Shafaq News- Islamabad

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated on Tuesdaythat some countries are seeking to undermine the memorandum of understandingbetween the United States and Iran, adding that such countries cannot possessballistic missiles while denying Iran the same capability.

Speaking to reporters, Sharif stressed that the memorandumdid not address Iran’s ballistic missile program. He also praised “the supportof regional leaders for efforts to achieve peace,” expressing hope that thememorandum would contribute to stability across the region.

Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supportingefforts aimed at securing lasting peace. Addressing Iran’s Supreme Leader,Mojtaba Khamenei, he said, “Pakistan had helped achieve a ceasefire and amemorandum of understanding while preserving its dignity.”

Later, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian praisedPakistan’s role in facilitating negotiations with Washington during a jointpress conference with Sharif in Islamabad. Pezeshkian highlighted Pakistan’s“major role” in advancing the talks, affirming that peace, security, andregional cooperation remain the path toward progress in West Asia.

Shafaq News- Nabatieh

Israeli gunfire in the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southernLebanon killed two people, with another person wounded, Lebanon’s Civil Defenseannounced on Tuesday.

Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that two youngmen were killed after Israeli forces opened fire on four men who were near abulldozer clearing a road in the al-Deir neighborhood of Nabatieh al-Fawqa.

Israeli troops fired toward residents on the outskirts ofthe town of Hadatha in Bint Jbeil district, as they headed to a local cemeteryto complete burial procedures under the escort of the Lebanese Army, the agencysaid, adding that three Merkava tanks and a D9 bulldozer were positioned nearthe cemetery during the incident.

Separately, an Israeli drone dropped a stun grenade on theoutskirts of the town of Aita al-Jabal. Another drone reportedly dropped asimilar device on an empty vehicle in the eastern neighborhood of the town ofBaraachit.

The Israeli military said it had targeted armed individualsdetected near its forces operating in the Ali al-Taher area of southernLebanon. Israeli Channel 14 quoted a military source as saying that the armycarried out a strike in the Kfartebnit area to “remove a threat.”

🔴 قوات جيش الدفاع أطلقت النار على عناصر حزب الله كانوا يعملون تحت ستار مدني على تلة علي الطاهر بعد ان اجتاز إلى داخل المنطقة الامنية 🔸رصدت قوات جيش الدفاع قبل قليل أربعة من عناصر حزب الله الإرهابي وهم يستقلون حفارة ودراجة نارية على تلة علي الطاهر ثم دخلوا إلى المنطقة الأمنية…

— افيخاي ادرعي (@AvichayAdraee) June 23, 2026

Hezbollah warned that the actions of the Israeli militaryconstituted “a violation of the ceasefire that the resistance has adhered tountil now.” Earlier, the group rejected any form of Israeli "freedom ofaction" in Lebanon, renewing its call for the complete withdrawal ofIsraeli forces from the south.

Lebanon's Health Ministry put the overall toll from Israelioperations since March 2 at 4,192 killed and 12,171 wounded. The Israeli armyhas recorded 30 soldiers killed and dozens wounded on its side over the sameperiod.

Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,announced on Monday the establishment of a coordination center aimed atfacilitating the return of displaced Lebanese residents and overseeing thewithdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Shafaq News-Beirut

Israeli forceskilled one civilian and wounded three others, one critically, in the Deirneighborhood of Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, days after aUS-Qatar-brokered ceasefire took effect.

The shooting occurred as the civilians stood near an excavator opening a road in the area. A separate Israeli airstrike targeted an excavator removing rubble from a previously bombed house in the town, while a drone hit an area in Kfarebnit, according to local media outlets.

Netanyahudeclared Monday that Israeli troops will remain in the buffer zone in southernLebanon "for as long as necessary," arguing that Tel Aviv must retainfull freedom to act against any perceived threat. Defense Minister Israel Katzhad instructed the army Saturday to halt fire in Lebanon, a directive thelatest incidents appear to contradict.

