Shafaq News- Washington

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio plans to visit the UnitedArab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain next week as part of a Middle East tour,Axios reported on Friday.

No details were provided regarding the trip, and the StateDepartment has not commented on the news.

Earlier today, Rubio spoke with Lebanese President JosephAoun and pointed to Washington's support for the Lebanese government to promotesecurity and sovereignty.

Shafaq News- Washington

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the UnitedStates and Iran reflects a departure from “failed policies of appeasement, cashpayoffs, and endless wars,” the White House stated on Friday.

The agreement was “forged through American strength,” and isintended to ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon, the White Housesaid, noting that the MoU provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz tointernational navigation.

US national interests remain the priority under thememorandum, which is intended to reduce the risk of further military escalationand support diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.

Earlier this month, the United States and Iran signed an agreement opening a60-day negotiating period on Tehran's nuclear program. The deal fueledspeculation about broader cooperation with the International Atomic EnergyAgency after US envoy Steve Witkoff announced that Iran would allow inspectorsaccess to nuclear sites and account for its enriched uranium stockpile. IranianForeign Ministry later denied reports that it had invited the agency to inspectfacilities beyond those already under IAEA monitoring.

Read more: Iraq PM al-Zaidi to Washington with energy deals front, “militia file” unresolved

Shafaq News- Washington

US intelligence agencies have warned that Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu is likely to take steps that could underminePresident Donald Trump’s efforts to secure a lasting peace agreement with Iran,The Washington Post reported on Friday.

Citing current and former US officials, the newspaper saidIsrael appears determined to continue military operations against Hezbollah,adding that Netanyahu is facing intense political pressure ahead of nationalelections scheduled for this fall. The assessment noted that his “political survival”is increasingly tied to demonstrating that he will not withdraw Israeli forcesfrom Lebanon and that he intends to intensify military operations against Hezbollah.

The report also described Israeli dissatisfaction with theterms of the peace memorandum promoted by Trump, arguing that “the agreementweakens Israel’s broader objective of maintaining maximum pressure on Tehran.”

US intelligence analysts reportedly assessed that Israeliofficials believe the agreement could restrict Israel’s ability to act againstHezbollah, the report argued.

“An escalation of Israel’s military campaign in Lebanoncould threaten not only the US-Iran MOU, but also strain Netanyahu’srelationship with Trump,” the report concluded.

On June 12, Netanyahu affirmed that Israel would not be aparty to the memorandum between US and Iran.

Trump called on Netanyahu to exercise greaterrestraint in Lebanon, saying that the conflict had gone on too long and thatcivilian casualties had mounted beyond what he considered acceptable.

Shafaq News- Geneva

Planned negotiations between the United States andIran in the Swiss resort of Burgenstock were called off Friday before theybegan, with Tehran citing ongoing Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanonas the reason for suspending its delegation's travel.

“The plans for the upcoming technical talks have notbeen finalized, and the US delegation has been prepared to depart at the firstavailable opportunity,” a White House spokesperson said.

An informed source told the Lebanese televisionnetwork Al Mayadeen that Iran's negotiating delegation had been preparing todepart when it suspended travel due to the escalation in Lebanon and thecontinued Israeli bombardments.

Tehran had previously informed Washington that theLebanon situation would directly affect whether talks proceeded, the sourceadded, citing Iranian warnings that Israeli military operations extending up toten kilometers inside Lebanese territory constituted a violation of the firstclause of an existing memorandum of understanding between the parties.

Before the cancellation was announced, Vance said in astatement that Israel and other regional actors must respect the emergingdiplomatic process. “The Israelis, just like everybody else, have to respectthis peace process that is fundamentally good for them and good for the entireregion.”

Vance added that President Donald Trump had grownfrustrated with disruptions at near-breakthrough moments in negotiations,specifically citing Israeli strikes on civilian areas of Beirut. “A lot ofpeople who have nothing to do with Hezbollah lose their lives. That is notacceptable,” he said.

