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US-Iran peace deal

Ghalibaf says Iran won't enter further talks until MoU terms met

  • On Feb 28, US and Israel launched strikes on Iran
  • Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in strikes; Mojtaba succeeded him.
  • A two-week ceasefire began on April 8 and was later extended indefinitely.
  • Pakistan hosted first US-Iran face-to-face talks in 47 years; no breakthrough, but talks continued.
  • US, Iran reach preliminary deal to end conflict, hold talks in Switzerland

US in strong position regardless of Iran negotiations outcome, Vance says

US Vice President JD Vance said the United States would remain in a strong position regardless of how negotiations with Iran unfold, in a Fox interview aired on Tuesday.

“I actually think that the United States is in a great position however the negotiation ultimately shakes out. If the negotiation is successful, which obviously we want it to be successful, you have an Iran that is permanently transformed,” he said.

Vance added that even if the negotiations fail, saying “the Iranians don’t behave,” Iran’s nuclear programme would be “still destroyed” and its conventional military “still destroyed,” while the United States would remain in a stronger position relative to Iran.
 

Bodies of Khamenei and family members have not been buried

The spokesperson for the funeral committee said on Tuesday the bodies of the Ali Khamenei and his family members have not been buried or laid to rest, and have been preserved under “religious and legal standards.”

“For the first time we announce that the pure body of our martyred Imam and his family members, with full respect and care, have been preserved in accordance with Sharia and legal standards,” Iman Attarzadeh said, adding that the bodies have neither been buried nor formally entrusted elsewhere.

“Rumors circulating on social media that the body of the martyred leader of the revolution was buried at the shrine of Masumeh in Qom are completely false and have no validity,” Attarzadeh posted on X.
 

Qatar says it will continue mediation in US-Iran talks

Qatar says it will continue its mediation efforts in US-Iran talks and support all tracks stemming from the memorandum of understanding between the two countries, according to its foreign ministry.

The remarks were made by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani during a meeting with US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, where they discussed developments in the ongoing talks.
 

Ghalibaf says Iran won't enter further talks until MoU terms met

Iranian Parliament Speaker and top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Iran would not enter further negotiations until conditions set out in the memorandum of understanding are met, adding that current meetings were aimed at fulfilling its commitments.

“The announcement of the end of the war by Pakistan’s prime minister and Donald Trump’s tweet about the lifting of the maritime blockade were among the major successes of the memorandum of understanding,” Ghalibaf said.

“In implementing the end of the war, differences will certainly arise,” Ghalibaf added.

“We are following up the process of talks to implement Article 13 of the memorandum of understanding,” he said.

Article 13 says that after the memorandum of understanding is signed, and subject to the start and continuation of measures under paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11, the United States and Iran will begin negotiations on a final deal exclusively on the remaining paragraphs.
 

Iranian deputy foreign minister to hold talks with Qatari officials in Doha tomorrow

Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that the country's deputy foreign minister will travel to Doha on Wednesday for talks with Qatari officials, focusing on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) and regional developments.

In a statement, the ministry said work is continuing on implementing various provisions of the MoU.

It added that recent progress toward easing the blockade and relaxing restrictions on the sale of Iranian oil has been viewed positively by Tehran.

The ministry said that a final agreement remains contingent on an end to the war in Lebanon, adding that the implementation of Article 13 of the memorandum is considered essential for the success of the negotiations.

According to Iranian officials, establishing an effective ceasefire mechanism in Lebanon is of critical importance to paving the way for lasting peace.

The foreign ministry further said that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon and efforts to monitor and manage the situation are being treated with utmost seriousness, with diplomatic initiatives continuing on the issue.

Araghchi calls alleged US attack on Iranian frigate a 'sign of cowardice'

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has condemned the alleged US submarine attack on the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, calling it a "sign of cowardice" and a war crime, Al Jazeera reported.

Speaking during a visit to an exhibition displaying belongings recovered from the vessel's crew, Araghchi said the attack took place in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka, where 87 bodies were later recovered following the torpedo strike.

He described the incident as an unlawful act, claiming the frigate was attacked without engaging in military action, carrying weapons, or receiving any prior warning, and said the attack would be remembered as a war crime.

 

 

Gulf markets end mixed as investors watch US-Iran talks in Doha

Gulf stock markets closed mixed on Tuesday as investor sentiment remained cautious amid uncertainty over whether indirect US-Iran talks in Doha would produce progress towards ending the four-month conflict, Al Jazeera reported.

Saudi Arabia's benchmark stock index bucked the regional trend, edging up 0.1%. However, Dubai's main index fell 0.6%, led by a 1.8% decline in shares of Emirates NBD.

In Abu Dhabi, the benchmark index slipped 0.4%, while Qatar's main index eased 0.1%, weighed down by a 2.2% drop in Qatar National Bank, the Gulf's largest lender.

 

Iran says IAEA still denied access to nuclear sites

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has said the International Atomic Energy Agency has not been granted access to inspect Iran's nuclear facilities, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.

Baghaei also criticised the UN nuclear watchdog over what he described as its "shortcomings" and urged IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to concentrate on his professional responsibilities rather than engaging in what he called "campaign-style publicity."

China calls for maintaining talks momentum between US, Iran

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for maintaining the momentum of negotiations between the US and Iran in a meeting in Beijing with his Saudi counterpart, Reuters reports citing the state-run news agency Xinhua.

“The current ceasefire remains fragile, but talking is better than fighting, and dialogue is better than confrontation,” Wang says, adding that Beijing is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to ease tensions in the region and promote lasting peace. 

Iran warns of swift response to any US breach of memorandum

Iran has warned it will respond decisively to any US violation of the memorandum of understanding designed to end the conflict in the Middle East, as delegations from both countries prepare for indirect talks in Qatar, AFP reported.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran would not leave any hostile action unanswered.

He said Iran's armed forces had already demonstrated their ability to respond swiftly and decisively to any aggression targeting the country's interests. Baghaei added that any such action would amount to a breach of the memorandum's first article and warned that repeated violations could jeopardise the continuation of the agreement.


 

Iran rules out talks with US officials in Doha

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has dismissed reports of imminent talks with US officials, saying Tehran has no plans to hold meetings with the American side "at any level" in the coming days, Al Jazeera reported.

Speaking to reporters, Baghaei said discussions scheduled in Doha would focus on implementing provisions of a memorandum of understanding with Qatari officials, including the release of Iran's restricted assets.

He reiterated that no meetings with US representatives have been planned at any level over the next few days.

 

Iran says no foreign help needed for mine clearance in Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baghaei, has said there is no need for other countries to take part in mine clearance operations in the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a press briefing, Baghaei said mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz is Iran's responsibility under the existing memorandum of understanding and does not require intervention by any external party, according to Iran's Fars news agency.
 

US envoys in Doha for indirect Iran talks through mediators, says Qatar

Two senior US envoys, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, have arrived in Doha, Qatar, to participate in discussions aimed at advancing negotiations with Iran, according to Qatar's Foreign Ministry.

A spokesperson for the ministry said the American officials are not scheduled to hold face-to-face meetings with Iranian representatives. Instead, they will meet with mediators overseeing the talks to review developments and discuss the progress of the ongoing negotiations.

The spokesperson also stated that the transfer of $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets to Tehran has not yet taken place.
 

Gulf stocks slip as investors await possible US-Iran talks

Major stock markets across the Gulf traded cautiously in early dealings on Tuesday as investors awaited the possibility of renewed US-Iran talks in Doha amid a fragile ceasefire following the four-month conflict, Reuters reported.

Saudi Arabia’s benchmark stock index slipped 0.2%, weighed down by a 0.5% decline in shares of oil giant Saudi Aramco.

Meanwhile, Brent crude futures for August delivery, which expire today, fell 1%, or 75 cents, to $72.40 a barrel as of 11:53am PKT. Oil prices are now about $20, or 22%, below last month’s closing level.

 

Pezeshkian reaffirms Iran's resolve to defend national rights and interests

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has declared that Tehran has never accepted and will never accept demands "imposed by its enemies," according to Iran's Tasnim news agency.

Speaking during a meeting with scholars at a seminary in Qom, Pezeshkian said the government had conducted negotiations with the United States from a position of dignity and strength, aiming to protect the rights of the Iranian people while safeguarding the country's national interests.

Responding to questions about the negotiations, the Iranian president reaffirmed that the Islamic Republic would not retreat from the people's rights, its core principles, or national interests under any circumstances. He added that Iran's greatest sources of strength remain faith in God, public support, and the country's leadership.

Oman says Iran holds primary responsibility for keeping Hormuz free of mine risks

Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi told French media that “responsibility for ensuring the strait and internationally recognised shipping lanes are free of any mine-related hazards primarily rests with Iran” as per the MoU between the US and Iran.

Germany's foreign ministry says US-Iran agreement to cease attacks is an 'important step'

 In a post on X, Germany's foreign ministry called the mutual agreement between the US and Iran to halt mutual attacks an "important step", adding that the priority now is that safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

 

 

Iranian and French FMs discuss MoU

Iran’s foreign minister has discussed the memorandum of understanding and its implementation during a phone call with his French counterpart, according to Iranian state media.

Abbas Araghchi and Jean-Noel Barrot “reviewed and exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments” regarding the US-Iran MoU, with “the aim of ending the war imposed by” US and Israel against Iran, according to the IRIB broadcaster. 

Iran says final US deal talks depend on implementation of MoU terms

Iran has said that discussions with the United States on a final agreement, including issues related to its nuclear programme, have not begun yet, citing pending conditions under an interim memorandum of understanding.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the launch of negotiations for a comprehensive deal would depend on the implementation of several points included in the memorandum. He stated that Tehran must first see progress on the agreed provisions before moving into the next stage of talks.

“We have not yet entered the negotiation phase for a final agreement,” Baghaei said in remarks reported by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

According to the spokesperson, the memorandum’s Article 13 links discussions on a final agreement with the implementation of specific sections, including Articles 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11.
 