Hezbollahrejected any form of Israeli "freedom of action" in Lebanon, renewingits call for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the south.

Lebanon'sHealth Ministry put the overall toll from Israeli operations since March 2 at4,175 killed and 12,164 wounded. The Israeli army has recorded 30 soldierskilled and dozens wounded on its side over the same period.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran's Foreign Ministry ruled out onTuesday any International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspections of thecountry's damaged nuclear facilities, two days after the first round of talkswith the United States in Switzerland.

In remarks carried by Tasnim NewsAgency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei dismissed reports of ameeting with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and said no specialarrangements existed for inspections of the affected sites. He stressed thatTehran would continue implementing its obligations under the NuclearNon-Proliferation Treaty, saying “the current process is very clear.”

Baqaei also rejected claims thatmissile issues had been raised during the Swiss discussions, insisting thatIran's missile program and defense capabilities “have never been a subject ofnegotiations and never will be.”

On Iran's frozen assets, he saidTehran would determine how to use the funds “in whatever way serves thecountry's interests,” adding that they are available for unrestricted use.

The first round of US-Iran talksconcluded on Sunday in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, with Parliament SpeakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who according to Baqaei is expected to visit Chinasoon, leading Iran's delegation, and US Vice President JD Vance heading theAmerican side, while Qatar and Pakistan served as mediators. Vance describedthe meeting as “a very, very good day” and said Iran had agreed to admitnuclear monitors, calling it “the first step in permanently denuclearizing” thecountry.

Iran, however, insisted that nomonitoring undertakings had been made, with state-run IRNA affirming thatnuclear issues were not discussed during the 18-hour negotiations. ForeignMinister Abbas Araghchi, who attended the talks, welcomed the outcome, citingwaivers on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, the release of some frozenassets abroad, and the launch of a “major reconstruction & developmentplan” for Iran, adding that Lebanon's de-confliction mechanism would serve asthe “first real test” of the agreement.

Qatar and Pakistan announced thatWashington and Tehran had agreed to establish a high-level committee to providepolitical oversight of the mediation effort, supported by working groupshandling nuclear issues, sanctions, and other aspects of the deal.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,announced on Monday the establishment of a coordination center aimed atfacilitating the return of displaced Lebanese residents and overseeing thewithdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.

Speaking to reporters, Ghalibaf said negotiations held inSwitzerland produced understandings and joint mechanisms with the United States“regarding guarantees for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

“The parties also agreed to establish a communicationchannel to address any issues or incidents related to the Strait of Hormuz.”

Ghalibaf stressed that the restrictions on Iran's oil andpetrochemical exports had been temporarily lifted pending a final agreement,adding that arrangements had been made for meetings between himself and US VicePresident JD Vance when necessary to monitor implementation of the memorandumof understanding and resolve any disputes.

He further stated that the newly established Lebanoncoordination center would support efforts to enable Lebanese civilians toreturn to their homes and facilitate the withdrawal of Israeli forces fromLebanese territory.

Earlier, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israeli troops will remain in the “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon ''for as long as necessary,'' arguing that Tel Aviv must retain full freedom to act against any perceived threat.

US-Iran talks concluded in Switzerland on Sunday with the Lebanese file at the top of the agenda. Both sides agreed to form a “de-confliction cell” aimed at ending military operations in Lebanon. Tehran has repeatedly stressed that addressing the situation is essential to moving forward with the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Hezbollah, meanwhile, placed full responsibility for ceasefire violations on Israel, urging the United States and other countries to push for compliance.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran stated on Monday that its delegation didn’t discuss the country's nuclear program during talks with the United States in Switzerland, adding that it rejected any new commitments related to its nuclear activities.

In a statement, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said any future cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would require approval from Iran's parliament.