The postponed Burgenstock session was intended toadvance a reported 14-point framework for a broader agreement betweenWashington and Tehran.

No new date for the talks has been announced by eithergovernment.

Read more: US, Iran sign remote memorandum to end war

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran has suspended negotiations with the United Statesuntil it verifies that Israeli attacks in Lebanon have stopped and Washingtonhas fulfilled its commitments under the US-Iran memorandum, Al-Mayadeenreported on Thursday, citing an informed source.

Iranian officials had been preparing to travel toSwitzerland for talks before cancelling the trip. According to the source, Tehranhad previously informed Washington and the mediators that developments inLebanon would influence the course of negotiations, warning that Israelimilitary operations extending up to 10 kilometers inside Lebanese territorywould constitute “a clear violation” of the memorandum.

Read more: US, Iran sign remote memorandum to end war

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump said heexpects a complete ceasefire, urging parties in the Middle East to honor theircommitments.

The memorandum includes provisions requiring an end tomilitary activity on all fronts, including Lebanon. Israel,however, continued operations south of the country, with strikes on Thursdaykilling at least three people in Kfar Tebnit and Zebdin. The Lebanese HealthMinistry put the cumulative death toll caused by Israeli attacks since March 2 at3,912 people dead and 11,873 wounded.

Read more: US-Iran ceasefire deal leaves Lebanon without guarantees

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he expects a complete ceasefire on all fronts, including “Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel,” urging parties in the Middle East to maintain their commitments as negotiations continue.

The United States is committed to peace, Trump added, pointing to lower oil prices and rising stocks as signs that markets were responding positively to the diplomatic track.

The signed US-Iran memorandum also includes Lebanon, according to the official text released by Washington and Tehran, with the 14-point pact calling for ending military activity on all fronts, and ensuring the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Israel, however, continued operations in southern Lebanon, carrying out strikes on Thursday that killed at least three people in Kfar Tebnit and Zebdin. On June 18, Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that Israeli attacks since March 2 had killed 3,912 people and injured 11,873 others.

Tel Aviv has also expanded a “forward defense line in southern Lebanon.” The Israeli military recently published a map showing forces operating beyond previously declared buffer zones, including areas near Nabatieh. Reuters cited two Israeli officials as saying talks are underway with the United States over Israel’s continued deployment in Lebanon, with a senior official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the negotiations as “stubborn.”

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday theend of the military blockade imposed on all maritime traffic entering andleaving Iranian ports, one day after US President Donald Trump and IranianPresident Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding remotely toend the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

"All US military efforts related to enforcing theblockade have ceased," CENTCOM said, noting that naval forces would remainin the region to monitor compliance with all aspects of the agreement andensure its continued implementation.

Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade…

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 18, 2026

In its latest update on June 14, the command claimed that 142commercial vessels had altered their routes in line with the restrictions,while US forces disabled nine vessels that ignored the order since the blockadebegan on April 13.

A U.S Sailor aboard USS Milius (DDG 69) stands watch as the guided-missile destroyer transits regional waters supporting the U.S. blockade against Iran. As of June 14, CENTCOM forces have redirected 142 commercial ships that complied and disabled 9 vessels that did not comply. pic.twitter.com/YuyrfWZWrz

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 14, 2026

Shafaq News- Washington

About 12.5 million barrels of oil crossed the Strait of Hormuz overnight, the highest level since the start of the US-Iran conflict, Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday, describing it as an early sign that both sides are complying with the first phase of their agreement.

Speaking at the White House, Vance said Iranian forces had not fired on ships in the strait for a second consecutive night, while US Central Command had allowed more than 10 vessels to pass.

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump announced that oil had begun flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and renewed his pledge that Iran would not obtain a nuclear weapon.

Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, ending hostilities and opening a 60-day negotiating period on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, and broader security issues. Vance cautioned that the US remains prepared for all scenarios if Iran fails to meet its commitments, but said Tehran has complied with the agreement so far.