Two revolutionary guards killed by unknown gunmen, Iran state media says

Two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards were killed and two ‌others wounded in ‌what the Guards described as a "terrorist" shooting in the western province ‌of Kermanshah on Monday evening, ‌state media reported on Tuesday.

The attackers opened fire outside the Guards members' home and authorities were investigating to identify those responsible, state media reported. 

Oil falls as investors focus on potential Iran-US talks in Doha

Oil prices dipped on Tuesday and were poised for ‌a second month of declines, with investors eyeing potential U.S.-Iran talks in Doha amid a strained interim ceasefire in the four-month-old war.

Brent August crude futures , which expire on Tuesday, were down 0.9%, or 64 cents, at $72.51 a barrel as of 0356 GMT. These levels are around $20, or 22%, lower than last month's closing. The more actively traded September contract was down 0.4%, or 31 cents, at $73.6 a barrel.

Iran ready to fulfill commitments if US complies, says Pezeshkian

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran would honor its commitments if the United States also abides by the agreement, stressing that mutual understanding requires reciprocal action.

In a post on X, he wrote, “Mutual understanding is a two-way street. If the American side adheres to the agreement, we will also fulfill our commitments.”

He added that Iran would respond to “unreasonable saber-rattling and baseless threats” with rational decision-making while defending itself “decisively and fearlessly” whenever necessary.
 

Israel-Lebanon deal may entrench stalemate rather than end war, analysts say

A security deal between Israel and Lebanon risks entrenching a stalemate rather than resolving Israel's underlying conflict with Hezbollah by tying Israel's pullout from southern Lebanon to the Iran-aligned group's disarmament, a condition regional analysts and politicians say is unattainable.

At its core is a bargain few see as workable: Hezbollah has flatly rejected disarmament, ‌and no Lebanese government has the power to enforce it.

Only Iran to carry out demining in Strait of Hormuz, says deputy FM

The removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz will be carried out solely by Iran, its deputy foreign minister said, pushing back on remarks by French President Emmanuel Macron suggesting that France, Oman and others would collaborate on the task.

On Monday, following a meeting in France with the Sultan of Oman, Macron said the two countries had decided to collaborate with partners on clearing mines from the strait “to secure maritime routes and guarantee free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said in response to Macron that, under the agreement signed with the United States, his country alone would carry out demining in the strait, Reuters reported.

He advised France not to complicate a sensitive situation, the news agency said.
 

Trump and Iran issue conflicting statements about Qatar talks

The US president says fresh talks are set for today in Qatar, but Iran says no meetings are scheduled.

Iran said that no negotiation meetings are scheduled with the US at any level in the coming days. However, President Donald Trump said the US will meet with Iran in Qatar Tuesday, and two US officials said US envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Doha.
 

US Special Envoy Witkoff en route to Qatar

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is currently en route to Doha, two US officials tell CNN. It was not immediately clear if Witkoff and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner were traveling together to the Qatari capital.

Trump said earlier Monday that the US would meet with Iran in Doha on Tuesday. A senior US official, meanwhile, told CNN over the weekend that technical talks regarding the memorandum of understanding were “on track” as planned despite a recent exchange of fire.

Iran, however, said Monday that no negotiation meetings are scheduled with the US at any level in the coming days, as Tehran remains focused on implementing the memorandum of understanding rather than moving to final agreement talks.
 

US lawmaker calls to end 'US-backed war crimes' in Lebanon

Rashida Tlaib, a Democratic congresswoman, has said that she will force another vote in Congress to end US involvement in the Israeli “apartheid regime’s campaign of ethnic cleansing and territorial expansion” in Lebanon.

“Congress must vote to end US support for these atrocities and force an end to Israel’s invasion and illegal military occupation of Lebanese territory,” she wrote on X.
 

Pezeshkian says Iran will honour MoU if US upholds commitments

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will abide by the memorandum of understanding with the United States if Washington honours its commitments, signaling continued support for diplomacy despite recent tensions.

"Understanding is a two-way matter. If the American side abides by the memorandum, we will also fulfill our commitments," Pezeshkian wrote on X.

He added that Iran's response to "unreasonable rhetoric and baseless threats" is to rely on "rationality and human dignity in decision-making, and firm and fearless action when necessary."

The remarks come as Tehran and Washington prepare for another round of technical talks aimed at implementing the interim agreement after recent exchanges of strikes threatened to derail the fragile deal.
 

Trump says Doha meeting with Iran 'perhaps important, perhaps not'

US President Donald Trump said the US-Iran meeting in Qatar this week would be “perhaps important, perhaps not,” speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday. 

Emiratis allowed to travel to Lebanon as UAE eases restrictions

The United Arab Emirates has lifted its travel ban on Lebanon, allowing Emirati citizens to visit the country starting today, according to the UAE's state news agency WAM.

The move marks a reversal of the travel restrictions imposed earlier this year amid regional security concerns.

However, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has made it mandatory for citizens travelling to Lebanon to register through its official emergency and support platform before departure.

The registration requirement is aimed at enabling authorities to provide assistance to Emirati nationals in case of emergencies during their stay.

On April 30, the UAE suspended travel to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq for its citizens, citing regional developments.

At the time, the Foreign Ministry also urged Emiratis already in those countries to leave immediately and return home.

Israel-Lebanon security deal may prolong stalemate, analysts warn

A proposed security agreement between Israel and Lebanon could prolong the current deadlock rather than resolve the long-running conflict with Hezbollah, according to regional analysts and political observers.

The agreement reportedly links Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah's disarmament, a condition that experts say is highly unlikely to be met. Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected calls to surrender its weapons, while Lebanon's government is widely viewed as lacking the authority to enforce such a move.

Analysts argue that as long as Hezbollah remains armed, Israel could use the unmet condition as justification to maintain an open-ended military presence in southern Lebanon.

Israel launched its latest operation in southern Lebanon after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli territory on March 2, saying the attack was carried out in support of Tehran during the conflict with Iran.
 

Qatar suspends sailing and recreational maritime activities

Qatar has announced the temporary suspension of sailing and several other maritime activities until further notice as a precautionary measure.

According to the Qatari Ministry of Transport, the restrictions apply to leisure boats, fishing vessels, jet skis and all other recreational maritime craft. However, ships operating under international maritime conventions are exempt from the suspension.

The ministry did not provide a reason for the decision. The move comes a day after Qatar confirmed that one of its citizens died from shrapnel injuries sustained during what it described as "military operations in the region" after his vessel went missing.

Witkoff, Kushner to join US-Iran talks in Doha, White House confirms

US President Donald Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, will travel to Doha this week to participate in high-level meetings, including expected talks with Iranian officials, the White House has confirmed.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said the two officials would attend discussions in the Qatari capital as part of ongoing efforts related to a memorandum of understanding.

Speaking to Fox News, Leavitt said that technical-level talks with Iran would also take place on the sidelines of the high-level meetings in Doha.

 

Iraq sets September 30 deadline for pro-Iran groups to disarm

Iraq’s government has given pro-Iran armed groups in the country until September 30 to disarm, its spokesman has said during a press conference, AFP reports.

The announcement comes ahead of a visit to the United States by new Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, with Washington exerting pressure on Baghdad to ensure the factions turn in their weapons.

Some of the groups targeted US facilities in Iraq during the Middle East war, which was sparked by Israeli-American strikes against Iran in late February.
 

Trump claims oil and gasoline prices are 'falling'

US President Donald Trump has claimed that oil and gasoline prices are falling, saying the decline reflects improving market conditions.

In separate posts on his Truth Social platform, Trump said West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $69 per barrel and predicted prices would continue to drop.

“WTI crude — $69, and heading down. This is lower than it was before the start of the denuclearisation of Iran,” he wrote.

Trump also said gasoline prices were “coming down fast” and urged Americans to report any instances of excessive pricing by fuel retailers.

 

Trump says US-Iran talks to be held in Doha tomorrow

US President Donald Trump has announced that American and Iranian officials are scheduled to meet in Doha tomorrow, claiming the talks were initiated at Tehran’s request.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “Iran has requested a meeting. It will take place tomorrow in Doha.”

Iran says no technical meetings scheduled with US this week

Iran has said that no technical meetings between its officials and the United States are scheduled this week under the framework of the existing memorandum of understanding.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that working groups linked to the understanding will not hold technical-level discussions with the US side during the current week.

He added that consultations with Qatar are continuing, including discussions focused on monitoring and following up on the implementation of commitments made by the other side.

Saudi FM to visit China as regional tensions persist

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud will begin a two-day official visit to China on Tuesday for talks expected to focus on bilateral ties and regional developments amid renewed tensions involving Iran and the United States.

According to China's Foreign Ministry, Prince Faisal will visit Beijing on Tuesday and Wednesday at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

The visit comes at a sensitive time for the region following renewed exchanges between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, despite a recently signed memorandum of understanding aimed at easing hostilities after the US-Israel conflict with Iran. The two sides have also held technical talks in Switzerland as part of efforts to advance a broader peace agreement.

Ending Israeli aggression essential for Middle East peace, says Turkish official

Turkish Parliament Speaker Numan Kurtulmus has said ending what he described as Israel’s ongoing military actions is essential for achieving lasting peace in the Middle East.

Speaking at the opening of a NATO summit in Istanbul, Kurtulmus stated that stopping the Israeli government's policies would not only enable Palestinians to live in peace and security but would also contribute to regional and global stability.

He stressed that a durable peace in the Middle East cannot be achieved without justice for the Palestinian people, who, he said, have endured decades of Israeli actions.

“Bringing an end to the Israeli government’s aggression would not only secure peace for Palestinians but would also help ensure peace across the world,” Kurtulmus said.


 

Iranian, US technical teams to meet in Doha soon on MOU implementation, source says

Iranian and US technical teams working on the implementation of a memorandum ‌of understanding are ‌set to meet in Doha in the coming days, a source ‌with knowledge of the talks ‌told Reuters.

Mediators have established communications channels to de-escalate any incidents, and technical talks are set to continue, the source added.