Earlier today, the first round of high-level US-Iran talks concluded in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock under Qatari and Pakistani mediation. The negotiations ended in a positive atmosphere, with both sides agreeing to establish a high-level committee to oversee the mediation process and create working groups focused on sanctions, monitoring mechanisms, dispute resolution, and the nuclear file, to reach a final agreement within two months.

The framework also includes a direct communication channel to prevent incidents and ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a mechanism to address disputes related to Lebanon.

Separately, the Iranian presidency announced that President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Pakistan tomorrow for talks to expand bilateral economic ties and discuss ongoing diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington.

Iranian officials noted the visit would also provide an opportunity to thank Islamabad for its mediation role, according to Tasnim News Agency. Earlier today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi pointed out that mediation efforts by Pakistan and Qatar had contributed to "significant progress" toward easing restrictions on Iranian oil exports and advancing efforts to end the conflict in Lebanon.

Shafaq News- Middle East (Updated at 20:25)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared onMonday that Israeli troops will remain in the “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon ''for as long as necessary,'' arguing that Tel Aviv must retain full freedom to actagainst any perceived threat.

In a video address, he accused Hezbollah of repeatedceasefire violations, insisting that Israel is operating in a defensive postureto deter threats from the group.

Defense Minister Israel Katzmaintained that Israel will continue destroying any “terror infrastructure” insouthern Lebanon.

US-Iran talks concluded in Switzerland on Sunday with theLebanese file at the top of the agenda. Both sides agreed to form a“de-confliction cell” aimed at ending military operations in Lebanon. Tehranhas repeatedly stressed that addressing the situation is essential to movingforward with the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Hezbollah,meanwhile, placed full responsibility for ceasefire violations on Israel,urging the United States and other countries to push for compliance.

Channel 12, citing a security source, reported that theWhite House is not exerting pressure on Israel to withdraw from southernLebanon, while noting that Tel Aviv could still agree to a gradual pullbackfrom certain areas.

The report added that the military has begun scaling backemergency preparedness measures in northern Israel, informing local responseunits that the call-up of all personnel will end next week as the ceasefirecontinues.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, 4,175Lebanese have been killed and 12,164 wounded in Israeli strikes sincehostilities resumed on March 2. Israeli army figures record 30 soldiers killedand dozens wounded.

Shafaq News- Doha

An explosion at a factory in Qatar's Ras Laffanindustrial city injured 54 people, while search teams continued searching for 18missing individuals, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

بلغ إجمالي عدد المصابين في الحادث الذي وقع بأحد المصانع في منطقة رأس لفان الصناعية (54) شخصاً، فيما تباشر مجموعة البحث والإنقاذ القطرية الدولية التابعة لقوة الأمن الداخلي (لخويا)، بالتعاون مع فرق الدفاع المدني، عمليات البحث عن (18) شخصاً مفقوداً.#الداخلية_قطر

— وزارة الداخلية - قطر (@MOI_Qatar) June 22, 2026

The ministry first disclosed the accident late Sunday,attributing it to a technical fault during operations. It later confirmed thatno leaks posing a risk to public safety had been detected.

QatarEnergy, meanwhile, said the incident resultedfrom an operational failure during the start-up phase that sparked a fire atthe Barzan plant, which supplies natural gas for domestic consumption.

Operational Incident at Ras Laffan Industrial CityQatarEnergy confirms that there was an operational incident during the start-up of operations at Ras Laffan Industrial City which resulted in an explosion and fire at Barzan local gas supply facility in the evening hours of…

— QatarEnergy (@qatarenergy) June 21, 2026

Shafaq News- Damascus

Syria will not escalate with Lebanon over Hezbollah, transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa declared on Sunday, leaving the door open to discussions with the group if they serve “Lebanese stability and Syrian interests.”

In an interview with Al-Mashhad, Al-Sharaa said Damascus has a “deep problem” with the Lebanese group but does not want Lebanon to collapse over it, framing Syria’s approach around stability, coexistence, and new cooperation channels with Lebanon, particularly in economic and development fields.