Shafaq News- Islamabad

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has canceledhis planned trip to Switzerland ahead of the US-Iran talks scheduled for June19, state media reported on Thursday, without disclosing the reason behind thedecision.

Technical discussions between Washington and Tehranare expected to take place separately.

Pakistan TV exclusive :"Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed his Switzerland visit as the Islamabad MoU is already signed and under implementation. The US-Iran technical talks will continue separately under the agreement’s framework," said Adil Shahzeb, Head of Pakistan… pic.twitter.com/Op3OZsWigU

— Pakistan TV (@PakTVGlobal) June 18, 2026

Other Pakistani media, citing a source in the PM’sOffice, said the country’s foreign secretary will attend the meeting onIslamabad's behalf.

Switzerland's Foreign Ministry had confirmed thatpreliminary negotiations between Iran and the United States will be held in theresort town of Burgenstock following the ceasefire agreement reached by the twosides.

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President MasoudPezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding remotely a day earlier, underwhich Tehran agreed to reduce uranium enrichment in exchange for the lifting ofUS sanctions as part of future negotiations.

Shafaq News- Paris

The Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa is doing a good job,and Syria would take effective action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the USPresident Donald Trump said on Wednesday.

Speaking at the conclusion of the Group of Seven (G7) summitin France, Trump said efforts are needed to achieve peace in Lebanon. He addedthat the United States would work alongside Gulf countries on a parallel trackto address non-nuclear issues, including conventional ballistic missiles. “Theyshould have some of them because others have some.”

An agreement with Iran would be signed soon, according tothe American President, suggesting it could happen as early as Thursday orFriday. He noted that technical discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear stockpilewould begin immediately.

He added that he had discussed the details of the agreementwith US allies attending the summit, and leaders who reviewed the deal were“very happy” with the outcome.

Trump also said the United States had seized substantialIranian funds and would eventually have to return them. However, Tehran wouldnot gain access to a $300 billion fund unless it “behaves properly.”

“Washington had sent a copy of the memorandum ofunderstanding with Iran to Israel,” he revealed, describing Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu as “a little emotional sometimes,” but called him“a good partner.”

Shafaq News-Tehran

Iran's ForeignMinistry on Wednesday detailed the contents of a memorandum of understandingwith the United States set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday, consideringit the legal and diplomatic foundation for a comprehensive negotiatedsettlement.

The document,the ministry said, spans 14 clauses across one and a half pages. Its openingtwo articles establish the general negotiating framework. Subsequent clausesoutline specific commitments: American recognition of Iranian sovereignty andterritorial integrity, the lifting of a naval blockade on Iranian vesselswithin 30 days, and the removal of obstacles blocking access to frozen Iranianassets, a process Washington has already begun, according to Tehran.

Lebanon isreferenced three times in the document, a frequency the ministry characterizedas deliberate. Tehran has framed a ceasefire on all active fronts, includingsouthern Lebanon, where Israeli forces remain deployed following last year'sconflict, as a precondition for entering negotiations, not an outcome of them.The continued Israeli military presence, the ministry said, contradicts thememorandum's provisions affirming Lebanese sovereignty, and Iran would take"necessary measures" if that presence persists.

The Strait ofHormuz, through which roughly a fifth of global oil supplies pass, alsofeatures in the agreement. Iran is committed to restoring normal maritimetraffic through the strait within a defined period and dismantling certainunspecified obstacles currently in place. Tehran and Muscat will jointly managethe waterway and provide transit services to vessels, with broader regionalconsultations to follow as needed.

The two issuesthat have defined the Iran-US standoff for more than two decades, sanctionsrelief and the nuclear program, do not appear in the memorandum itself. Bothwere deliberately deferred to direct negotiations opening Friday, which theministry said both sides have committed to concluding within 60 days of thedocument's signing.

The UnitedStates has not publicly confirmed the memorandum's contents.

