US-Iran war highlights: MoU signed, Pak says peace deal will take ‘immediate effect’
US-Iran war highlights : Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the memorandum of understanding with the United States was signed electronically. Trump on Wednesday signed the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war with Iran, a White House said.
US-Iran war highlights: US President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed the memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war with Iran, a White House official told Reuters. Track latest updates here...Read More
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the MoU with the United States was signed electronically.
Speaking to state broadcaster Press TV, Baghaei said the agreement had now been formally signed by both sides electronically.
At the G7 summit sidelines, President Trump described the US-Iran MoU as a “wall” designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He called the agreement “very strong” and “pretty detailed,” and said he believes Iran wants to sign it and return to “a normal life” after the war.
On Israel’s bombardment in Lebanon, Trump said he supports Israel’s right to defend itself but asked it to use “good judgment” in its operations.
Leaked peace deal
A leaked 14-point draft US-Iran memorandum reportedly focuses on an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation, but leaves key nuclear issues unresolved, CNN reported. Tehran, though, says the leaked MoU version is ‘inaccurate and incomplete’, as per Tasnim News Agency.
The peace agreement is “not final”, US President Donald Trump said earlier at G7. “No, it's not final. It's a Memorandum of Understanding. And if I don't like it, we'll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head. If I don't like it, if they don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head,” he said.
Israel violated the Lebanon ceasefire 84 times
Tehran has accused Israel of violating the Lebanon ceasefire 84 times since Tehran and Washington signed their memorandum of understanding, warning of a "harsh response" if the attacks continue. The warning came after Israeli forces killed four people in southern Lebanon and as US President Donald Trump asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be "more responsible" in Lebanon.
A third tanker carrying Iranian oil has crossed the US Navy's blockade line in the Gulf of Oman, according to TankerTrackers. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said any deal with the US must include sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.
Washington and Tehran are set to formally sign an interim agreement on June 19, aimed at ending months of US-Israeli war on Iran.
While key details of the arrangement are still coming up, the memorandum of understanding is expected to make way for 60 days of negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear programme and other outstanding issues. The full text of the agreement has not yet been made public.
Top points of US-Iran war news from last 24 hours
1. Even as US and Iran inch closer to a deal to end months of conflict, Iran foreign minister Abbas Araghchi struck a cautious tone, saying: "We have a history of broken commitments... a history of agreements being torn up. All of this is present in our minds."
2. Oil prices extended losses on Tuesday, as markets weighed prospects for resumption of supply through the key Strait of Hormuz against shaky physical market drivers and a lack of details from a preliminary deal to end the Iran war.
3.Even as Iran and US signed the MoU virtually, raising hopes for a final deal to end months of conflict, US intelligence agencies have ‘serious’ doubts over Iran's willingness to make the nuclear concessions, Axios reported.
4. As per the memo accessed by Bloomberg, the US and regional partners will work on redevelopment projects for Iran, as part of a war compensation. The memo adds that funds of at least $300 billion will be provided.
5. The United States and Iran have reached an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict, with President Donald Trump saying the deal prevents Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, news agency Reuters reported. The memorandum extends the fragile ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days to create space for negotiations on a permanent settlement.
6. Under the agreement, Washington will lift its blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran will restore the movement of oil tankers and commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
7. A senior US official said Iran will be allowed to resume oil exports immediately after the agreement is signed, supported by banking, transport and insurance arrangements.
8. Israel has distanced itself from both the April ceasefire and the latest US-Iran understanding, raising questions over the durability of the truce.
9. US Vice President JD Vance suggested Israel and Lebanon are covered by the agreement, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu maintained that Israel is not bound by its terms.
10. Although both sides say the Strait of Hormuz will reopen from Friday, shipping companies remain cautious and are waiting to see whether the ceasefire holds before fully resuming operations.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 06:40:32 AM IST
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- 18 Jun 2026, 06:11:59 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: France’s Macron posts video of Trump signing MoU
French President Emmanuel Macron has published a video of Trump signing the MoU at the Palace of Versailles in Paris.
“President Trump signed tonight at Versailles, the agreement between Iran and the United States,” he wrote on X.