US President Donald Trump earlier today expressed “frustration” with Israel’s performance against Hezbollah and claimed that he was considering handing responsibility to Syria. Last Wednesday, he also said Al-Sharaa would do a “good job” against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Meanwhile, no major Israeli strikes were reported in Lebanon since Saturday evening, the quietest day since hostilities began on March 2. Iran had tied the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the Lebanon ceasefire holding, while US and Iranian negotiators met in Switzerland on June 21 to discuss implementation of deconfliction mechanisms.

A complete end to the war across the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon, is the first condition of the US-Iran Islamabad Agreement.

Shafaq News- Doha (Updated on June 22 at 00:18)

Several people were injured in an explosion at a factory in Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, the Interior Ministry said on Sunday.

The ministry attributed the blast to a technical fault during operations at one of the area’s factories, though no leak threatening public safety had been recorded.

It did not identify the factory or specify the number or condition of the injured.

Earlier today, the Interior Ministry had reported an explosion in Ras Laffan caused by a technical incident.

Ras Laffan, located in northern Qatar, is one of the world’s largest liquefied natural gas production and export hubs. Its port is a major terminal for Qatari LNG shipments.

وقوع انفجار داخلي في أحد المصانع بمنطقة رأس لفان الصناعية اثر حادث تقني، وفرق الدفاع المدني تباشر التعامل مع الحادث دون تسجيل إصابات ودون وقوع اي تسريب يهدد سلامة الافراد.#الداخلية_قطر

— وزارة الداخلية - قطر (@MOI_Qatar) June 21, 2026

Shafaq News- Qamishli

Dozens of residents and shopowners in the northeastern Syrian city of Qamishli blocked roads and burnedtires on Sunday, protesting the recent diesel price hike and deterioratingpublic services.

The protesters gathered on amain street in the city center, demanding lower fuel prices, stable electricitysupplies, and better services after authorities raised the price ofunsubsidized diesel from 55 cents to 75 cents per liter and reduced fuel allocationsto the services sector, Shafaq News correspondent in Syria reported.

Serwan Sheikhi, one of theprotesters, told Shafaq News that prolonged power outages and reduced fuelsupplies for essential services had worsened living conditions, particularly astemperatures rise and students prepare for nationwide examinations. He urgedthe Syrian government and the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) tocooperate in improving services, lowering prices, and restoring electricitythrough the public grid.

Many private generators havesuspended operations or reduced working hours because of fuel shortages andrising operating costs, leaving large parts of Al-Hasakah province withoutelectricity. “Cuts in subsidized diesel supplies for generators and bakeries areplacing additional strain on an economy already weakened by the depreciation ofthe Syrian pound,” said Shiyar Hassan, a resident of Qamishli.

An administrative source, meanwhile,attributed the latest increase in diesel prices to efforts to reorganize theenergy sector as institutions affiliated with the SDF integrate into the Syriangovernment.

Local traders warned that the issuecould further slow business activity and increase pressure on households, whileprotester Youssef Ali vowed that demonstrations would continue until their demandsare met.

Shafaq News- Beirut

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem rejected on Sundayany ceasefire arrangement that would allow Israel to continue militaryoperations in Lebanon.

In a TV speech, Qassem said, "We are now in a phase ofdefeating the Israeli project, and it is no longer appropriate to discuss thesituation as it was one or two years ago when Israel held overwhelming power."

He added that a ceasefire must include a complete halt tomilitary operations by air, land, and sea, as well as an end to demolitions andmilitary deployments in occupied areas. Referring to Iran's closure of theStrait of Hormuz, Qassem said Lebanon should view the move as a source ofleverage.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump said he was"frustrated" with Israel's performance against Hezbollah and wasconsidering assigning a greater role to Syria, arguing that Damascus couldaddress the issue more effectively.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile,pointed out that the security zone in southern Lebanon would remain in placefollowing the opening of negotiations between Washington and Tehran inSwitzerland.