Iranian president says half of Iran's $12 billion assets in Qatar should be released

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that after Tehran’s agreement ‌with the United States, which includes the lifting of ‌oil and petrochemical sanctions, $6 billion out of $12 billion of assets frozen ‌in Qatar should be released and ‌returned to Iran, the IRNA news agency reported. 

Iran and Oman hold first meeting of joint committee of Strait of Hormuz, Iranian deputy minister says

Iran and Oman have conducted the first meeting of a joint committee ‌on the Strait ‌of Hormuz in Muscat, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on ‌X.

Gharibabadi said ‌they had exchanged views on Gulf coastal states’ sovereign rights as well as on the strait’s future management based on the interim deal signed this month by Tehran and Washington.

US Army paratrooper conducts small arms training in the Middle East

Iran warns Bahrain of 'harsh response' if provoked further

Iran has issued a warning to Bahrain, saying it could take tougher measures and respond more forcefully if further actions are taken against it.

Ali Akbar Velayati, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader, said Bahrain should avoid steps that could increase tensions and warned that continued provocation could lead Tehran to adopt what he described as “harsh decisions.”

The remarks were reported by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News, as regional tensions continue to rise.

Israel damaged heritage sites across south Lebanon, minister says

A crown was blown off an ancient column in a UNESCO-listed site in Lebanon's port city of Tyre. A pilgrimage site for Muslims and Christians alike was destroyed in another southern town. Israeli strikes pummelled the Mamluk-era market in the city of Nabatieh and troops razed centuries-old Lebanese border towns.

Israel's ‌nearly four-month air and ground campaign that it says was targeting Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah has damaged or destroyed revered heritage sites across southern Lebanon, Lebanese Culture Minister Ghassan Salame told Reuters.

Despite a ceasefire that took hold a week ago, authorities have yet to build a full picture of the damage as Israeli troops still occupy a zone about 10 km (6.2 miles) deep into Lebanon that is off-limits to Lebanese, Salame said.

Hezbollah reserves right to self-defence

Hezbollah on Monday said it reserved the right to self-defence after several Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon despite a truce between the two sides and a US–Israel–Lebanon framework to end hostilities.

In a statement, the group said that it “reiterates that what the enemy has done is a blatant violation of the ceasefire to which it has adhered until now, and that it is monitoring and tracking these violations, and reserves its right to defend its homeland and its people”.

Oil climbs following renewed US, Iran strikes in Middle East

Oil prices rose on Monday following days of tit-for-tat strikes by the ‌U.S. and Iran that underscored the fragility of their interim peace deal and again slowed energy shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude futures climbed 58 cents, or 0.8%, to $72.57 a barrel at 0207 GMT ?while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude was at $70.11 a barrel, up 88 cents, or ?1.3%.

"There's still plenty of risk facing the oil market. Even so, participants ?appear to be ... focusing on what a continued recovery in oil flows would mean for ?the global balance," ING analysts said in a note on Monday. 

Asian stocks wobble as US, Iran halt hostilities

Asian stocks wobbled Monday as Iran and the United States agreed to halt recent hostilities that had cast a shadow over their interim peace deal, while oil prices remained supported by uncertainty and the dollar held near a one-year high.

The return to diplomacy follows several days of tit-for-tat strikes after an Iranian projectile hit a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz last week, with both sides accusing the other of violating the interim ceasefire.

S&P 500 and Nasdaq futures gained 0.4% in early trading. South Korea's KOSPI fell nearly 2%, while Japan's Nikkei slipped 1%, leaving MSCI's broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares down 0.4%.
 

Araghchi proposes new regional security framework

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran is ready to partner with Persian Gulf states to build a new regional security architecture, arguing that recent events had demonstrated the need for regional countries to take responsibility for their own security.

Speaking after a meeting with Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Aboudi, Araghchi said regional powers should draw lessons from recent months and collectively shape the region's future security arrangements.

He said any security framework should also include economic cooperation and stressed that military powers from outside the region should be excluded.
 

Oil futures rise on continued US-Iran hostilities

Oil futures rose slightly Sunday as US-Iran hostilities continued for a fourth consecutive day and with Iran insisting on control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent crude, the international benchmark, rose 0.9% to $72.20 a barrel, and US crude climbed 1.3%, to $70.09 a barrel. On Friday, oil prices reached their lowest levels since the war began, with Brent settling at about $72 and US crude closing around $69.

Oil prices saw declines last week on hopes the 60-day ceasefire would restore oil flows through the strait, which accounts for one-fifth of the world supply flow. Oil tanker traffic increased following the signing of the agreement on June 17, with the US and Iran stating that the strait would reopen without fees.
 

Technical talks with Iran on track despite recent exchange of fire, US official says

Technical talks regarding the US-Iran memorandum of understanding are still “on track,” a senior US administration official said Sunday.

“Nothing has been cancelled. Technical talks regarding the implementation of MoU are on track for the coming days as planned, and deconfliction channels are up and running after the Lake Lucerne Summit,” the official said, referring to recent talks in Switzerland led on the US side by Vice President JD Vance.
 

US, Iran agree to halt strikes and meet this week in Doha

The US and Iran agreed to stop attacking each other, according to a senior US official, as the two sides plan to meet Tuesday in Qatar's capital to work out their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.  

UK condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait

The United Kingdom has strongly condemned Iran's recent attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, describing them as reckless and warning that they threaten civilian lives and regional stability.

In a post on X, British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper denounced the attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait and in the Strait of Hormuz, saying they also endangered international shipping and freedom of navigation.

She stressed that such actions put civilians at risk and increase tensions in an already volatile region.

Cooper also underscored the importance of implementing the US-Iran agreement, saying its full execution is essential to protect lives, ensure the safe movement of ships and support regional stability.

Iran reaffirms commitment to ending Israel-Lebanon conflict, says Parliament Speaker

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to ending the conflict between Israel and Lebanon during a telephone conversation with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri.

According to Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Ghalibaf discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and said the first provision of the memorandum with the United States focuses on ending hostilities in Lebanon and safeguarding the country's territorial integrity.

He added that Iran is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

During the conversation, Berri welcomed Iran's diplomatic initiatives, saying they served the interests of the Lebanese people. He also accused the United States of overlooking Lebanon's sovereignty in its approach to the conflict and criticized Washington's policies toward Israel.

 

Ishaq Dar, Saudi FM discuss regional situation, reaffirm commitment to peace

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the evolving regional situation, Pakistan's Foreign Office said.

According to a statement, the two leaders held detailed discussions on recent developments in the region and expressed deep concern over the current situation.

During the conversation, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting regional peace through continued diplomatic efforts under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

The deputy prime minister also conveyed condolences on behalf of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani people over the helicopter crash in Saudi Arabia that claimed 14 lives.

The Foreign Office said Prince Faisal thanked Pakistan for its message of solidarity and informed Dar that he intends to visit Pakistan at the earliest on mutually convenient dates.

 

Italy condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, urges restraint

Italy has strongly condemned Iran's latest attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, warning that any further escalation could undermine recent diplomatic progress in the region.

In a post on X, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed Italy's full solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait, describing the attacks as unacceptable.

Tajani stressed the importance of preventing further escalation, saying it was essential to preserve the diplomatic understandings reached through sustained efforts.

He also reaffirmed Italy's commitment to protecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and reiterated Rome's support for achieving lasting peace and stability across the Middle East.

GCC condemns Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has strongly condemned the Iranian attacks on Bahrain and Kuwait, describing them as a serious threat to regional security and stability.

In a statement, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi said the strikes undermine international and regional efforts aimed at promoting peace, security and resolving the ongoing crisis.

He said the attacks posed a direct threat to the safety of citizens and residents in Bahrain and Kuwait and constituted a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Al-Budaiwi reaffirmed the GCC's full support for all measures taken by Bahrain and Kuwait to strengthen their security, protect their sovereignty and preserve the territorial integrity of both countries.
 

Khamenei demands justice for alleged civilian casualties and war damage in Iran

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has said that the physical and psychological harm suffered by every Iranian during what he described as the country's second and third "Imposed Wars" should be pursued through legal action in both domestic and international courts.

In a statement, Khamenei said each case of alleged civilian suffering, including the killing of children, alleged war crimes in Minab and Lamerd, and attacks on medical facilities, constitutes an individual legal case that must be formally prosecuted.

He stressed that those responsible should be held accountable through legal proceedings at both the national and international levels.

Iran's Supreme Leader calls for legal action against 'international criminals'

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has called for legal action against what he described as "international criminals," saying holding those responsible accountable is one of Iran's most urgent legal priorities.

According to Iran's Press TV, Khamenei said the deaths and widespread damage caused by what he described as the US and Israeli wars against Iran in June 2025 and February 2026 have created the basis for hundreds, if not thousands, of legal cases.

He said the alleged physical, psychological, financial and moral harm suffered by Iranians, both inside and outside the country, must be addressed through legal channels.

"The criminals must be brought to justice and held accountable for their actions," Khamenei said.

 

Saudi Arabia condemns Iran's attacks on Kuwait, Bahrain

The Saudi Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned what it described as Iran's blatant attacks targeting the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as actions threatening security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

EU praises Pakistan's diplomacy, voices concern over ceasefire violations

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar, held a telephone conversation with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, to discuss the rapidly evolving regional situation.

During the call, the two leaders reviewed recent developments in the region. Kallas appreciated Pakistan's sincere diplomatic efforts that culminated in the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). However, she also expressed serious concern over recent ceasefire violations and stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open to prevent further escalation.

Dar briefed the EU foreign policy chief on Pakistan's continued diplomatic engagement aimed at establishing a comprehensive framework for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.

The conversation reaffirmed the importance of dialogue and sustained diplomatic efforts to address regional challenges and promote peace.

Iran FM calls for a security framework with Gulf countries

Iran’s foreign minister has called for the establishment of a security framework with Gulf countries, after Iranian strikes against US bases in the Gulf in retaliation for American attacks, AFP reports.