“This agreement paves the way for lasting peace and allows the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It is an important step in the right direction for our compatriots that will soon enable a decrease in energy prices.”
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- 18 Jun 2026, 05:49:49 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Pakistan PM says Iran to 'instantly' reopen Hormuz, US to 'immediately' lift blockade
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif has said that under the peace deal, Iran will 'instantly' reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the US will 'immediately' lift the blockade on Iranian ports.
- 18 Jun 2026, 05:40:18 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Deal takes 'immediate effect' after both sides sign, Pakistan PM says
Pakistan says that the deal to end the war in Iran is taking “immediate effect” after both sides have signed it, but that there will still be a formal signing ceremony on Friday.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said leaders of both the US and Iran had signed the agreement and endorsed him as a mediator.
He said in a post on X that the deal "shall enter into force with immediate effect and as a first step, the Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade."
Sharif said that Pakistan and co-mediator Qatar will still host an official signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland. His post came shortly after President Donald Trump said he'd signed the agreement during a dinner at the Palace of Versailles.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 05:27:14 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump confirms signing peace deal MoU
US President Donald Trump said he signed the memorandum of understanding with Iran.
"It's signed," Trump said as he left Versailles.
"I signed it in Versailles," Trump said. "Just signed it.
- 18 Jun 2026, 05:21:21 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: The $300 billion fund
US officials are saying the $300 billion fund will, in effect, be paid for by the Iranian neighbours; the example given was them building factories within Iran, Al Jazeera reported.
The US involvement would be to grant licences and provide overall approval for any such project. So, in other words, the US would be in a controlling role.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 05:09:00 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran says mechanism for unfreezing assets finalised in consultation with central bank
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that the mechanism for unfreezing blocked Iranian assets has been finalised in full consultation with the central bank, according to Iran’s Mehr news agency.
Baghaei emphasised that Tehran must have the absolute right to access and use its wealth at will, adding that the US is committed to removing all the existing obstacles.
Baghaei said the central bank had been fully involved in the process to ensure the technical mechanisms were sound, though he declined to specify the exact figures involved.
- 18 Jun 2026, 04:14:22 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: The MoU was signed digitally on Sunday by JD Vance and Iran's Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf
US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war with Iran, a White House official told Reuters.
The memo had been signed digitally on Sunday by Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and witnessed by Trump, the official said.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 03:49:41 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Fate of Friday's signing ceremony unclear
The fate of a planned signing ceremony scheduled for Friday in Switzerland remained unclear, with Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei saying it had been called off.
- 18 Jun 2026, 03:24:27 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump has signed Iran peace deal, US official says
Trump has signed the Iran peace deal, AFP reported, quoting a US official.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 03:16:34 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran says MoU has been signed by both sides electronically
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said that the memorandum of understanding with the United States has been signed electronically.
Speaking to state broadcaster Press TV, Baghaei said the agreement had now been formally signed by both sides electronically.
- 18 Jun 2026, 03:03:51 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iranian chief negotiator says deal is 'record of US failure'
Iran's chief negotiator said the deal with Washington to end the Middle East war after more than three months was a "failure" for the United States.
"The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge," Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on state TV late Wednesday after the text was released by both sides.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 02:51:21 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Republicans offer mixed reactions to US-Iran agreement
Prominent US Republican politicians have displayed mixed reactions to the reported text of the US-Iran agreement.
Lindsey Graham, a senator from South Carolina, wrote on X that he believed the deal was “beneficial to the United States, in as much as the Strait of Hormuz will begin to open” but appeared to offer some scepticism about long-term negotiations.
“Whether or not the United States can reach an acceptable, verifiable deal with Iran regarding its nuclear programme and other issues is yet to be determined, but I see little downside to trying,” he added.
Meanwhile, Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy – who recently lost his reelection bid to a Trump-backed rival – railed against the deal, saying “Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed”.
“This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” he added.