Shafaq News- Middle East

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sundaythat Israeli forces will remain deployed in the buffer zone in southern Lebanonfor as long as necessary.

Speaking at a memorial marking the 50th anniversary of thedeath of his brother, Netanyahu said Israel would maintain pressure onHezbollah and other groups it considers security threats.

Netanyahu noted that Israel would not allow Iran to acquirenuclear weapons regardless of the outcome of ongoing diplomatic efforts,defending the country's military operations against Tehran over the past yearas necessary to eliminate what he described as an immediate existential threat.

Earlier today, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz saidIsrael would not withdraw from the buffer zone and would continue operationsagainst threats along the border. Hezbollah, meanwhile, accused Israel ofviolating the ceasefire and called for the full withdrawal of Israeli forcesfrom Lebanese territory.

Shafaq News-Beirut

Israel"will not withdraw from the security zone in Lebanon," DefenseMinister Israel Katz declared on Sunday, as US-Iran negotiations opened in Genevawith the Lebanese file at the top of the agenda.

"There wasand is no restriction on the Israeli soldiers in Lebanon from operating toremove threats," Katz said, adding that all of the “achievements” in thecampaign in Lebanon are being maintained. The ceasefire announced Saturday, hesaid, leaves the army in all positions within the security zone that protectsthe northern communities, a deployment Israel has no intention of reversing.

Hezbollah heldIsrael fully responsible for violating the ceasefire, calling on the UnitedStates and other countries to pressure Israel into compliance. The group'soperations room stated that its fighters are "in full readiness to defendtheir land, whatever the sacrifices."

Hours after theceasefire announcement, the Lebanese Army engineering units started defusingunexploded aerial bombs weighing between 1,000 and 2,000 pounds in the towns ofTibnin and Khirbet Silm in the Bint Jbeil district, and Majdal Silm, Debin, andBlat in the Marjayoun district, transferring them to safe locations. The armysaid units worked to "open main and secondary roads in Debin andBlat," and urged residents to exercise caution before returning tosouthern border villages, citing the danger of "Israeli violations andaggressions" and unexploded ordnance.

واصلت وحدات مختصة من الجيش تفكيك قنابل طيران غير منفجرة من مخلفات العدوان الإسرائيلي (زنة ألف باوند وألفَي باوند) في بلدات: تبنين وخربة سلم (بنت جبيل) ومجدل سلم ودبين وبلاط (مرجعيون)، وعملت على نقلها إلى مواقع آمنة لإجراء اللازم بشأنها، حفاظًا على سلامة المواطنين في المناطق… pic.twitter.com/XK9p8W8GIn

— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) June 21, 2026

4,057 Lebanesekilled in Israeli strikes and 12,121 wounded since March 2 through Saturday,according to Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health. Israeli army figures recorded30 soldiers killed and dozens wounded since the start of operations, includingseven deaths since Thursday.

In Geneva,Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baqaei confirmed that Iran wouldnot advance to the next phase of nuclear and sanctions talks with Washingtonbefore a ceasefire in Lebanon is reached, directly linking the nucleardiplomacy track to conditions on the ground in southern Lebanon.

ShafaqNews- Tehran

Iran willuse the talks in Switzerland to push for US implementation of the recentlysigned Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Iranian Foreign Ministry spokespersonEsmaeil Baqaei remarked on Sunday, stressing that "implementing anydocument is more important than simply signing it."

Ahead ofthe first formal session between US and Iranian negotiators at Bürgenstockresort, Baqaei indicated that additional meetings would take place in theafternoon, alongside separate talks between the Iranian delegation andrepresentatives from Qatar and Pakistan, which are mediating the discussions.

Iranianoutlets previously reported that the official session, scheduled for 2:30 p.m.local time (1230 GMT), will focus on implementing the first clause of the MoU,which calls for an end to the war, particularly in Lebanon. Tehran hasrepeatedly maintained that progress depends on addressing the situation inLebanon.