“We should reach a new framework that includes all countries in the region and without the presence or interference of any country from outside the region,” Abbas Araghchi said at a news conference on a visit to the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. 

Israel military says soldier killed in south Lebanon fighting

The Israeli military has said a soldier was killed today in fighting in southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera reports.

Captain David Hazutt, 21, a platoon commander “fell in combat” in southern Lebanon, the military said.

Hazutt was killed when soldiers encountered a “Hezbollah terrorist after entering a suspicious structure in the area of Deir Seryan in southern Lebanon”, a military official said in a separate statement.

In the incident, an additional Israeli soldier was lightly injured, the official said.

“Following the incident, the soldiers began searching for the terrorist and struck targets in the area,” the official added. 

Hezbollah lawmaker warns of Lebanese 'internal conflict' after Israel deal

Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah has warned of “internal conflict” in Lebanon over the country’s agreement with Israel, which the group rejects, predicting that the deal would not be implemented, AFP reports.

Fadlallah spoke a day after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US President Donald Trump in a phone call that the Lebanese state “will assume its responsibilities” in implementing the framework agreement.

Speaking at a memorial ceremony, Fadlallah said: “The agreement of humiliation and disgrace signed by the authorities will never see the light of day and will not be implemented.”

“Our finger will remain on the trigger, we will continue our path of resistance to achieve our objectives, and we will exercise our legitimate right to defend our people,” he said.

He added that what “the authorities have done amounts to sedition aimed at pushing the country into chaos and shifting the conflict from one with the enemy to an internal conflict”. 

Lebanon's president condemns attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says, “These escalatory acts constitute a flagrant violation of state sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region,” Al Jazeera reports.

A statement released by his office said Aoun viewed the ongoing attacks within the framework of undermining “all regional and international efforts and initiatives aimed at halting the war and containing the tensions”.

The situation “necessitates urgent action by the sponsors of the US-Iranian memorandum of understanding and the international community”.

The president also affirmed Lebanon’s “full solidarity with Bahrain and Kuwait”. 

Iraq foreign minister tells Iran counterpart Hormuz should reopen

Iraq’s foreign minister has said in a meeting with his Iranian counterpart that it was important to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the US naval blockade on Iran, Reuters reports.

Iraq does not support expanding the scale of the war on the Gulf states, and does not back attacks on Iran, Fuad Hussein told Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who is visiting Baghdad.
 

Araghchi urges US to push Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says all aspects of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the United States must be honoured, including the clauses on Lebanon, Al Jazeera reports.

“Regrettably, the Zionist entity continues its air strikes on Lebanon,” Araghchi said in Baghdad, adding the MoU was also accepted by Israel.

Washington “should live up to its responsibility and force” Israel to end its attacks on Lebanon to end the war, he said.

Araghchi also called on Washington to push Israel to withdraw from the areas it has been occupying in Lebanon. “This was the first clause of the MoU,” he noted. 

Iran's foreign minister thanks Iraq for 'support' during the war

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is speaking at a news conference with his Iraqi counterpart, Al Jazeera reports.

“The people and government of Iraq have always extended their support during the war. They have always supported the Iranian people who were victims to the Israeli American aggression,” Araghchi told reporters.

“The Iraqi people have always supported their Iranian brothers.”
 

Iran to solely control Strait of Hormuz over next 30 days: Araghchi

Iran’s foreign minister says the Strait of Hormuz remains under total Iranian control during a visit to Iraq, Al Jazeera reports.

“I have briefed my counterpart on the latest outcomes of the war imposed on Iran, and also the developments with respect to the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States,” said Araghchi.

“The Strait of Hormuz remains under the total oversight and management of Iran through the 30 coming days, and after all obstacles are removed, the total capacity of the waterway will be restored. This is what we are working on,” he added.

“This responsibility rests on the Islamic Republic of Iran. There is no other party or state in this respect. This is totally clear under the memorandum of understanding and any intervention or any unilateral action will result in exacerbating the situation and also delay the reopening of the strait.”
 

DPM, Bahrain FM discuss latest evolving regional situation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with the Foreign Minister of Bahrain, Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

The two leaders discussed the latest evolving regional situation following the signing of the Islamabad MoU.

According to the Foreign Office, Al Zayani congratulated Dar on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and praised Pakistan's constructive role in facilitating the understanding. He expressed hope that the agreement would help promote lasting peace and stability in the region.

The Bahraini foreign minister also said he planned to visit Pakistan in the near future to personally thank Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDF) for their efforts in helping secure the ceasefire.

Bahrain says residential building damaged in Iranian attack

The Interior Ministry says a residential building has been damaged in the Muharraq area, adding that there were no deaths due to the incident, Al Jazeera reports.

“The relevant authorities are taking the necessary measures at the site,” it added.
 

Bahrain urges emergency UN meeting over Iranian strikes

Bahrain has called for an emergency United Nations Security Council meeting after condemning what it described as Iran’s latest ballistic missile and drone attacks on the Gulf state, Al Jazeera reported.

In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency, the Foreign Ministry said the strikes violated Bahrain’s sovereignty, endangered its citizens and residents, and undermined prospects for regional de-escalation and stability.

The ministry called on the Security Council to convene an emergency session aimed at ending what it described as ongoing aggression and holding those responsible accountable.

Bahrain also reaffirmed what it called its legitimate right to defend its sovereignty, security and territorial integrity in accordance with international law.

The ministry said it held the Iranian government fully responsible for any escalation resulting from what it described as continued aggression.
 

Israel army claims killed 'armed terrorists' in southern Syria

The Israeli military has claimed it killed several “armed terrorists” a day earlier in southern Syria, AFP reports.

“Yesterday (Saturday), IDF soldiers eliminated several armed terrorists in the Security Zone in southern Syria,” it said in a statement.

The Israeli army has occupied what it calls a “security zone” in southern Syria since late 2024 and said it would remain in place there “in order to remove any threat to Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers”.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said earlier this month that it planned to keep its troops in Syria “for an unlimited period”, as well as in Lebanon and Gaza. 

Israeli military says it killed Hezbollah fighters, struck rocket launcher in Nabatieh

Israeli military said on Sunday it killed Hezbollah fighters armed with rocket-propelled grenades and struck a rocket launcher in the Nabatieh area of southern Lebanon to remove threats to its soldiers.

The Israeli military said it struck the structure from which the fighters operated and dismantled a rocket launcher that posed a threat.
 

Bahrain condemns Iranian attacks as 'dangerous escalation'

Bahrain’s foreign ministry has expressed its “strongest condemnation” of Iran’s latest ballistic missile and drone attacks, saying they violate the Gulf nation’s sovereignty, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement carried by the Bahrain News Agency, the ministry said the strikes also undermine “opportunities for de-escalation and stability in the region”.

It called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to address the situation in hopes of “putting an end to this ongoing aggression and holding its perpetrators accountable”.

The ministry added that Bahrain “affirms its full legitimate right to defend its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, and holds the Iranian regime fully responsible for any escalation resulting from its continued aggression”.
 

Iran's Araghchi travelling to Baghdad for talks with Iraqi officials

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has left for an official visit to the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, Al Jazeera reports.

In a post on Telegram, Araghchi said he would meet with senior Iraqi officials to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, among other issues.
 

Iran condemns US strikes as violation of interim deal

Iran has said airstrikes targeted several monitoring and surveillance facilities on Iran’s southern coast, calling the attacks a violation of an interim deal meant to end the four-month-old war between the two countries, AFP reports.

“These brutal attacks … show that the U.S. does not place the slightest value and credibility on its commitments, and breaking promises is part of its nature,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

Air raid siren sounded for a second time in Bahrain: interior ministry

Air raid sirens sounded for a second time in Bahrain on Sunday, the Interior Ministry says, according to AFP.

Iran announced earlier that it had launched strikes against the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and another base in Kuwait, in retaliation for US strikes on its territory.

“The siren has been sounded… Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place,” the Interior Ministry said on X.
 

IRGC Navy says US bases 'will experience hell in these days'

The IRGC’s Navy command has issued a statement on the escalation with the US, Al Jazeera reports.

It said the US’s attack on the city of Sirik “does not solve the mystery of our dominance over the strait, but our firing at the violators reminds the rest of the vessels of the clear path of passage”.

“The American bases in the region are a separate matter. They will experience hell in these days,” it added.
 

UAE, Iran to resume direct flights after months of regional tensions

Direct commercial flights between Iran and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will resume from July 1, following approval from the civil aviation authorities of both countries after months of suspension due to regional security tensions.

Civil Aviation Organisation spokesperson Majid Akhavan said the required permits had been issued, allowing flight operations to restart next week.

According to Akhavan, the route will initially be operated by Iranian airlines, while additional carriers are expected to join once the necessary regulatory reviews and approvals are completed. He added that the reopening of other international air routes remains under consideration and will depend on further approvals by aviation authorities. 

No US casualties after Iranian attacks on US facilities, official says

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, has said that no US casualties, major impacts, or damage to US facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait have been reported as of yet, but the situation is still unfolding, Reuters reports. 

Trump threatens to 'complete the job' in Iran after fresh strikes

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that it will be forced to “militarily complete the job” in the country if strikes continue.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “US aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!

“It is very possible that they will never learn! There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!”
 

US military says it conducted strikes on 10 Iranian 'military targets'

CENTCOM says that strikes have been carried out by US fighter jets “at multiple locations in and near the Strait of Hormuz,” Al Jazeera reports.

It also shared a grainy, black-and-white video on social media, showing some of the apparent attacks.
 

IRGC Navy warns US of retaliation, says regional bases will 'face hell'

The naval command of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said US “blind strikes” on Sirik do not resolve what it described as Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.

"America's blind strikes on Sirik will not undermine our control over the Strait. But our strikes against violators serve as a reminder to other vessels of the proper route for safe passage," it posted on X. "As for US bases in the region, that is a separate matter. They will experience hell in the days ahead."
 

IRGC says it struck US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says its naval and aerospace forces carried out a joint missile and drone operation targeting what it described as US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain.