- 18 Jun 2026, 02:03:22 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran says $300 billion has been allocated to be invested in Iran, part of which will be spent on reconstruction
Iran's top negotiator has said that, under the MOU, $300 billion has been allocated for investment in Iran, of which a part will be spent on reconstruction.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 01:55:27 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran says will naturally charge for services in the Strait of Hormuz
Iran's top negotiator has said that Tehran will naturally charge for services in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian state media reported.
- 18 Jun 2026, 01:43:11 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Oil ticks higher
Oil ticked up after two days of stark declines, with prices still broadly pressured by a pending interim peace deal between the US and Iran that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and send millions of barrels back to the market.
West Texas intermediate rose 1% to settle under $77 a barrel. Brent crude, the international benchmark, settled under $80 a barrel. US President Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the interim deal he’s reached with Iran and said it could get signed as soon as Thursday.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 01:40:06 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran and US to end fighting and maritime blockades in the Gulf area per MoU, Iran's official news agency says
Iran and the United States will end fighting on all fronts, per details published Wednesday by Iran's official IRNA news agency, adding that both countries will end naval blockades in the region.
Iran's official news agency released details of the deal planned to be signed on Friday, shortly after a U.S. official released a copy of the text.
Details published by IRNA included U.S. commitments to grant Iran access to its frozen funds and end the blockade on its ships and ports, while Iran commits to facilitating the return of marine traffic in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman to prewar levels and not to produce or acquire nuclear weapons.
- 18 Jun 2026, 01:21:57 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iranian leaders say deal rife with ‘really great victories’
Iranians are saying that they didn’t give concessions, because in the first place, they never intended to produce any nuclear weapons via their programme. They agree that there is going to be a compromise on the level of enrichment, and that’s something that’s going to happen inside Iran.
That’s considered a victory for Iran, because the announced objective of this war, on day one, by the Americans and Israelis, was to remove the nuclear material from Iran by force.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 01:06:18 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US commits to granting Iran access to its frozen funds, report says
The US has committed to granting Iran access to its frozen funds as part of the implementation of the MOU, IRNA reported.
- 18 Jun 2026, 01:03:27 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran and US will agree on a mechanism to release the assets during the negotiations, report says
Iran and the U.S. will agree on a mechanism to release the assets during the negotiations, Iranian News agency IRNA reported.
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- 18 Jun 2026, 12:33:36 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran says US has committed to cancel all sanctions on Iran
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the US has committed to cancel all sanctions on Iran, based on a schedule to be discussed in upcoming talks, SNN reported.
- 18 Jun 2026, 12:14:07 AM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Tehran says considering plan for Iran, US presidents to sign deal
Tehran's foreign ministry on Wednesday said it was considering a plan for the presidents of the US and Iran to sign the deal ending the Middle East war, ahead of the expected ceremony in Switzerland.
"So far, our plans for the Geneva meeting have not changed," ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said.
"Regarding the signing of the memorandum of understanding, one idea is that it be done by the presidents of the two countries, which is currently under review."
Tehran had previously said the United States and Iran would be represented by Vice President JD Vance and parliament speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, respectively.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 11:34:25 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US says Iran agrees to dilute uranium under peace deal
Iran has agreed to dilute its enriched uranium stocks under its interim deal with the United States, senior US administration officials said Friday as they released what they said was the text of the agreement.
"The fact that they're conceding to that is a major, major win for the United States of America," one of the US officials said of the nuclear issue on a call with reporters, AFP reported.
The deal would also reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow Iranian oil sales, while the United States and its allies would also make plans for a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
US officials read the wording on a conference call after days of uncertainty about what was actually included in the deal President Donald Trump announced on Sunday.
The outline deal will be followed by 60 days of negotiations on a final accord -- after which Trump said Washington could simply go back to "bombing" if Iran doesn't agree.
Iran's nuclear program is mentioned in the deal, according to the US officials, with extra clauses compared to drafts of the agreement that were leaked in US and foreign media.
Under the text read out by US officials, the two countries agreed to discuss a mechanism for dealing with Iran's stocks of enriched uranium, which have been at the centre of US allegations that Tehran wants to develop nuclear arms.
It says that the "minimum methodology" would be "down blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA" -- the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Down-blending involves mixing enriched uranium, which can be refined to make atomic bombs, with depleted uranium to reduce its radioactivity.