IranianPresident Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, voiced confidence that the results ofthe negotiations would soon become visible, describing the agreement reached asbeneficial for Iran.

"Washingtondemands that we do not acquire a nuclear weapon, and the late Supreme Leaderconsistently stressed that we were not seeking one," he noted, assertingthat US President Donald Trump's approach toward the Iranian people has shiftedsignificantly.

Shafaq News- Damascus

ISIS on Saturday claimed responsibility for the recentattack in the city of Manbij, northern Aleppo, vowing a new phase of assaultstargeting the government of transitional President Ahmed Al-Sharaa.

Earlier today, Syria’s Defense Ministry confirmed that twoSyrian soldiers were killed in a deadly ambush, yet no further details wereprovided regarding the assailants or the circumstances surrounding theincident.

ISIS does not maintain a permanent website or verifiedaccounts on major social media platforms, relying instead on encryptedmessaging applications —most notably Telegram— where supporters continuouslycreate temporary channels to evade content bans.

Shafaq News- Beirut (Updated on Sun. June 21, at 8:03)

The Israeli army on Saturday reported that Hezbollah killeda soldier and wounded 13 others in overnight strikes targeting its troopsacross southern Lebanonز

Rockets and an explosive drone struck a military position inthe village of Kfar Tebnit near Nabatiyeh on June 19. The soldier wasidentified as Sgt. First Class Nir Ben Ari, 21, of the Commando Brigade'sMaglan unit. Two troops sustained serious injuries, one was moderately wounded,while 10 others suffered minor injuries.

Earlier today, the Israeli military accused Hezbollah oflaunching more than 50 projectiles at forces operating in southern Lebanon, “ina repeated violation of the ceasefire agreement.”

במספר אירועים שונים לאורך הלילה, ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה שיגר יותר מ-50 שיגורים לעבר כוחות צה"ל הפועלים בדרום לבנון.אלו מהווים הפרות חוזרות ונשנות של הסכם הפסקת האש על ידי ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה. צה"ל לא יקבל פגיעה באזרחי ישראל ובכוחותיו, ויגיב בעוצמה על כל הפעלת כוח נגדם.על מנת…

— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 20, 2026

Israel's Channel 12 also stated that Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the military tohalt fire in Lebanon, while the army would retain the ability to respond toperceived threats. The Lebanese group, however, rejected any Israeli"freedom of action" on Lebanese territory, while denying accusationsthat it had violated the ceasefire.

Shafaq News- Middle East (Updated at 19:55) 

Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz instructed the army onSaturday to halt fire in Lebanon, Israel's Channel 12 reported.

The decision was coordinated with the United States, thebroadcaster said, while the military will retain freedom of action againstthreats in the south and respond forcefully to any action by Hezbollah.

The Lebanese group, meanwhile, rejected any form of Israeli"freedom of action" in Lebanon, renewing its call for the completewithdrawal of Israeli forces from the south. In a statement, Hezbollah alsodismissed Israeli allegations that it had violated the ceasefire as "aclear attempt" to justify ongoing military operations, shape publicopinion, and undermine the agreement between Iran and the United States.

Disputes continue over theimplementation of the US-Iran memorandum of understanding aimed at endinghostilities across the region, including Lebanon. Iran's Khatam al-AnbiyaCentral Headquarters earlier announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz,which carries around 20% of global oil supplies, to maritime traffic, accusingWashington of failing to fulfill its obligations and citing Israeli militaryactivity in southern Lebanon.

Iran's Foreign Ministry later confirmedthat a delegation had departed for Switzerland to discuss the matter with USofficials. Technical talks between the United States and Iran will take placeon June 21 at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatarserving as mediators, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry announced.