In a statement carried by Iranian media, the IRGC said the strikes were in response to alleged US attacks on Iranian coastal positions and warned that any further violations would receive a “crushing response,” adding that future actions against vessels would be intensified. 

Trump warns Iran 'will no longer exist' if US decides to escalate

The US military says it has struck Iran again, hours after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, in the worst escalation since the two sides signed an interim peace deal two weeks ago.

Each of the warring sides has accused the other of violating the agreement reached two weeks ago to end the four-month-old conflict.

"There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!" US President Donald Trump posted on social media on Saturday.
 

US forces carry out additional strikes in Iran after tanker attack: CENTCOM

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday US forces conducted additional strikes on multiple targets in Iran following what it described as an Iranian attack on the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku near the Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said US aircraft struck military surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities, adding that the action followed earlier strikes after an attack on another commercial vessel.
 

Gulf states denounce alleged Iranian drone strikes on Bahrain

Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have strongly condemned the alleged Iranian drone attacks on Bahrain, describing them as a threat to regional peace, stability, and Bahrain's sovereignty.

In a statement, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the alleged attacks posed a serious risk to security in the Gulf region.

Doha urged all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation through dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation efforts.

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) denounced the alleged drone attacks as a "cowardly act," stating that Iranian drones had targeted civilian facilities, an action it said jeopardizes regional peace and security.

Kuwait also condemned the alleged Iranian attack, reaffirming its full support for Bahrain's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The Kuwaiti government said such actions undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions across the region.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates issued a strong condemnation of the alleged drone strikes, with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs describing them as a blatant violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and a serious threat to the country's security and stability.

The UAE reaffirmed its full solidarity with Bahrain, stating that it supports all measures taken to safeguard the kingdom's security and describing the alleged attacks as unacceptable.

UK foreign secretary lauds Pakistan's efforts for US-Iran MoU

Hezbollah rejects US-brokered Israel-Lebanon security deal as 'surrender'

(Reuters) – Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected a US-brokered security agreement between Lebanon and Israel on ?Saturday a day after it was signed, describing it as a ‌surrender to Israel.

In the latest example of ongoing hostilities despite repeated ceasefires and agreements, Israel launched a drone strike in Lebanon's south.

More than a million Lebanese have been driven from their homes ?by a conflict that has run in parallel with the wider Iran ?war. Hezbollah and Iran say Washington pledged to end hostilities in ?Lebanon as part of its memorandum of understanding signed two weeks ago to end ?the wider war.

EU chief salutes Israel-Lebanon deal

(AFP) – EU chief Ursula von der Leyen has welcomed the US-Israel-Lebanon framework agreement as a “critical step” away from conflict in the Middle East.

“I welcome the agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This is a critical step away from escalation. Because there can be no peace in the Middle East with Lebanon in flames,” she says in a statement posted on X, thanking Washington for its mediation role.

“Key next steps are the disarmament of non-state groups and preserving Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity,” she stresses.

Von der Leyen adds that “the EU stands ready to support this path to lasting regional stability, also with the continued delivery of much-needed humanitarian aidm with €100 million mobilised for the displaced.”

Tanker reports strike by unidentified projectile in Strait of Hormuz, UKMTO says

A tanker has reported being struck by an unidentified projectile ‌in the Strait ‌of Hormuz, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said on ‌Saturday.

The vessel sustained damage to ‌its bridge, but all crew were reported safe and no environmental damage had been reported at the time of the report, UKMTO added.

Bahrain condemns Iranian drone attacks on its territorry

Bahrain condemned what it said were Iranian drone attacks on its territory ‌on Saturday, the ‌state news agency reported, saying it reserved the full right to defend ‌its sovereignty and security.

Iran ‌said earlier it had carried out strikes against targets linked to U.S. forces in the region, without identifying the targets or saying where they were located. 

Iran accuses US of peace deal violation

Iran on Saturday accused the United States of a "blatant violation" of the peace deal reached between the two sides to end the Middle East war after the latest American strikes on the country.

"These brutal attacks, which targeted Iranian coastal surveillance facilities, are a blatant violation" of the memorandum of understanding to end the war, the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement.

The US military said its forces struck Iranian missile and drone storage sites and coastal radar locations on Friday in response to an Iranian attack on a cargo ship transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

UN says Iran nuclear pledge needs 'very strong' verification

The future of any US-Iran peace agreeent would depend on what international inspectors from the IAEA find once they get back inside the country. The head of the nuclear watchdog says technical talks on preventing the development nuclear weapons in Iran have now begun.

 

Iran, UAE FMs discuss regional developments

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed recent regional developments during a telephone conversation, IRNA reports.

The two foreign ministers exchanged views on the situation in the region following the recent understanding between Iran and the United States. During the call, Al Nahyan emphasized the need to maintain communication channels and pursue diplomatic approaches to address challenges.

The UAE foreign minister expressed optimism that continued diplomatic efforts could produce positive results and contribute to greater peace, security, and stability across the region.

'Reckless violation of ceasefire will lead to retreat and regret on their part,' Iran warns US

Dar reaffirms Pakistan's role in promoting lasting peace during call with Iranian FM

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar spoke to Iranian FM Abbas Araghchi last night.

DPM Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to play its constructive role for achieving the goal of lasting peace and stability in the region and beyond.

FM Araghchi expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s continued support in advancing the peace process. He also thanked Pakistan for facilitating the safe and smooth repatraitaion of Iranian crew members and fishermen to their homeland.

They agreed to remain in close contact.

UN's Stephane Dujarric calls for 'sustained' opening of Strait of Hormuz

UN secretary general’s spokesperson Stephane Dujarric has called for “sustained” opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for energy supplies, Al Jazeera reports.

“I think it’s important that everybody live up to what they’ve committed to in every agreement that is signed,” Dujarric said while talking to reporters in New York.

“And I think it is important that all parties involved keep their eyes on the greater good,” he added, including regional and global stability as well as the well-being of seafarers.

“Thousands and thousands of men and women … have been stuck on ships, who we all rely on to get the goods that we consume every day.”

Saudi Aramco resumes oil loading at Ras Tanura in boost to supply

Saudi Aramco resumed crude loadings on Friday at its Ras Tanura terminal in the Gulf after a near four-month halt, shipping data showed, as the world's biggest oil exporter joined a rush to move cargoes amid industry hopes of a return to normal.

The Saudi oil loadings come even though a ship ‌belonging to Taiwan's Evergreen Marine was hit by an unknown object in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday.

Middle Eastern producers had been ramping up oil and gas output and exports in the lead-up to the interim deal between the United States and Iran to halt the war and reopen the strait where a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied ‌natural gas supplies used to pass. 

Pakistan now recognized globally as a peacemaker for US-Iran mediation: PM Shehbaz

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to promoting peace on the global stage, saying the country is now recognized as a peacemaker globally for role in the US-Iran mediation.

Addressing the passing-out parade at the Pakistan Naval Academy PNS Rahbar in Karachi, the prime minister said that the importance of peace and cooperation has grown significantly in the current global environment. He emphasized that Pakistan remains dedicated to encouraging negotiations and diplomatic engagement to address regional and international challenges.

Shehbaz Sharif also described the agreement between the United States and Iran as a matter of pride for Pakistan. He said Islamabad received support from Iran and other friendly countries during the signing of the memorandum of understanding, with Pakistan serving as a mediator in the process.

US, Iran 'should use diplomatic channels, not bombs'

The National Iranian American Council (NIAC), a nonprofit lobbying group in the US, says it is “dismayed and concerned” by the attack on the vessel in Hormuz and the US military’s response of strikes on Iran, AlJazeera reports.

“The US and Iran have started a diplomatic process and should use diplomatic channels to raise disputes, not bombs,” NIAC wrote on social media.

“We urge all parties to utilise the executive mechanism envisioned in the memorandum to monitor implementation of the MoU. Any fraying of the accord risks unraveling the whole deal, returning the US and Iran to war.”
 

VP Vance warns US will respond to any Iran attack with 'violence'

US Vice President JD Vance warned Iran it will face ‘violence’ if it carries out any further attacks after the US military said it had responded to an Iranian strike against a cargo ship.

“Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone.

“But violence will be met with violence,” Vance posted on X, referring to the memorandum of understanding meant to stop nearly four months of conflict.
 

Iran's Revolutionary Guards say it targeted US positions in the region in response to attack

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said it targeted US military positions in the region, in response to a fresh US strike against Iran, Reuters reports.

The Guards did not provide details on the US positions it targeted in the region.

The statement by IRGC came after semi-official ISNA news agency carried an earlier statement it said was from the IRGC saying the force’s response to a fresh US attack against Iran will be “swift and decisive,” before later deleting the statement.
 

US strikes Iran in response to attack on cargo vessel

The United States has struck Iran in response to a drone attack on a cargo ship off Oman yesterday, Central Command (Centcom) says in a statement.

“US aircraft struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and coastal radar sites after Iran hit M/V Ever Lovely on June 25 with a one-way attack drone,” the statement reads. “The Singapore-flagged cargo ship was exiting the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani coast at the time of Iran’s attack.”

Centcom says Tehran’s “unwarranted aggression” against the vessel by Iranian forces, who “clearly violated the ceasefire”.

“Furthermore, Iran’s dangerous behaviour undermined freedom of navigation as commerce increasingly flows through the vital international trade corridor,” Centcom adds.
 

Israel, Lebanon sign framework peace deal after US-mediated talks

(Reuters) – Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement in Washington on Friday following several days of talks to secure an end to fighting ‌between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters.

Lebanese Ambassador Nada Moawad and her Israeli counterpart Yechiel Leiter signed the trilateral document with the US at the State Department in Washington.

"Today we've taken the first step in what will be a difficult journey, without a doubt, but an important and an essential and a necessary one," US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said before ?the agreement was inked.