Read more: US-Iran ceasefire deal leaves Lebanon without guarantees

Shafaq News- Paris

The memorandum of understanding with Iran that isto be signed on Friday is not final, the US President Donald Trump stated onWednesday, warning of a return to “dropping bombs” if he doesn't like the wayit works out.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 Summit inFrance, Trump dismissed reports that the preliminary deal with Tehranincludes a $300 billion fund for Iran as false. “We’re not investing.We’re not putting up 10 cents.” Asked if he is asking Gulf countries to investin Iran, Trump affirmed he is not.

Trump’s latest comments followed a US official statement onMonday saying the US has discussed the possibility of releasing frozen fundsand sanctions relief, adding that “a big $300 billion fund to rebuild theircountry, and all of these things are going to be tied to performance.”

A third tanker carrying Iranian oil has sailed past the USnavy’s blockade line in the Gulf of Oman, according to TankerTrackers.

On ceasefire in Lebanon, Iran has accused Israel ofviolating it 84 times since it reached the MOU with the US, threatning of a“harsh response” if attacks continue. The warning comes after Israeliforces killed four people in southern Lebanon.

Earlier, Trump criticised IsraeliPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to be “more responsible” inLebanon.

Shafaq News- London

Israel is violating international law by preventing tens ofthousands of Lebanese residents from returning to their homes, AmnestyInternational stated on Wednesday.

The organization said the area designated by Israel as ano-return zone now covers around 6% of Lebanon’s territory, adding that Israelhas not provided sufficient guarantees for the safety of civilians affected byevacuation orders in southern Lebanon.

Amnesty noted that Israel has expanded the no-return zone insouthern Lebanon to approximately 600 square kilometers, stressing, “more than3,700 people have been killed in Lebanon since the escalation of hostilities onMarch 2, 2026.” It also highlighted that Israeli forces killed 81 civiliansand injured 120 others while they were attempting to return to their villagesin southern Lebanon. “More than one million people remain displaced in Lebanonas of June 7, 2026.”

🚨 خلص تحقيق جديد أجريناه إلى أن جيش #إسرائيل استخدم أوامر "الإخلاء" الجماعي وأوامر عدم العودة من أجل تهجير مئات الآلاف من الأشخاص في #لبنان بشكل غير مشروع، في انتهاك للقانون الدولي الإنساني. https://t.co/ax85KVqjD9

— منظمة العفو الدولية (@AmnestyAR) June 17, 2026

Israeli airstrikes continue in southern Lebanon despiterepeated announcements of a ceasefire linked to the US-Iran understanding,which reportedly includes a halt to military operations across all fronts,including Lebanon. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced that the cumulative toll since March 2 is more than 3,826 dead and 11,851 wounded.

Shafaq News- Washington

The United States will ease sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemicalexports, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, as Washington and Tehran move towardsigning a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Citing US officials, the outlet stated that the US Treasury Departmentis expected to issue exemptions immediately after the formal signing on June19. The outline of the emerging agreement has already been shared with USallied countries during the ongoing G7 summit in France. While some detailshave been circulated, technical teams continue working on implementationmechanisms, indicating that the final text could still change before officialapproval.

“Iran would only gain access to economic relief if it complies fullywith its obligations,” the official noted, adding that these commitmentsinclude preventing the development of nuclear weapons, reducing its stockpileof enriched uranium, and safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Straitof Hormuz.

Last week, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a US-Iranagreement had been reached, ending military operations across all fronts,including in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the developmenton Truth Social, writing that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran isnow complete.”

“I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz,and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the UnitedStates Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oilflow!” he posted.

Shafaq News- Washington

US Vice President JD Vance declared on Wednesday that thememorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehranconstitutes a broader regional peace agreement covering Israel, Lebanon, andthe Arab Gulf states.

Speaking in a TV interview, Vance acknowledged that ongoingIsraeli military operations in Lebanon could complicate the settlement."This is a regional peace agreement. It will include the Gulf, Israel, andLebanon. The key point is that it is a genuine regional peace agreement."

Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations (G7)welcomed the US-Iran agreement the same day and voiced support for Lebanon'ssovereignty, security, and stability.

Iran's state-affiliated Mehr News Agency and Bloomberg bothpublished draft texts of the MoU, each containing a US commitment to ceasefireprovisions across all fronts, including Lebanon.

Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and Parliament SpeakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told his Lebanese counterpart, Parliament SpeakerNabih Berri, by phone that Washington must compel Israel to end its militarycampaign in Lebanon, halt home demolitions, and withdraw from occupied Lebaneseterritory.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel wouldcontinue to occupy southern Lebanon regardless of the Washington-Tehranframework.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, said it had receivedassurances from Tehran that Iran would press for Israeli troop withdrawal fromLebanon in the next phase of negotiations with Washington.

The Iran-aligned Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters reported84 Israeli violations of the Lebanon ceasefire in the two days following thedeal's announcement, warning that Israeli forces would face a strong responseif the attacks on southern Lebanon continued.

Israeli artillery struck the Ali al-Taher heights and theoutskirts of Nabatieh al-Fawqa in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning, whileIsraeli aircraft carried out a separate airstrike near the town of Kfar Tebnitin the Nabatieh district. Ten rockets were subsequently fired toward Israelitroop concentrations near Kfar Tebnit, according to local media.

The Lebanese Ministry of Health reported that the cumulativedeath toll in Lebanon since March 2 has surpassed 3,826, with more than 11,851wounded —figures that do not include four additional fatalities recorded inTuesday's strikes.

The formal signing of the US-Iran MoU is scheduled for June19 in Switzerland.

Read more: US-Iran ceasefire deal leaves Lebanon without guarantees

Shafaq News- London

Reza Pahlavi, son of Iran’s last shah, called on the internationalcommunity on Tuesday to support anti-government protesters rather than pursuean agreement with Tehran, warning of the consequences of any deal that leavesIran’s current authorities in power.

In a statement after meetings with British lawmakers duringa visit to London, Pahlavi said, “Dealingwith this regime would be a failure, and we will all face the consequences.”

Pahlavi,65, argued that Iran’s leadership has been engaged in a struggle against theIranian people for nearly five decades.

“The regime’s war against the Iranian people has continuedfor 47 years. Just as it has never reconciled with its own people, it willnever reconcile with the world.”

Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump said theagreement between the United States and Iran is moving into a second phase, describingit as fair. He told reporters at the G7 summit that his decisionto sign the memorandum of understanding was driven by theneed to ensure Tehran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. “All hell will raindown on Iran if it tries to get a nuclear weapon," he warned. 

Shafaq News- Washington

The proposed memorandum of understanding with Iran does notgrant Tehran any automatic gains, a White House official told Shafaq News onTuesday, stressing that the agreement is based on the principle of “performancefor benefits”.

The official said the memorandum is structured aroundcompliance and implementation rather than upfront concessions, clarifying thatit is a “performance-based agreement.”

Iran can only access any benefits of the MOU if they abideby all of the points it agreed to, he affirmed, clarifying that these pointsare: no nuclear weapon, neutralizing its enriched material, and not interferingwith the free flow of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump stated, on the sidelines of theGroup of Seven (G7) summit in France, that the MOU had been “fully signed,”adding that the Strait of Hormuz is “partially open” and will be fully reopenedstarting Friday. The “core issue” of the agreement is ensuring that Iran doesnot obtain a nuclear weapon, he added.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, describedthe MOU as “an important step” toward ending hostilities, while acknowledgingthat a final agreement establishing a permanent ceasefire has not yet beenreached.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the next phaseof talks will begin in Switzerland after the framework is signed. Tehran hasalso stressed that it will assume responsibility for securing maritime trafficin the Strait of Hormuz in cooperation with Oman and in consultation withrelevant parties.