Shafaq News- Diyala

Concerns over the improper application of the ASYCUDA customs system atAl-Mundhiriyah border crossing in Diyala province prompted calls for an urgentinvestigation into more than 800 trucks stranded at the facility, an Iraqilawmaker stated on Saturday.

Mohammed Ali called on the Iraqi government and the Federal Commission ofIntegrity to review the case, ensure the full implementation of customs and taxregulations, and take legal action against any party found responsible forviolations, stressing the need for greater oversight and transparency at Iraq'sborder crossings.

ASYCUDA (Automated System forCustoms Data) is an electronic customs management platform used to processimport and export transactions, verify invoices, calculate duties and taxes,and track goods moving through border crossings. Iraqi authorities have promotedthe system as a key tool to combat customs evasion, invoice manipulation, andundocumented imports.

Read more: Delayed reform or fiscal shock? Iraq’s tax measures test state capacity

Shafaq News- Beirut

Hezbollah said on Saturday it has adhered to the ceasefireagreement since it took effect on June 19, while asserting its right to respondto any Israeli violations.

In a statement, the group accused Israel of continuing tobreach the ceasefire under "false pretexts," adding that its forcesremain on alert for any developments on the ground.

Hezbollah said Israeli troops attempted to advance overnighttoward the Ali al-Taher hill, which it described as remaining outside Israelicontrol despite repeated efforts to seize it. According to the group, itsfighters ambushed an Israeli commando unit and targeted it with"appropriate weapons," causing casualties within the force.

Israeli warplanes subsequently launched intensive strikesacross the area and other parts of southern Lebanon, Hezbollah added, accusingIsrael of targeting civilians.

The group reiterated that it would not allow Israeli forcesto expand their presence or alter the situation on the ground despite itscommitment to the ceasefire.

Israel continued striking southern Lebanon hours after the ceasefire reportedly took effect, with local media reporting attacks across theNabatieh, Tyre, Jezzine, and Saida districts, killing at least 48 people andinjuring 97 others.

The Lebanese Army Command said an Israeli airstrike killedone of its soldiers on the Kfarrumman-Nabatieh road yesterday, bringing thetotal number of military personnel killed in Israeli strikes since March 2 tomore than 50.

Shafaq News- Tehran

An Iranian delegation has traveled to Switzerland to follow up on UScommitments under the recently signed memorandum of understanding (MoU),Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei stated on Saturday, urgingWashington to speed up the deal’s implementation.

In a statement, Baqaei noted that the first provision of the MoU callsfor ending hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, adding that thisclause remains unfulfilled due to Washington’s failure to press Israel to haltits military operations. While the ministry acknowledged progress on liftingthe maritime blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, he described theagreement as a “single package,” warning that failure to implement any of itsprovisions could jeopardize the entire deal.

Earlier today, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters, the country’sCentral Military Command, confirmed the closure of the maritime corridor to shipping,citing continued Israeli violations of a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. Framingthe move as “the first stage of a response to the enemy’s breach of itscommitments,” the Command indicated that additional steps could follow ifviolations continue.

On the ground, Israeli strikes escalated across southern Lebanon, withLebanese media reporting attacks in Nabatieh, Tyre, Jezzine, and Saidadistricts, leaving at least 48 people dead and 97 others wounded over the past24 hours.

US Vice President JD Vance maintained there was no evidence Iran hadclosed the strategic gateway, adding that Washington would give negotiations achance while holding that the ceasefire would be respected.

ShafaqNews- Aleppo

TwoSyrian soldiers were killed in an attack by unidentified gunmen near the cityof Manbij in northern Aleppo province, Syria’s Defense Ministry reported onSunday.

Nodetails were released on how the attack unfolded or on the identity of thoseresponsible.

Shafaq News- Beirut

An Israeli airstrike killed a Lebanese army soldier on the Kfarrumman-Nabatieh road in southern Lebanon, the Lebanese Army Command announced Friday.

The total number of military personnel killed in Israeli strikes since March 2 surpasses 50.