Iran denies claims of direct US communication line on Strait of Hormuz

(Reuters) – Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Friday rejected reports claiming the existence of a direct communication line with the United States regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Nournews, an IRGC spokesperson described the claims as "a complete lie", dismissing suggestions of any direct coordination mechanism between Tehran and Washington.

The spokesperson further stated that the Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territory and has "nothing to do with the US", reiterating Tehran's position on the strategic waterway.

Trump says Iran attacks on ships 'a foolish violation' of ceasefire

(Reuters) – Iran has fired at least four one-way attack drones at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, adding that one of the drones hit the upper deck of a cargo ship.

"Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement," Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Dar confirms 22 Iranian sailors from US-interdicted vessel arrive in Karachi

UAE stresses need for free navigation through Hormuz in call with Iran's Araghchi

(Reuters) – UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Friday stressed the need for adherence to the terms of a US-Iran agreement and protection of maritime corridors, including freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, in a call with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, the UAE state news agency WAM reported.

Communication link established between Iran, US in Hormuz: Iranian media

(Reuters) – Iran and the United States have established a communication line in Strait of Hormuz to help avoid incidents that could renew military escalation, Iran's Press TV reported on Friday.

Israel issues evacuation orders to residents in south Lebanon

(Reuters) – Israel has dropped leaflets over a southern Lebanese town ordering residents to evacuate, marking the first such warning issued since a ceasefire took effect, according to Lebanese state media.

The town lies near the boundary of the area occupied by Israeli troops inside southern Lebanon, as designated by Israel.

Hezbollah chief says Israel must 'unconditionally' leave Lebanon

(AFP) – Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Friday said Israel has "no option" but to withdraw from Lebanese areas it occupies, adding that the Iran-US deal that reduced fighting with Israel was an American-Israeli defeat.

"Israel has no option but to withdraw completely from every inch of our Lebanese land... Israel must leave unconditionally," Qassem said.

Khawaja Asif says Pakistan's role during Iran war will be remembered forever

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Pakistan's role during the Iran war will be remembered forever.

Speaking to the media in Sialkot, he said that Ashura had come at a time when a war was taking place in the region, adding that the Iranian people had revived the memory of the martyrs of Karbala.

Khawaja Asif said that the role played by Pakistan during the war would always be remembered in history until the Day of Judgment.

He added that Pakistan helped bring about reconciliation between the two countries and emerged with honour before the entire Muslim Ummah.
 

US military presence in the Gulf is a source of insecurity and division in the region, says Iran

Iran says that a joint statement by the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council contained “interventionist, irresponsible and provocative positions,” and says the US military presence in the Gulf was a source of insecurity and division in the region.

In the statement by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, Tehran also reiterates its position that the Strait of Hormuz should be governed with Oman in line with the terms of MOU with the United States, Reuters reports. 

Iran warns of response 'if US is unable to contain' Israeli aircraft

Iran’s armed forces have warned that Tehran may take action if the United States fails to stop what it describes as threatening Israeli military activity near Iranian territory.

The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran’s unified military command, said the presence and movement of military aircraft from neighbouring countries toward Iran’s airspace represent a serious security concern and a potential threat.

In a statement cited by Iran’s Fars news agency, the command said Iran would not accept any actions it considers a threat to its security and claimed it reserves the right to respond if such activities continue.
 

Vance, Rubio strike different tone on Iran and Israel

President Donald Trump's administration has pushed hard to present a united front on the Iran war, but statements by his vice president and secretary of state have at times diverged over the past week, especially on the subject of Israel.

Vice President JD Vance, speaking at the White House last week, lashed out against Israeli critics of the preliminary U.S.-Iran deal. He suggested that Israeli bombings of civilian ‌infrastructure in Beirut — intended to weaken Hezbollah, which has been attacking Israel — were undermining U.S.-led peace efforts.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who traveled through the Gulf this week, defended Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, repeatedly describing its actions as a justified response to Hezbollah attacks. Pressed on Vance's criticism, Rubio deflected before recounting an assault by the Lebanon-based militia on an Israeli checkpoint earlier in the week. 

Two killed in Israeli strike in Lebanon's southern Nabatieh

Two people have been killed and another injured following an Israeli strike on the town of Mefdoun in Lebanon’s southern Nabatieh district, according to the country’s Health Ministry.

Authorities said the latest figures were updated from an earlier reported toll.

IAEA chief says 'very strong' verification system needed for Iran nuclear program

The UN atomic watchdog chief said a “very strong” verification system is needed in Iran following the Middle East conflict to ensure that the country does not develop nuclear weapons, AFP reported.

“I think the objective of this (recent US-Iran) agreement is to ensure that there is no development of nuclear weapons in Iran. The government of Iran has declared quite clearly that this is not their intention,” Rafael Grossi tells reporters in Japan.

“But of course intentions are not enough. We have to have a very strong verification system in place… as soon as is practicable,” Grossi says.

“The technical work has started and we hope to be there soon.”

Grossi added: “The IAEA will have to have access and inspect. I am prepared to continue the technical work and be there as soon as possible.”
 

US to establish direct communication channel with IRGC, says JD Vance

US Vice President JD Vance has said that Washington and Tehran have reached an understanding to establish a direct communication channel with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in an effort to prevent future military tensions.

Speaking in an interview with the British news platform UnHerd, Vance said the mechanism would involve meetings between US and Iranian military representatives in Doha, Qatar, where both sides would seek to address disputes and reduce the risk of escalation.

“They were like, ‘OK, fine, we’ll send somebody from the IRGC to go hang out in Doha with somebody from [US Central Command]’, and that’s how we’re going to settle a lot of these disputes”, Vance says, describing discussions with Iranian officials.

Oil edges lower amid resumption of strait shipments even as vessel hit near Oman

Oil prices fell on Friday morning and are heading for steep weekly losses amid easing supply concerns as more stranded oil tankers exited the Strait of Hormuz, even though a cargo vessel was ‌hit near Oman on Thursday, Reuters reported.

Brent crude futures fell 19 cents, or 0.25%, to $75.07 a barrel as of 0055 GMT, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell 13 cents, or 0.18%, to $71.79 a barrel.

Both benchmark contracts jumped more than 2% on Thursday after a cargo vessel was hit by an unknown projectile near Oman, prompting the U.N.'s shipping agency to suspend its voluntary evacuation scheme.

UN agency says it pauses Hormuz ship evacuation initiative after vessel attacked

(Reuters) – The United Nations’ shipping agency on Thursday paused an evacuation effort to get hundreds of stranded ships ‌and thousands of seafarers out through the Strait of Hormuz after a vessel was attacked in the Gulf of Oman.

"I have been informed of an attack today in the Gulf of Oman on a vessel which passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This vessel did not transit under IMO’s evacuation framework," Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO), said in a statement.

Israel says troops to stay in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza 'security zones'

(AFP) – Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said on Thursday that Israel opposed withdrawing from the "security zone" in Lebanon despite pressure to do so, adding that the military would remain in what he called "security zones" in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza for as long as necessary and would not withdraw from them.

Vessel hit by 'unknown projectile' in Hormuz Strait: maritime agency

(AFP) – A cargo ship was damaged after it was hit by an unknown projectile off the Omani coast in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, a British maritime agency said, reporting no casualties.

"A cargo vessel has been hit on the starboard side by an unknown projectile, causing damage to the bridge. Master has reported no casualties and no environmental impact," said the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding the incident occurred 7.5 nautical miles (14 kilometres) southeast of Dahit in Oman.

Two people killed in Israeli drone strike on car in South Lebanon

(Reuters) – An Israeli drone strike on a car in southern Lebanon killed two people on Thursday, medical and security sources said.

It is the second consecutive day such an event occurred, after a similar strike on Wednesday killed at least two people despite a ceasefire, Lebanese security and medical sources told Reuters.

Iran's Qalibaf rejects US claim that unfrozen assets will be spent on US goods

(AFP) – Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said on Thursday that the United States' claims that Iran will spend its unfrozen assets to buy US agricultural products were false.

"The US only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks," Qalibaf said in a post on X.

Rubio says Gulf countries do not support tolls in the Strait

(Reuters) – US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said there was zero support among Gulf countries for a Strait of Hormuz toll, adding that they also shared other serious concerns as he wrapped up his Middle East trip following the US-Iran interim deal.

Oman says no transit fees will be imposed in Strait of Hormuz

(AFP) – Oman's top diplomat said no transit fees would be imposed in the Strait of Hormuz Thursday after Muscat and Tehran, which border the key waterway, had earlier said they were discussing service "costs".

Badr Albusaidi said "future arrangements regarding the Strait do not entail the imposition of any transit fees," during a meeting of Gulf foreign ministers in the Bahraini capital Manama with US Secretary Marco Rubio— whose administration has repeatedly opposed any fees or tolls.

Israel, Lebanon officials deny reports of Israeli buffer zone withdrawal

Senior Israeli and Lebanese officials have denied claims by a US State Department official that Israel had pulled some of its troops back in a good faith gesture toward Lebanon's government, AFP reprots.

A senior Israeli defence official told Reuters that Israel's policy was clear and that the military would not be withdrawing from its so-called "buffer zone" in southern Lebanon.

Asked about the State Department official's comments, a senior Lebanese military official said developments on the ground in recent days "show the opposite of a pullback". 

An oil tanker navigates the Strait of Hormuz despite threats from Iran's Revolutionary Guard

A Liberian oil tanker made its way out of the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday despite threats to shipping from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and using a new route close to Oman’s shore that has been promoted by a U.N. maritime agency.

The Stoic Warrior — signaling that it planned to transit the Strait of Hormuz — took off early morning along the coast of the United Arab Emirates and then Oman, AFP reports.

The vessel then traveled around Oman's Musandam Peninsula fairly close to the shore, part of a route that Oman laid out alongside the International Maritime Organization, an agency of the United Nations that oversees shipping at sea.  

US, Iran technical teams to hold nuclear and sanctions talks in Switzerland on June 30: Rubio

US and Iranian technical teams are set to meet in Switzerland on June 30 for discussions focused on nuclear issues and sanctions, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed while taking to media in Manama, Bahrain.

