Officials in Iran were claiming victory, saying that its armed forces had imposed a truce on Israel. But defeat seemed a more accurate reading of recent events.

The president announced a truce and Israel later said its airports were returning to full activity and it was lifting restrictions on civilian movements.

By The Associated Press The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran appeared to be holding on Wednesday after a rocky start, giving rise to cautious hope that it could lead to a long-term peace