"They're saying we will destroy the enriched stockpile, and this is how we're going to do it at a minimum," the senior US official said, in what he said was his own commentary on the deal.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 11:23:11 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Senior US officials dictate memorandum with Iran to journalists, report says
Senior U.S. officials dictated the memorandum of understanding with Iran to journalists Wednesday after days of secrecy, and Iran suggested that its deal with the United States could be signed by Presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian.
Such an signing ceremony would represent a major step for the two countries, which saw diplomatic relations break off in 1980 over the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
According to Reuters, the U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity to read the the draft, which Iran has not released, ahead of formal signing ceremony set for Friday.
According to the officials, the draft agreement includes a new “minimum” standard for downblending of highly enriched Iranian uranium and has provisions to ensure the “territorial integrity” of Lebanon after Israel’s latest attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanese territory.
In return, the U.S. will move to waive, but not eliminate, some wide-ranging sanctions against Iran once the deal is signed.
The U.S. draft of the agreement also secures toll-free passage of the Strait of Hormuz for only 60 days, and it does not preclude fees in future, the officials said.
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:53:37 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Armed response forces attackers to retreat from vessel, says UKMTO
US-Iran war LIVE updates: The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that a vessel under threat had successfully deployed its onboard security team and responded with return fire after coming under a suspected attack. According to the update, the unidentified hostile boats subsequently broke off the engagement and moved away, maintaining a distance of more than four nautical miles from the vessel. The situation was brought under control after the defensive response, with no further immediate contact reported.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:38:46 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: On Minab strike that killed 168 kids, Trump says ‘what about…’
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump commented on a US strike on a girls’ school in southern Iran’s Minab, which killed 168 schoolchildren. He said the incident was not intentional and described it as part of the broader nature of war.
“Nobody did that on purpose,” Trump said, adding that the situation was “under investigation.” He also deflected the question by saying, “What about the thousands of soldiers they blew up?”
He added, “Mistakes are made. War is nasty.”
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:34:11 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump thanks Pakistan and Qatar for Iran mediation
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump praised several regional actors for their role in mediation around the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, naming Pakistan and Qatar as key partners while also acknowledging Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates.
Trump said, “Mohamed at the UAE is an incredible warrior,” referring to UAE Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, and added, “He was dropping bombs … I said, ‘Who the hell is dropping all those bombs?’ It was the UAE.”
He also said Gulf nations would take part in discussions on “non-nuclear issues,” including Iran’s ballistic missile programme and regional proxy groups.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:32:25 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says Iran investment ‘could come from others’
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump said the United States will not provide funding for Iran’s reconstruction but suggested that other countries or private investors could step in if they choose. He dismissed reports that the US-Iran memorandum includes a $300bn reconstruction package.
“We’re not putting up money in Iran, but if people want to invest, they can invest,” Trump said, repeating that “we’re not doing anything.” He added that the $300bn figure would only materialise “if they’re doing things right,” without giving further details.
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:31:36 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: ‘Bibi got the best’ out of Iran deal, says Trump
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump said he believes Israeli leaders are satisfied with the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, despite criticism within Israel. He said he personally told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the deal addresses Israel’s primary security concern.
Trump said, “I told Bibi: ‘Bibi, your biggest risk was that they’d drop a nuclear weapon into the middle of Israel…’” He added, “‘Think about it Bibi, you got the best – the most important thing you were asking for … So I think they’re happy.’”
He also said he sent a copy of the deal to the Israeli government.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:29:31 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US has degraded Iran missiles by 84–85%, Trump claims
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump claimed that a large majority of Iran’s missile capability has been destroyed, saying around “84–85 percent” of its missiles have been “knocked out.” He suggested the remaining arsenal is hidden and difficult to deploy.
“The rest of them are underground, they can’t even get them out,” Trump said, adding that Iran “don’t want to be firing missiles right now” and would struggle to rebuild its stockpile after recent strikes and pressure.
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:28:24 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: World leaders ‘thrilled’ about Iran deal, says Trump
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump said international allies are “thrilled” about the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, describing it as a “historic” breakthrough. He claimed he has discussed the agreement with multiple world leaders, including G7 members, and said there is broad approval for the deal.