تتواصل الاعتداءات الإسرائيلية الوحشية على لبنان بعدما طال التصعيد الأخير مناطق واسعة في الجنوب وصولًا إلى البقاع، موقعًا المزيد من الشهداء والجرحى، ومسببًا دمارًا كبيرًا في الممتلكات.في هذا السياق، استهدفت غارة إسرائيلية معادية عسكريًّا في الجيش على طريق كفررمان - النبطية ما أدى… pic.twitter.com/07U6EWtfEc

— الجيش اللبناني (@LebarmyOfficial) June 20, 2026

Strikes over this period have hit service centers, fixed positions, checkpoints, and the homes of military personnel and their families across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley, causing “more martyrs and wounded and causing significant property damage”.

The Lebanese Army Command declared that the pattern of attacks is aimed at obstructing any solution that would restore stability in Lebanon.

Read more: Israel reshapes southern Lebanon: Displacement and settlement fears

Shafaq News- Beirut

Israeli warplanes and drones carried out a series of strikes across southern Lebanon on Saturday, killing at least five people, hours after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah reportedly took effect.

According to local media outlets, more than 13 airstrikes targeted villages across Doueir, Nabatieh, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfarjouz, Kfartebnit, Kfarrumman, and Barish. An Israeli drone strike on a motorcycle near the Kfarrumman roundabout killed one person.

#بالفيديو | دمار كبير جراء العدوان الإسرائيلي الذي استهدف بلدة النميرية قضاء النبطية جنوبيّ لبنان.#الميادين_لبنان #لبنان pic.twitter.com/4zyMsCxCX5

— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) June 20, 2026

مراسل الميادين:🔷ارتقاء شهيد في غارة من مسيّرة إسرائيلية استهدفت بلدة سحمر في البقاع الغربي.#الميادين_لبنان #لبنان pic.twitter.com/Ex72287wb3

— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) June 20, 2026

Lebanon's Emergency Operations Center said Israeli strikes carried out across southern Lebanon and the Beqaa Valley from midnight on Thursday through Friday afternoon killed 47 people and wounded 97 others, including a large number of women and children.

US-Iran on Hold Due to Lebanon Escalation

A White House official told Axios that US special envoy Steve Witkoff has traveled to Switzerland for a new round of talks with Iran, while senior adviser Jared Kushner is already in the country ahead of discussions on a potential nuclear agreement. The negotiations, initially scheduled for yesterday, were postponed because of the escalation in Lebanon.

#بالفيديو | غارات إسرائيلية استهدفت مدينة النبطية جنوبيّ لبنان.#الميادين_لبنان #لبنان pic.twitter.com/BEqdHK4Xmh

— الميادين لبنان (@mayadeenlebanon) June 20, 2026

Axios also reported that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is expected to travel to Switzerland, although his plans remain subject to change.

Sources from mediator countries said Araghchi had informed counterparts that securing a “lasting ceasefire in Lebanon is a critical condition for advancing US-Iran negotiations.” Iranian officials are seeking assurances that the truce will hold before proceeding with the talks.

US Vice President JD Vance had been expected to lead the American delegation, but postponed his trip at the last minute on Thursday evening. It remains unclear whether he will travel to Switzerland later this weekend.

Shafaq News- Damascus

Several airstrikes on Friday by the US-led Coalition innorthern Idlib killed a person believed to be a member of ISIS, a Syriansecurity source told Shafaq News.

Coalition aircraft launched several strikes targeting amotorcycle and another location near the Mashhad Rouhin camp in the Deir Hassanarea.

According to Syria TV, citing local sources, two guided missiles hit thetarget, killing the individual instantly, while residents reported hearing fourconsecutive explosions. "The other blasts were likely caused by coalition dronestrikes on vehicles in the Sheikh Barakat mountain area in western Aleppocountryside."

Syrian authorities and the US-led Coalition have not commented on theincidents.