck nearby.
“The ceasefire was effective immediately,” said Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during the negotiations.
Impact of the conflict on civilians
Residents in the Beirut suburb of Dahieh reported evacuating their homes as Israeli airstrikes continued. Meanwhile, displaced Palestinians in the enclave were urged to secure their tents against strong winds. Iranians at a crossing in north-west Iran shared their experiences of enduring relentless bombing and regime crackdowns, reflecting the war’s pervasive effect on daily life.
BBC Verify’s investigation
Ben Chu from BBC Verify explored the Royal Navy’s potential role in monitoring the Strait of Hormuz. The analysis also included verified footage of a fire at an oil depot in Iran, highlighting the disruption to maritime traffic since the US-Israeli military offensive began on 27 February. The video illustrates the steady flow of ships through the strait, despite the ongoing conflict.
Trade at the Middle East’s largest port has suffered significantly due to Iran’s blockade of the waterway. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the UK’s response to the conflict, countering President Trump’s criticism. Footage from the early hours of Sunday shows flames engulfing a building, with social media clips capturing towering smoke plumes above the city skyline.
War and its consequences
A verified video by a witness depicts a drone crash near the airport, underscoring the intensity of the attacks. Explosions shook the capital overnight as its busiest airport became a target of airstrikes. The Israeli military stated it initiated a “wave of strikes” shortly after ordering civilians in southern Lebanon to vacate their homes immediately.
