The anticipated talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland were abruptly called off at the 11th hour on Friday, clouding prospects for a lasting truce as a major escalation in Lebanon threatened the tenuous agreement to end the war.
The Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement shared with The Independent that planned talks later today between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been “postponed”.
“Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Bürgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present,” they said.
The announcement came hours after the White House confirmed vice president JD Vance would not be travelling to Switzerland, where he had been expected to meet Iranian negotiations to start discussions on implementing the 14-point memorandum.
The new deal is supposed to end the war on all fronts and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to pave the way for 60 days of talks on lingering disputes around Iran’s nuclear programme and sanctions. But continued fighting in Lebanon threatens the agreement.
At least 18 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Friday, Lebanon's health ministry said, while the Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in one of the deadliest single incidents since the latest escalation began.
As Donald Trump faces pressure over the terms of the agreement, he told Axios that there are “no limits” to his power and cast the deal as the “unconditional surrender” of Iran.
Read More‘Worst foreign policy blunder in decades’: Republicans turn on Trump over Iran deal
Key Points
- Swiss foreign ministry confirms US-Iran talks stand cancelled
- At least 15 killed in Israel's fresh strikes on Lebanon - state media
- Trump claims Iran deal is 'unconditional surrender,' despite Tehran being able to profit from it
- Oil falls as tankers return to Hormuz after blockade lifted
- Iran's supreme leader said he approved peace deal despite his 'different view'
- JD Vance no longer travelling to Switzerland
If deal fails... 'we have no hesitation in delivering a crushing response', says Iran
11:00 , James ReynoldsIran’s top negotiator says in a post on social media that if talks fail, Iran will not hesitate to deliver a ‘crushing response’.
“In the event of bad faith, breach of contract, and excessive demands by the opposing side, we have no hesitation in delivering a crushing response to the enemy,” Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf writes.
“They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to tread that path again, they will receive an even harder slap.”
Trump attacks on past Iran deal resurface amid criticism of MoU
10:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump’s criticism of a past Iran deal has resurfaced amid mounting pressure over his memorandum to end the current war.
The president took to Twitter on November 24, 2013 to make his thoughts known as the US co-signed the interim Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) with allies.
“What a rotten deal we made with Iran. We get nothing (except laughter at our stupidity). They get everything, including delay and big cash!” he wrote at the time.
What a rotten deal we made with Iran. We get nothing (except laughter at our stupidity). They get everything, including delay and big cash!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 24, 2013
Recap: Israel claims strikes on Hezbollah in Beqaa Valley
10:00 , James ReynoldsIsrael's world standing in peril under Netanyahu, warns opposition leader
09:35 , James ReynoldsIsraeli opposition leader Yair Lapid warns that Israel’s foreign relations will be “wiped out” unless there’s a change of government.
“In the past day, the U.S. Vice President got angry at a press conference over Smotrich and Ben Gvir, Foreign Minister Sa'ar cut ties with the European Union's foreign minister, and President Trump said Netanyahu is showing irresponsibility in Lebanon,” he wrote on social media on Friday.
“if we don't quickly replace this government, Israel's foreign relations will be wiped out.”
Israeli minister says 'all of Lebanon must burn' after soldiers KIA
09:31 , James ReynoldsIsrael’s national security minister said “all of Lebanon must burn” after the IDF reported four of its soldiers had been killed in action in the south of the country.
Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on social media: “With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit.
“All of Lebanon must burn. Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF, and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration.”
He adds: “Enough with the ping-pong. In the Middle East, you don’t win with measured responses and restraint—you need to go berserk. To obliterate. To crush the terror.”
The IDF reported earlier that four IDF soldiers fell in combat against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon last night.
France reiterates calls for peace in Lebanon
09:30 , James ReynoldsIsrael must stop its hostilities in Lebanon and the United States must put pressure on Israel, French foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday.
Israel said on Thursday it would not rule out carrying out attacks beyond a military control zone in southern Lebanon in a challenge to the terms of a U.S.-Iran pact that called for the respect of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Barrot, speaking to French broadcaster franceinfo, said that France was still working to hold an international conference to mobilise support for the Lebanese army.