Shafaq News-Beijing/ Islamabad

The next round ofPakistan-mediated negotiations between the United States and Iran is expectedto be "more difficult" than the first, Chinese Foreign Minister WangYi told his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in a phone call on Tuesday.

According to astatement from China's Foreign Ministry, Wang welcomed the first phase of thememorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, and called forcontinued efforts to advance negotiations and promote peace in the Middle East.

He added thatachieving lasting peace in the Middle East and the Gulf region would requiresustained efforts from all parties, and China is prepared to work with Pakistantoward that goal, stressing that the United Nations Security Council shouldplay a larger role in helping the parties reach a final deal.

Wang Yi and IshaqDar pointed to the importance of implementing the understandings and reopeningof the Strait of Hormuz for the global economy, energy security, andinternational trade.

Earlier today, USPresident Donald Trump announced that the MoU with Iran had entered a secondphase. He said that the deal was intended to ensure that Tehran does not obtaina nuclear weapon, warning that "all hell will rain down" on Tehran ifit seeks one.

Meanwhile, the WallStreet Journal reported that the United States will allow Iran to immediatelyresume oil and fuel sales under the war-ending agreement. Citing informedsources, the newspaper indicated that sanctions relief covering oil exports, aswell as related banking, shipping, and insurance services, will take effectonce the MoU is formally signed on Friday. The continuation of those exemptionswill depend on Tehran's compliance with commitments related to Hormuz and thenuclear program.

Shafaq News- Doha

Qatar expressed on Tuesday support for diplomatic effortsaimed at consolidating the MoU between the United States and Iran, calling it afirst step toward a broader regional consensus.

In a statement, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majedbin Mohammed Al-Ansari said Doha had contributed to narrowing differencesbetween Washington and Tehran within the framework of mediation led by Pakistan,stressing that Qatar is not a direct mediator but part of a supporting team.

“Efforts had focused on ensuring maritime security, regionalstability, and the resumption of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” he added,voicing confidence that the strait would reopen and freedom of navigation wouldbe guaranteed under the upcoming memorandum of understanding.

He noted that Qatar will be represented at the upcomingmeeting in Geneva on Friday and continues to maintain contacts with all partiesto ensure the success of the agreement and guide it toward implementation.

The spokesperson firmly denied any Qatari financialinvolvement in the MoU, saying that no funds had been provided and thatinternational coordination is underway to address the economic consequences ofthe crisis.

“The ongoing discussions are taking place within theframework of Pakistani mediation. No direct meetings between the United Statesand Iran are currently being held in Doha.”

On current Israeli hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon, Al-Ansariclaimed that Qatar continues its efforts to end the war in Gaza and support theimplementation of related agreements, stressing that regional dialogue isessential to rebuilding trust among parties. He also condemned Israeli strikeson Lebanon, describing them as a violation of Lebanese sovereignty, and calledfor preserving regional stability and preventing further escalation.

Shafaq News-Washington

The agreementbetween the United States and Iran is moving into a second phase, US PresidentDonald Trump stated on Tuesday.

Trump toldreporters at the G7 summit that his decision to sign the memorandum ofunderstanding was driven by the need to ensure Tehran does not obtain a nuclearweapon. “All hell will rain down” on Iran if it tries to get a nuclear weapon,he said.

The deal isfair, Trump further noted, adding that Washington has no plans to invest moneyin the country.

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Beirut (Updated at 11:48)

Iranian ForeignMinister Abbas Araghchi said Tuesday that ending the war in Lebanon is abinding component of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached with theUnited States, and that any Israeli military presence or strikes on Lebaneseterritory would constitute a violation of that agreement.

The MoU carriestwo distinct parties, Araghchi clarified in a statement: The US and Israel on oneside, and Iran and Hezbollah on the other. “Any Israeli military attack onLebanon or continuation of its occupation there would nullify the agreement.”