Trump said, “Many presidents and prime ministers … they are thrilled that we made a deal, every one of them.” He also added, “There’s not one nation that came to us and said, ‘Please sir, keep dropping bombs on them, please keep dropping bombs’.”
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:27:03 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says he brought ‘regime change’ in Iran
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump said his administration has effectively achieved “regime change” in Iran, suggesting the country’s leadership would now act differently following recent developments. He reiterated that he could have continued military action but chose not to, citing concerns about economic fallout.
Trump said, “I think they’re going to behave much differently,” referring to Iran’s leadership. He added, “I didn’t want to see economic catastrophe,” and claimed markets reacted positively whenever prospects of peace were raised, saying, “Every time we talked about the possibility of peace, the market shot up like a rocket ship.”
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:24:27 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says US would resume bombing Iran if deal fails in 60 days
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump said he is prepared to “go back to bombing” Iran if the next stage of negotiations fails to meet his expectations. He linked the continuation of talks to a 60-day timeline, warning of renewed military action if progress is not made.
Trump said, “If it doesn’t get done in 60 days, that’s all right, we go back to bombing. But we might have to, because we’re never going to let them have a nuclear weapon.” The remarks underscore his hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:22:59 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump repeatedly links Iran deal talks to 2020 killing of Soleimani
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump linked the current US-Iran agreement talks to the 2020 killing of Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, saying the negotiations were shaped by that decision rather than recent diplomacy.
Trump said, “This wasn’t a three-month deal. This was years in the making. You know why? Because I was the one who killed General Soleimani. And if I didn’t kill General Soleimani, we probably wouldn’t be talking right now about this deal.”
Soleimani, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force, was killed in a US drone strike in Baghdad in January 2020 during Trump’s first term. Trump described him as “the boss of Iran” and a “mad genius,” and claimed he approved the operation after Israel declined to carry it out.
He added, “That was a joint venture between Israel and us,” referring to the strike, and said Israel had initially informed the US it did not want to proceed.
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:21:24 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says Israel ‘could behave better’ in Lebanon
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump commented on Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, saying the country “could do better with respect to Hezbollah” while still acknowledging its right to self-defence.
He said, “I’m not saying they shouldn’t protect themselves,” but added, “You don’t have to knock down buildings in Beirut. They could behave better.” Trump also praised Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing them as close partners despite his criticism of the conduct of the campaign.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:16:14 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says Iran’s frozen money will have to be released
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump said Iran’s frozen funds may eventually have to be released back to Tehran, describing them as Iranian assets held by the United States. He acknowledged that the money had been blocked during sanctions but suggested this situation cannot remain permanent.
Trump said, “We have their money. It’s their money and we froze. At a certain point of time we have to give it back."
- 17 Jun 2026, 10:14:58 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says ‘I told Netanyahu Israel got what it wanted’
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump said Israel is no longer under threat of being “nuked,” adding that he had personally told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel had achieved what it wanted. He also suggested that Israel is satisfied with the current outcome of the US-Iran understanding.
Trump said, “They’re not gonna be nuked. I told Bibi. You got the best, what you wanted.. I think they’re happy,” referring to Netanyahu and Israel’s position in the evolving regional arrangement.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 10:06:46 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump says US-Iran deal to be signed ‘shortly’
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US President Donald Trump said the new agreement with Iran will be signed “shortly,” possibly within the next day or two. Speaking to reporters, he said Iran also wants to move ahead with the deal.
Trump stated, “So, the deal we reached with Iran on Sunday will be signed shortly, tomorrow, maybe the next day.” His remarks come shortly after he also described the agreement as not final and warned that military action could resume if he is not satisfied with how talks progress.
- 17 Jun 2026, 09:38:39 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US-Iran peace deal may be signed today, says report
US-Iran war LIVE updates: The United States, Iran, and mediators are discussing moving up the signing of their memorandum of understanding (MoU) from Friday to as early as Wednesday, according to Axios.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 09:18:45 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Russia calls for compromise on Iran’s nuclear programme
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Russia’s Rosatom calls for ‘compromise’ on Iran’s nuclear programme
Russian specialists are expected to soon return to Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, according to the head of Russia’s state nuclear company.