“No country in the world can charge money on the free waterway [Strait of Hurmoz], you can call it a fee, you can call it toll, it’s all semantics. But in no way it’s acceptable,” Rubio said.

Earlier, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps on Thursday said safe passage through the ‌Strait of Hormuz ‌is only possible through routes designated by Iran, and that a ‌new route announced without coordination with ‌Iran is unacceptable and a safety risk, AFP reprots.

IRGC said it will take action against vessels that fail to comply with the requirements.

Marco Rubio told Gulf allies on Thursday that any deal with Iran would take their interests into account, as he wrapped up a Middle East trip aimed ‌at selling the Trump administration's preliminary accord to sceptical regional partners.

Speaking at a meeting of Gulf Arab foreign ministers and officials in Bahrain — home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet — Rubio said Washington was seeking an enduring peace with long-time foe Iran that would not undermine the security and prosperity of its allies in the oil-rich region, which fear the accord is too soft on Iran after it attacked them in the war.

Iran fought two of the world's most powerful armies - the U.S. and Israel - during the conflict and took effective control of the vital Strait of Hormuz, heavily disrupting oil flows and rattling global energy markets and the wider economy.

"The reality of it is that no country on Earth has the right to charge for the use of international waterways. And that will never be an acceptable condition of any deal. The president's been fundamentally clear about that," said Rubio.

Rubio reaches Bahrain, promises to protect Gulf states' interests in Iran talks

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Bahrain officials on Thursday on the final leg of a trip to the ‌Middle East where he has sought to sell the Trump administration's preliminary Iran accord to skeptical Gulf Arab allies.

Rubio has acknowledged his delicate mission in pitching the peace deal to Gulf Arab leaders who fear excessive concessions will strengthen Tehran and reshape the region's security balance and oil flows.

Arriving on Wednesday night in Bahrain's capital Manama, which hosts the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet, Rubio will also meet with the Gulf Cooperation Council, or GCC.

Pakistan is now seen as a 'peacemaker' following US-Iran deal, says Ishaq Dar

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday said Pakistan is now being recognized globally as a country playing the role of a peacemaker, highlighting the efforts related to the US-Iran agreement aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East.

Speaking to the media, Dar recalled that there were earlier claims that Pakistan was facing diplomatic isolation, but said those predictions had not materialized.

He added that Pakistan’s international standing had improved and the country’s passport was now receiving greater recognition and respect.

He said Prime Minister Shahebaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir made tireless efforts for the US-Iran agreement.

US-Iran deal may leave Netanyahu as biggest casualty

The biggest casualty of the US-Iran deal may not be Israel's Iran strategy, but the political brand Benjamin Netanyahu spent decades building as the Israeli leader who could uniquely bend Washington to his will on Iran, analysts, former U.S. officials and diplomats say.

Netanyahu shaped his political identity on an audacious assertion: that he alone could keep the US and Israel in strategic lockstep on Iran. Cultivating Republican support, he cast himself as the only Israeli leader capable of influencing successive ‌US presidents and insisted that only sustained military pressure could contain Tehran.

Trump says it may never be known who was at fault for strike on girls' school in Iran

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday it may never be known who was at fault for a deadly strike on a girls' school in Iran on February ‌28, the first day of the Iran war, that killed scores of children.

Reuters first reported in March that an initial internal U.S. military investigation showed U.S. forces were likely responsible for the fatal strike in Minab in southern Iran. The Pentagon has since elevated the probe but it has not acknowledged any preliminary findings.

"I don't know that they are ever going to solve that problem," Trump told reporters.

"I don't know that they are ever going to solve that problem in terms of whose fault was it because there were missiles flying all over the place, and it's horrible what happened but there were missiles flying all over the place," he said.

US promises to protect Gulf states' interests in Iran talks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Gulf allies of the United States on Wednesday that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.

Rubio is on a regional tour to reassure the Gulf states, which were targeted by Tehran's missiles and drones during the conflict and saw their crucial oil and gas shipments effectively cut off by an Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

During a visit to Kuwait City, Rubio said Washington would be on the same page as Gulf states as it wrangles with Iran over a permanent settlement to the conflict.

Iran slams NATO chief's comments on US support in war

Tehran accused NATO on Thursday of "complicity" in the US-Israeli war against Iran, after the bloc's chief noted its support for the United States in the conflict.

 

Responding to US President Donald Trump's criticism of allies for not supporting the war, NATO boss Mark Rutte told Fox News that hundreds of American planes launched from bases in Italy.

Trump's second term has been marked by tensions with NATO allies, who have voiced skepticism over the need for the conflict in the Middle East. "Country after country, ally after ally after ally, have made their bases available for Epic Fury," Rutte told US TV channel Fox News, referring to the US military operation in Iran.

"Five hundred US planes took off from US bases in Italy to support Epic Fury," he said, referring the US name for the operation against Iran.

Oil extends decline on rising Middle East supply

Oil prices extended their decline on Thursday to near levels last seen before the start of the Iran war, as rising supply expectations from the Middle East outweighed demand concerns.

Prompt-month Brent crude futures for August ‌delivery fell $1.22, or 1.65%, to $72.52 a barrel as of 0337 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate lost $1.02, or 1.45%, to $69.32 a barrel.

Both contracts hit their lowest since February 27.

Trump, Republican senator engage in shouting match over Iran war

US President Donald Trump faced pointed criticism over the Iran war on Wednesday in a closed-door meeting with fellow Republicans, shortly before his administration asked Congress for tens of billions of dollars to pay for the conflict.

Several Republicans in the closed-door meeting said Trump engaged in a ‌shouting match with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who said the administration needed to explain a framework deal Trump signed last week that provides financial incentives for Iran but does not accomplish any of the goals he laid out at the war's beginning.

"The American people need to know more than we are being told," Cassidy told reporters. "It does not appear, although I don't know for sure, that the course of this is going the way that we were told."

The high-volume exchange with a member of Trump's own party was another example of how the war has weighed on Trump ahead of November elections that will determine control of Congress.

Trump seeks nearly $88 billion in extra funding for Iran war

US President Donald Trump asked Congress on Wednesday for nearly $88 billion in extra spending, most of it to cover the cost of the Iran war, at a moment of growing unease in both parties over the conflict and its political price.

The White House request for $87.6 billion in supplemental funding includes tens of billions of dollars for the Pentagon, as well as money for US farmers, Ebola response efforts in central Africa and domestic infrastructure projects. The proposal landed a day after Congress passed a largely symbolic resolution calling on Trump to end US hostilities with Iran unless lawmakers explicitly authorize military action.

It also came as the administration tries to turn a preliminary agreement with Tehran into a final settlement after months of war that rattled global energy markets, pushed up prices and exposed divisions inside Trump's Republican Party.

'Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz is only possible through routes designated by Iran'

Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps on Thursday said safe passage through the ‌Strait of Hormuz ‌is only possible through routes designated by Iran, and that a ‌new route announced without coordination with ‌Iran is unacceptable and a safety risk, AFP reprots.

IRGC said it will take action against vessels that fail to comply with the requirements.

Trump says NATO allies disappointed US on Iran

US President Donald Trump criticised several NATO members on Wednesday for what he described as a lack of support during the conflict with Iran, singling out the United Kingdom, Germany, France and Spain.

Trump said Washington had been "disappointed" by the positions taken by some allies, adding that Spain was "terrible." 
 

Nuclear site inspections will happen, but timing not essential: IAEA chief

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency said Wednesday that the UN agency will return to inspect Iran's nuclear sites, as agreed, but he indicated there's no rush after conflicting messages from Washington and Tehran. 

Saudi Arabia and Iran FMs discuss latest developments in US-Iran talks

Saudi FM Prince Faisal bin Farhan has held a phone call with Iran FM Abbas Araghchi, the Saudi foreign ministry says.

During the call, the two ministers reviewed the latest developments in the negotiations between Iran and the US, as well as the “progress made to implement the agreed understandings”.

“They also discussed regional developments and emphasised the importance of continuing efforts to advance dialogue and diplomatic solutions that serve the shared interests of all countries and peoples of the region,” the Saudi ministry says.
 

Pakistan, China pledge close coordination on Iran-US talks

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephone conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss the Iran-US peace process, with particular focus on the first round of high-level talks held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, the Foreign Office said.

During the discussion, Dar informed his Chinese counterpart that the talks had resulted in the formation of a high-level committee to oversee the mediation process under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

According to the Foreign Office, three working groups have also been established to address nuclear issues, sanctions, monitoring, and dispute resolution, with the objective of helping the parties reach a final agreement within 60 days.

Wang Yi reiterated China’s firm support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts, while both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination in support of a negotiated settlement and lasting peace between the parties.

 

US oil contract plunges below $70 a barrel

Brent crude has fallen by 4.5 per cent to $73.6 per barrel, the lowest since before the US-Iran war, while the US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) has slipped below $70, as supply concerns around the Strait of Hormuz ease.
 

Marco Rubio arrives in Kuwait after UAE visit

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Kuwait following a series of meetings in the neighbouring United Arab Emirates, according to Al Jazeera.

 

Israeli drone strike kills two in Southern Lebanon

At least two people were killed in an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA).

The attack reportedly targeted a vehicle travelling along the Tallat al-Dabsha road near the town of Kfar Remman in the Nabatieh district.

Authorities have not yet released further details about the victims or the circumstances surrounding the strike.

 

 

Brent crude under $75 a barrel for first time since start of Middle East war

The price of Brent North Sea crude, the international benchmark, has extended losses to trade under $75 a barrel for the first time since the start of the Middle East war, AFP reports.

Brent has slid 3.1 per cent to $74.73, extending its fall since the United States and Iran last week struck a deal to end the conflict that began on February 28. 

Iran-Gulf reconciliation talks expected in Saudi Arabia: diplomat

Talks on reconciliation between Gulf countries and Iran are expected to take place in Saudi Arabia, a diplomat with knowledge of the arrangements tells AFP.