A formalsigning ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Geneva, to be attended by Araghchi,Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and US Vice President JDVance, though neither side has officially confirmed its delegation. Theceremony will initiate a 60-day negotiating window, during which the nuclearfile and sanctions relief will be addressed —matters Araghchi specified arereserved for that second phase and are not part of the MoU itself.

LebanesePresident Joseph Aoun expressed hope the deal would lead to a full Israeliwithdrawal from Lebanese territory and "an end to the suffering of theLebanese people," calling on all parties to rally behind the state.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to keep Israeli forces insecurity zones established in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria.

Israeli outletMaariv reported that Beirut has been designated a prohibited zone for Israelimilitary operations under the terms of the MoU.

Read more: US-Iran ceasefire deal leaves Lebanon without guarantees

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Mondaythat the memorandum of understanding reached with the United States couldresolve longstanding disputes and create “new conditions” in Iran and acrossthe region if fully implemented.

Pezeshkian noted, in remarks carried by Iranian media,that details would be disclosed “at the appropriate time” and revealed thatmore than 90% of the members of Iran's Supreme National Security Councilsupported the accord after extensive discussions.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei warned Washington against failing to honor its commitments,stressing that Tehran is considering diplomatic and military responses shouldthe current understandings collapse during the 60-day implementation period.

Citing past tensions with the United States, Baqaei urgedcaution and said that Iran's armed forces remain on full alert.

US President Donald Trump also announced that shipshad begun moving through the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20% ofglobal oil supplies, following the agreement that stipulates reopening thewaterway and ending the US naval blockade.

French President Emmanuel Macron called on Iran not toimpose transit fees on vessels using the route. “We will do everything in ourpower to ensure there is no toll,” Macron told TF1 television, saying thatFrance and Britain could rapidly deploy a joint mission if necessary and thatthe aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle was ready to move to the area withindays.

Shafaq News- London

Four European countries (E4) expressed readiness tolift sanctions on Iran if it takes concrete steps to address concerns over itsnuclear program following the agreement between Tehran and Washington to endthe war.

In a joint statement on Sunday, Britain, France,Germany, and Italy reiterated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. “Westand ready to work with the US, Iran and the IAEA to this end.”

The four powers also backed the next phase ofnegotiations expected after the signing of the US-Iran memorandum ofunderstanding on June 19.

Shafaq News- Middle East

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker crossed theStrait of Hormuz heading east on Monday, marking the first shipment since theUnited States and Iran reached a peace agreement, according to vessel-trackingdata cited by Reuters.

Operated by India's Petronet, the vessel continuedtoward the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The US-Iran deal included the reopening of the Strait,which carries around 20% of global oil supplies, and the immediate lifting ofthe US naval blockade.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyenstressed that the priority now is the swift and full implementation of theagreement by all parties, adding that freedom of navigation through the strategicwaterway must be restored “toll-free.”

I welcome the agreement reached between the US and Iran, following sustained diplomatic efforts by several partners.The priority now is its swift and full implementation by all parties.This agreement should allow for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Freedom…

— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) June 15, 2026

Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Sunday the completionof a deal with Iran and authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz andthe immediate removal of the US naval blockade.

“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow,”Trump stated.

Meanwhile, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Ministerfor Legal and International Affairs, told Iranian state television (IRIB) that twomeasures would take effect on June 15 in the morning. "First,the permanent and instant end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon.Second, the lifting and termination of the naval blockade that the UnitedStates had imposed against Tehran." Iran's obligations under the agreementwill begin after the signing ceremony on Friday.

A Qatari delegation spent the past two days in Tehran tofinalize discussions on the text of the Islamabad Memorandum between Iran andthe United States, Gharibabadi said, adding that negotiations lasted more than14 hours, during which Iran presented its final amendments, most of which wereaccepted, allowing the memorandum to be finalized.

Earlier today, Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif declared that theagreement will be formally signed during a ceremony scheduled for June 19 inSwitzerland. He also noted that the deal includes the immediate and permanentcessation of military operations on all fronts.