He also said France will not approve the lifting of UNSC sanctions on Iran unless it is satisfied that talks on Tehran's nuclear programme meet its expectations.
Jean-Noel Barrot, whose country is a veto-wielding member of the UNSC, said there would be no stability in the region unless U.S. talks with Iran resolved questions around Iran's ballistic missile programme and support for proxies.
"We need a radical change of posture by Iran," he said.
Israel strikes ‘Hezbollah infrastructure’ in east Lebanon
09:18 , James ReynoldsThe IDF says on X it recently struck Hezbollah targets in Bekaa Valley, a farming region in the east of Lebanon.
They say this was over repeated violations of the ceasefire by Hezbollah.
In a separate post, they say an IDF reserve soldier was severely injured in an incident involving an explosive drone in southern Lebanon.
Last night, four IDF soldiers were killed in action fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, they say.
צה"ל תקף לפני זמן קצר תשתיות של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה במרחב הבקאע, זאת בתגובה להפרות חוזרות ונשנות של הפסקת האש מצד ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה, שממשיך לקדם ולהוציא לפועל מתווי טרור נגד כוחות צה"ל
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 19, 2026
Recap: Switzerland ceremony 'postponed' at 11th hour
09:00 , James ReynoldsThe Swiss foreign ministry confirmed on Friday morning that the planned talks between the US and Iran have been “postponed”.
In a statement shared with The Independent, they say: “The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed.
“Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Bürgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present.”
Hezbollah claims to have destroyed 3 Merkavas in Lebanon, with clashes ongoing
08:33 , James ReynoldsHezbollah says that clashes with Israel in Lebanon are ongoing.
It says its fighters ambushed an Israeli force advancing near Ali al-Taher hill in southern Lebanon, destroying three Merkava tanks with guided missiles and targeting troops with rocket and artillery fire.
Israel has said four soldiers were killed in one of the deadliest single incidents since the latest escalation began.
Update: At least 18 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon
08:31 , James ReynoldsAt least 18 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Friday, Lebanon's health ministry said, while the Israeli military said four soldiers were killed in one of the deadliest single incidents since the latest escalation began.
The Lebanese health ministry said intensive airstrikes since midnight had hampered rescue and evacuation efforts, reporting a preliminary toll of 18 dead and 33 wounded that was expected to rise.
The interim agreement towards ending the war between the US and Iran faces pressure over Israel’s unilateral conduct in Lebanon. The deal binds signatories to ensuring a ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon. But Israel is not a party to the agreement.
Residents and Lebanese media said airstrikes and shelling hit several towns in the Nabatieh district overnight and into early Friday, in what Lebanon's state news agency NNA described as one of the heaviest bombardments in recent weeks.
Israel said the strikes targeted what it described as Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure across several areas of southern Lebanon and were carried out in response to repeated ceasefire violations by the Iran-backed group.
IRGC 'set up cells in Iraq to conduct drone attacks' on Iran's neighbours: report
08:30 , James ReynoldsIran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) set up secretive cells in Iraq to conduct drone attacks on Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to a report.
Eight Iraqi sources told Reuters that three or four cells, each comprising around 10 elite fighters, launched at least 7 drone attacks from desert locations near Basra and Samwa against sites in nearby countries.
A number of their members were drawn from Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite factions with thousands of fighters. But the new groups operate outside its command structure, reporting directly to the IRGC, according to the sources.
The establishment of the new Iraqi cells, which has not previously been reported, reflects a shift in IRGC tactics aimed at preserving Iran's ability to project force across the region at a time when its armed proxy groups are greatly diminished and its own military and economic resources are depleted, the five militia commanders said.
Iran's supreme leader says Trump used 'all kinds of leverage' to secure 'desperate' MoU
08:21 , James ReynoldsIran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, shared a short comment on the memorandum of understanding to end the war on Thursday.
Here are the key points:
- He says Donald Trump ‘used all kinds of leverage’ to bring about the interim agreement ‘out of desperation’;
- He says Iranian president Pezeshkian vowed he would not ‘submit’ to any excessive demands from the US, a reminder that the MoU is not final and challenging talks still lie ahead;
- He says it is ‘self-evident’ that future talks will ‘not mean the acceptance of the enemy’s position’.