The plant “remains our priority,” Rosatom’s Alexey Likhachev said in a statement carried by Iran’s semiofficial Tasnim news agency.
“We welcome the efforts to reach a compromise on Iran’s nuclear programme with the participation of the IAEA [International Atomic Energy Agency],” he added, but said the agency must “take into account the interests of all parties”.
Bushehr came under repeated attacks by the US and Israel following their offensive against Iran, prompting the evacuation of nearly 200 Rosatom employees in April.
- 17 Jun 2026, 09:14:10 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Macron says deal ‘ends fighting everywhere’ from Hormuz to Lebanon
US-Iran war LIVE updates: French President Emmanuel Macron said the US-Iran memorandum of understanding does not resolve all outstanding issues immediately, but still represents “a good thing” for regional stability. Speaking to reporters, he argued that continued conflict risked wider economic and humanitarian damage across the Middle East.
Macron said the agreement helps prevent escalation in key flashpoints, including the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon, adding that ongoing war could have destabilised global energy supplies and prolonged loss of life. He described the deal as a step that reduces violence across the region, even if major disputes remain unresolved.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 09:11:16 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Hamas calls Israel's settlement expansion in Palestine a ‘political crime’
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Hamas has condemned Israel’s reported approval of around 576 new settlement units in the occupied West Bank, calling the move further “aggression” against Palestinians. Israeli media said the Higher Planning Council also approved a religious school project in Hebron.
Hamas official Abdul Rahman Shadid said in a statement shared on Telegram that “these settlements will not grant any legitimacy or right to the occupation of our land”. He added that “every new settlement decision constitutes a political crime and a blatant violation of international law”.
The approvals come amid rising tensions in the West Bank, where Palestinians have reported increased Israeli military and settler activity during the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
- 17 Jun 2026, 09:09:10 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Israel approves 576 new settlement units in occupied West Bank
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Israel has approved new construction plans to expand a Jewish school for settlers in the centre of Hebron in the occupied West Bank, according to Reuters. The move comes amid broader Israeli efforts to increase settlement activity in the area, which Palestinians say violates longstanding agreements governing the city.
The expansion was announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich shortly after he said parts of the Hebron Agreement, which previously gave the Palestinian municipality limited planning authority, had been scrapped. Palestinians argue the changes undermine local governance and could further restrict Palestinian access to services in the historic city.
Hebron’s contested enclave, home to both Israeli settlers and tens of thousands of Palestinians, remains a major flashpoint, with concerns rising that the new measures could intensify tensions and deepen displacement fears.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 09:06:20 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Israel rejects US request to withdraw troops from Lebanon
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Israel has rejected a US request to withdraw troops from southern Lebanon, citing the continued presence of Hezbollah. The disagreement comes as Washington and Tehran push ahead with a broader interim agreement that includes efforts to reduce hostilities in the region.
According to Israeli official Zev Elkin, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the US president: “We understand the concerns, but this is a critical issue for our national security and we won’t pull out.” Israel argues that its military presence is necessary due to ongoing threats from Hezbollah.
The US-Iran draft agreement reportedly calls for a halt to hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon, and Iran has pushed for a clause requiring Israel to leave its so-called “security zone.” However, US officials have indicated that Israeli withdrawal is not a condition of the deal.
US President Donald Trump has expressed frustration with the prolonged conflict, saying the fighting has “dragged on too long” and at times risks undermining diplomatic progress. Israeli officials, however, say they expect continued US scrutiny as negotiations advance.
Talks between Israel and Lebanon are ongoing, including proposals for “pilot zones” where Israeli forces would gradually hand over territory to the Lebanese army. The broader negotiations are scheduled to continue later this month.
- 17 Jun 2026, 09:01:20 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran and China discuss US-Iran interim agreement
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Iran and China discussed the US-Iran interim agreement in a phone call between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, ahead of its expected signing on Friday. The conversation focused on the contents of the deal and its implementation.