A summit aimed at mending ties between Gulf nations, Iran and possibly other regional neighbours in the aftermath of the Middle East war is expected in Riyadh, the diplomat said, without specifying a date.

The meetings will be independent of ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, the diplomat adds.

 

Pakistan, Qatar welcome positive progress in US-Iran talks

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani have expressed satisfaction over the positive progress achieved during the first round of US-Iran technical talks held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz said he held a warm and cordial telephone conversation with the Qatari emir and thanked him for Qatar’s unwavering support for peace efforts that led to the landmark Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

The two leaders underscored the importance of maintaining the momentum through continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement. They agreed that sustained communication remains essential for advancing the peace process.

Prime Minister Shehbaz also thanked Sheikh Tamim for conveying condolences over the death of a Pakistani national in the recent fire incident in Ras Laffan, Qatar.

 

Pezeshkian says talks held with Pakistani leadership on expanding ties

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said that he discussed ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation and expand engagement with Pakistan’s leadership during his visit to Islamabad.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian said Iran and Pakistan share deep cultural and historical ties, as well as common aspirations for regional peace and stability. He praised Pakistan’s efforts to promote peace, describing them as rooted in the country’s rich cultural heritage.

The Iranian president added that during his visit, which was aimed at appreciating Pakistan’s mediation efforts, he held discussions on enhancing cooperation with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.

 

Trump says Iran has told US no tolls being sought at Strait of Hormuz

(Reuters) – US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Iran has told the United States ‌that no tolls were being sought from ships traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran has informed the U.S. that, despite troublemaking Fake News reporting to the contrary, there are 'NO TOLLS, NO INSURANCE COSTS, & NO OTHER CHARGES OF ANY KIND BEING SOUGHT OR RECEIVED BY IRAN ON SHIPS TRAVELING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ' Trump wrote in a social media post. "If this is false information, negotiations would end, immediately!"

The two countries, which ended a first round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, have offered conflicting accounts about financial incentives for Iran, control of the Strait of Hormuz and Israel's parallel war in Lebanon - all major aspects of their framework deal signed last week aiming to end the war.

Nuclear access to be discussed only in final deal with US, Iranian official says

Iran will address matters related to access to nuclear sites that have been attacked and to Iranian nuclear ‌materials only in the framework of a ‌final agreement with the United States and after practical steps are taken to lift U.S. sanctions, Deputy ‌Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

The head of ‌the U.N. nuclear watchdog director had said earlier that he expects inspections in Iran soon under an interim understanding linked to U.S.-Iran talks, although details are yet be finalised.

"Media noise cannot be used to impose facts on the ground," Gharibabadi said in a post on X.

Pakistan will continue to engage with US-Iran working groups, says FO spokesperson

Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said that the international community has acknowledged Pakistan’s constructive role in the United States-Iran agreement, adding that Pakistan remains ready to play a positive role for peace and stability in the region.

He said technical talks that Islamabad has been mediating between the United States and Iran are set to restart next week.

"Talks will resume next week, I presume on Tuesday," Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi told journalists in Islamabad, adding next Monday or Wednesday were also possible start dates and without providing details on the location of discussions.

He said Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian visited Pakistan on the invitation of the Prime Minister and held meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He said the Iranian president’s visit further strengthened bilateral relations, while both sides reaffirmed commitment to deepening cooperation.

Oman opens temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping routes, says no tolls will be charged

Oman said it would keep the Strait of Hormuz open to shipping without imposing any tolls and had designated two temporary routes north and south of the existing shipping lane to facilitate the safe passage of vessels departing the region.

In coordination with the International Maritime Organisation, Oman established temporary maritime corridors to help ships leave the area safely amid heightened security risks.

Under a phased plan developed by the IMO in coordination with Omani authorities, vessels will be grouped and contacted individually with instructions on when they may depart and which route they should follow.

 

Only countries in region should decide Middle East security, says Ghalibaf

(Reuters) - Iran’s parliamentary speaker said on Wednesday regional countries alone should determine the Middle East’s political and ‌security ‌order, rejecting ‌external involvement and calling for expanded intra-regional cooperation.

Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf made his remarks at a meeting ‌of ‌the Parliamentary Union ‌of the ‌Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Baku, the capital ‌of Azerbaijan, as Iran and the United States seek to conclude a lasting peace agreement.

His comments were broadcast on state television. 

Iran's top diplomat discusses latest regional developments with Hamas

Iran's top diplomat spoke with a senior official from the Palestinian militant group Hamas regarding talks between Iran and the United States, state television reports.

Abbas Araghchi discussed the "latest developments" in the region with Basem Naeem, a member of Hamas's political bureau, Iranian television said.

The call follows the signing last week of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States aimed at bringing a lasting end to hostilities in the Middle East.

The text does not mention Gaza but stipulates "an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon".

Hamas has welcomed the agreement and expressed hope that it would also help end the violence in the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by over two years of war with Israel.

IAEA head says inspectors to visit Iranian nuclear facilities

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) head Rafael Mariano Grossi said on Wednesday that his inspectors would visit Iranian nuclear enrichment sites, according to media reports.

“Whether this happens the day after tomorrow or in one week or in 10 days, it’s important, but not essential,” Grossi told journalists in Tokyo. “This is going to happen.”

A day earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran has no plan to allow IAEA inspectors to visit the country’s damaged nuclear sites.
 

US, Iran at odds on nuclear inspections, frozen assets in deal to end war

(Reuters) - US President Donald Trump said hat Iran had agreed to nuclear inspections into "infinity," while Tehran said it had made no such concession in negotiations, raising questions about the viability of their fragile peace deal.

The two countries, which ended ‌a first round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, also offered conflicting accounts about financial incentives for Iran, control of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel's parallel war in Lebanon - all major aspects of their framework deal signed last week aiming to end the war.

Nevertheless, Trump said negotiations with Iran were going smoothly. "We're getting along quite well," he said at a rally in Pennsylvania.

Israel, Lebanon discuss pilot project for transfer of some southern territory to Lebanese army

(AFP) - Israel and Lebanon are discussing a US-backed pilot project under which Israeli troops would hand over control of some territory in southern Lebanon to the Lebanese Armed Forces, according to three Israeli officials.

The officials said the Lebanese troops involved would undergo US training and vetting to ensure they are not linked to Hezbollah, while Israel would maintain a military presence in the buffer zone. 

UN nuclear agency boss signals that inspectors will visit Iran's nuclear sites

(AFP) - The head of the UN's nuclear agency has signalled that Iranian nuclear enrichment sites will be visited by his inspectors, a key component in the interim deal between the United States and Iran to reach an end to the war.

The comment by International Atomic Energy Agency head Rafael Mariano Grossi is the firmest yet from the United Nations agency, which is viewed as key in determining the status of Iran's nuclear stockpile.

Since Israel launched a 12-day war on Iran in 2025, the IAEA has been blocked by Tehran from visiting enrichment sites where the Islamic Republic is believed to store enough highly enriched uranium to potentially build as many as 10 nuclear weapons, should it choose to rush for the bomb.

The US and Iran offered contradictory remarks Tuesday about whether those sites would be inspected.

“I can understand political statements, they are part of the reality, but the fundamental thing I would like to remind you and draw your attention to is that there has been a Memorandum of Understanding, signed by both presidents,” Grossi told journalists at a news conference at the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. 

UN starts evacuating 11,000 sailors from Strait of Hormuz

 The United Nations maritime agency has started an evacuation operation to assist more than 11,000 sailors who have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz for several months, according to AlJazeera.

The move comes after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding led to a pause in hostilities, creating an opportunity to address the situation of vessels and crews affected by the disruption.

The strategic waterway had effectively remained inaccessible since February after restrictions were imposed by Iran, leaving numerous ships and their crews unable to continue their journeys.

Italian Gaza activists freed in Libya

Italy has confirmed the release of three nationals held in Libya after joining a humanitarian mission to Gaza, and whose detention organisers slammed as "illegal".

The trio were among 230 activists from around the world taking part in a land convoy transporting medicine, mobile homes and other supplies to the war-torn territory, the Global Sumud Flotilla said.

Global Sumud Flotilla said the trio had arrived in Tunisia along with a Tunisian man who had also been detained.

Another six activists "are expected to be released over the next 24 hours" after 30 days of "illegal detention", it wrote on X.

The volunteers were "subjected to arbitrary detention, severed communications, and sustained psychological pressure," the organisation said.

US-Iran peace agreement will yield further positive results in region: Naqvi

(Dunya News) – Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said the US-Iran peace agreement will yield further positive results for the region.

He stated this during a meeting with Iranian counterpart Eskandar Momeni

Detailed discussion on Pakistan-Iran relations and the latest regional situation following the peace agreement

Dr. Eskandar Momeni thanked for the warm welcome on the arrival of the Iranian President and his delegation to Pakistan.

Both sides express satisfaction over reduced tensions in the region.

Rubio Says no country can impose tolls or fees on vessels using Strait of Hormuz

(Web Desk) - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has arrived in Abu Dhabi as part of efforts to consult Gulf allies regarding a potential agreement between the United States and Iran.

According to US media reports, Washington is expected to provide security assurances to Gulf countries amid ongoing discussions related to Iran and regional stability.

Speaking after his arrival in Abu Dhabi, Rubio reiterated the US position on the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as an international waterway. He said that under international law, no country has the right to impose tolls or fees on vessels using the strategic maritime route.

Addressing journalists, Rubio stated that taxation or the collection of fees on an international waterway would be contrary to international legal principles. He added that countries across the region support the US stance on the issue.

Oman announces temporary maritime corridor through Strait of Hormuz

Oman said it had coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide a temporary maritime corridor for vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz, the state news agency reported.

Vessels wanting to use the temporary corridor would need to coordinate with the IMO, based on coordinates announced by the organisation and Omani authorities, it added.

The measure was aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation through the strategic waterway in line with international law and the law of the sea, which uphold freedom of navigation without imposing transit fees, AFP reported.

Trump slams Senate over war powers act vote