The full text of the message of Imam Sayyid Mojtaba Khamenei, the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, addressing the Iranian nation regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between the presidents of Iran and America, June 18, 2026 pic.twitter.com/9nSD2NfkVe
— Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei (@MKhamenei_ir) June 18, 2026
JD Vance no longer travelling to Switzerland
08:13 , James ReynoldsUS vice president JD Vance will no longer travel to Switzerland for the anticipated US-Iran negotiations.
The White House said on Thursday that Mr Vance would not travel as scheduled because plans for the talks had not been finalised.
Earlier in the day he indicated that he planned to travel, but acknowledged the timings were uncertain.
Recap: Swiss signing ceremony postponed at 11th hour
08:10 , James ReynoldsThe Swiss foreign ministry confirmed on Friday morning that the planned talks between the US and Iran have been “postponed”.
In a statement shared with The Independent, they say: “The planned talks between the US, Iran, Qatar and Pakistan have been postponed.
“Switzerland remains ready to facilitate these talks. The relevant preparatory work at Bürgenstock is continuing. No further information can be provided at present.”
Watch: Fox News host suggests VP ‘wasn’t the right person’ for Iran negotiations
08:00 , Rachel DobkinPolitical commentator says Trump 'gets it' after signing peace deal
07:30 , Rachel DobkinConservative political commentator Megyn Kelly, who has been critical of the Iran war, has said US President Donald Trump “gets it” after signing an interim peace deal with Iran.
“President Trump now gets it. He gets what's happening there. He understands the danger of listening to Israel when it comes to bombing campaigns in the Middle East”, Kelly said on her talk show.
Video: Trump struggles to clasp Medal of Honor at White House ceremony
07:04 , Shweta SharmaWatch: Trump praises Pete Hegseth for 'good victories'
07:00 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump said at a ceremony celebrating recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for US military valor in action, on Thursday that his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has “had some good victories lately”.
.@POTUS "We are pleased to be joined on this occasion by Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) June 18, 2026
He's had some good victories lately—and he's going to have a lot more." pic.twitter.com/svOvCgnZHF
Iran plans to file complaint with Fifa over restrictions
06:41 , Shweta SharmaIran's World Cup team plans to file a complaint with Fifa over what it says are travel restrictions imposed during the tournament in North America, according to a spokesperson for the Iranian football federation.
The federation said the team had submitted its tournament preparation plans well in advance but had nevertheless faced limitations that disrupted the coaching staff's schedule and preparations.
The issue first surfaced after Iran's opening World Cup match, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on Monday. Team officials said they had expected to remain in California overnight but were informed after the game that the squad would have to return immediately to its training base in Tijuana, Mexico.
Iran's coach publicly criticised the restrictions after the match, and the federation said it would raise the matter with FIFA.
At least 15 killed in Israel's fresh strikes on Lebanon - state media
06:31 , Shweta SharmaAt least 15 people were killed in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon overnight, according to Lebanon's state news agency.
The Israeli military on Friday said it had targeted Hezbollah militants and infrastructure in several areas of southern Lebanon, describing the attacks as a response to repeated ceasefire violations by the Iran-backed group.
ANALYSIS: Democrats won’t let dropping gas prices stop them from hammering Trump on affordability
06:30 , Eric GarciaThe winding down of the war in Iran may lead to gas prices going down. But Democrats think that they can still hit US President Donald Trump on the soaring cost of living.
On Thursday, AAA reported that the average cost of a regular gallon of gas was $3.99. This came after the war in Iran caused gas prices to blow through the roof and well past $4 a gallon. Iran’s decision to close off the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil travels, caused the increase. On Sunday, as Trump announced the end of hostilities, he said, “Let the oil flow!”
But Senate Democrats are hoping people remember who caused gas prices to rise in the first place.
“People are stressed out”, US Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia told The Independent. “People don't forget what the price of gas was on February 27 and they know how much more they're paying now”.
But Democrats pointed out that gas prices are only one part of the affordability issue.
Read on...