According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, Araghchi “thanked Beijing for its support for the negotiation process as well as its support for the relevant memorandum of understanding”.
Wang Yi “welcomed the memorandum of understanding … and praised the responsible and diplomatic approach of the Islamic Republic of Iran in resolving issues and advancing dialogue,” the statement said. He also “announced China’s readiness to facilitate its implementation, strengthen regional interactions and help resolve the ambiguities and challenges between the countries of the region”.
Both sides “emphasised the need for the international community to support this memorandum of understanding” and highlighted the UN Security Council’s role in ensuring it is implemented in full.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 08:58:21 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: US-Iran deal puts Trump under 60-day political spotlight
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Donald Trump’s political standing is expected to be closely tied to the next 60 days of US-Iran negotiations, according to analysis from Washington. Although Trump has tried to shift attention to other domestic issues, the deal remains politically sensitive and is likely to dominate questions at public appearances.
The agreement is not final and could extend beyond 60 days if both sides agree to continue talks, leaving significant uncertainty. Analysts say this prolonged negotiation process will keep pressure on Trump, with potential consequences for both the US economy and his political position. (Al Jazeera)
- 17 Jun 2026, 08:57:20 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Macron says G7 unanimously welcomes US-Iran deal
US-Iran war LIVE updates: French President Emmanuel Macron told G7 leaders that the group “unanimously welcomes” the US-Iran agreement brokered by President Donald Trump. He said the deal is supported because it addresses a major source of regional instability and its wider economic fallout.
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- 17 Jun 2026, 08:56:29 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Macron calls for full and immediate Lebanon ceasefire
US-Iran war LIVE updates: At the G7 summit, French President Emmanuel Macron called for a “full and immediate” ceasefire in Lebanon, saying it is “absolutely necessary” and urging that any US-Iran understanding must also protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. While Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have eased, they have not stopped completely.
Macron also said G7 leaders “unanimously welcome” the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, calling it a step toward reducing instability and easing economic pressures linked to regional conflict.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said the deal is not final and warned that military action against Iran could resume if talks fail. He described the agreement as a “very strong” framework aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, while also stressing that Israel should exercise “good judgement” in Lebanon.
The developments come amid continued tensions in southern Lebanon, where Israeli drone strikes and skirmishes have left soldiers injured, and broader uncertainty remains over the fragile ceasefire process.
- 17 Jun 2026, 08:55:27 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Trump is ‘abandoning Israel’, says Israeli media
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Israeli media has been sharply critical of Donald Trump, with commentary suggesting he is “abandoning Israel” amid emerging diplomatic shifts. Reports indicate frustration over perceived changes in US support, especially as discussions point to Israel scaling back military activity in Lebanon and potentially reducing strikes. This has sparked concerns in Israel about a breakdown in trust between Washington and Tel Aviv.
Despite the criticism, Israeli leaders — including the prime minister and defence minister — have insisted there will be no withdrawal from what they describe as “buffer zones” in Lebanon, Syria, or Gaza. Officials argue that maintaining these positions is central to Israel’s long-term security strategy and political standing.
The debate in Israel is now focused less on reversing policy and more on managing tensions with the US while maintaining its regional military posture, particularly as domestic political pressures and upcoming elections loom. (Al Jazeera)
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- 17 Jun 2026, 08:40:31 PM IST
US-Iran war LIVE updates: Are shipping routes ready for a return to Hormuz?
US-Iran war LIVE updates: The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint, is expected to reopen after nearly four months following a US–Iran peace deal.
According to AFP analysis, shipping could technically resume almost immediately once formal approval is given, though a return to normal operations is likely to take time. Hundreds of vessels and thousands of seafarers have been stranded during the closure, with some ships requiring maintenance, hull cleaning, and crew rotations before fully re-entering service. Maritime experts note that insurers may initially demand higher war-risk premiums and even naval escorts for transits. While some tankers—particularly those not tied to major listed operators—may be the first to pass, full recovery of traffic through the strait could take several months. Analysts estimate that crude flows may not return to pre-war levels for four to six months, as supply chains adjust and alternative trade routes remain in use.