Democrats won’t let dropping gas prices stop them hammering Trump on affordability
Top GOP leader calls Iran deal 'a step in the right direction'
06:00 , Rachel DobkinUS Senate Majority Leader John Thune has called the interim peace deal with Iran ”a step in the right direction”.
“I view this as a first step in what will probably be somewhat long and continue to be a contentious conversation about what a final deal looks like, but I think it’s a, obviously it’s a step in the right direction, it opens up the strait and gets the shipping lanes open, and I think that’s a good, a good outcome for the economy”, he told CNN Thursday.
Trump says his power has 'no limits' and peace deal is Iran's 'unconditional surrender'
05:53 , Shweta SharmaDonald Trump has said there are “no limits” to his power and the peace deal is “probably is unconditional surrender” of Iran.
Trump was asked during his an interview with The Axios Show what the conflict had taught him about the limits of his power. Trump replied: "I haven't learned that lesson yet. I know there are, but there are no limits.
"He insisted that the conflict had instead demonstrated America's military strength and his ability to shape events.
Trump argued that the US had achieved its objectives militarily, claiming "we defeated them totally militarily".
He also pointed to the US naval blockade imposed during the conflict as evidence of American strength.
"Who else could have done a blockade like that? I did a naval blockade where not one ship was able to get through. Some tried. It didn't last very long."
Trump, however, acknowledged that prolonging the war could have carried severe economic consequences, particularly if it disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies.
"The only way I can get tougher is if I go in there for another two or three weeks and continue to bomb the hell out of 'em. Right? But what does that get us? The Strait of Hormuz will not be open,” he noted
."We wouldn't have oil for months. As long as you're dropping bombs, that thing is automatically closed," he said."This is the kind of thing that could cause a worldwide depression."
Breaking: Swiss foreign ministry confirms US-Iran talks stand cancelled
05:25 , Shweta SharmaPlanned US-Iran talks at Switzerland's Bürgenstock resort will not take place as scheduled on Friday, the Swiss foreign ministry said, casting further doubt over efforts to advance negotiations following the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran.
The announcement comes after vice president JD Vance cancelled a planned trip to Switzerland and Iranian officials signalled uncertainty over participation in the talks.
Just in: Swiss foreign ministry confirms US-Iran talks stand cancelled
05:24 , Shweta SharmaPlanned US-Iran talks at Switzerland's Bürgenstock resort will not take place as scheduled on Friday, the Swiss foreign ministry said, casting further doubt over efforts to advance negotiations following the interim agreement between Washington and Tehran.
The announcement comes after vice president JD Vance cancelled a planned trip to Switzerland and Iranian officials signalled uncertainty over participation in the talks.
JD Vance issues scathing rebuke of Israel over Iran deal
05:19 , Shweta SharmaVice president JD Vance urged Israeli ministers to stop criticising president Donald Trump's Iran deal, saying those who viewed Trump as Israel's biggest problem needed to "wake up and smell the reality."
Speaking at the White House, Vance said Trump was "the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel" and warned that Israel should not be attacking "the only powerful ally" it had left.
He also highlighted US military support, noting that "two-thirds of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars."
In a separate interview, Vance criticised Israeli ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, saying Israel could not "just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have."
Trump has also pressed Israel to uphold the ceasefire, saying he expected a "complete Ceasefire on all fronts."
What next for Iran after Trump signs ‘disastrous’ deal to end war with $300bn boost and scrapped sanctions
05:00 , James ReynoldsThe United States and Iran have signed an interim deal to end their war, setting the table for two months of talks aimed at resolving long-standing disputes.
We look at the main obstacles to a more long-term peace and what happens now the documents have been signed:
What next for Iran after Trump signs ‘disastrous’ deal to end war with $300bn boost
Iran's supreme leader said he approved peace deal despite his 'different view'
04:45 , Shweta SharmaMojtaba Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, said he approved the peace deal with the US despite having a "different view".
"But I issued my permission due to the commitment" made by officials including Pezheshkian to "protect the rights of the Iranian nation".
"Face-to-face negotiations" with the US will be held in the future, but that does not "mean accepting the enemy's point of view", he said.
He said US president Donald Trump acted “out of desperation” to secure the deal and used “all kinds of leverage” to have it signed.
“He also made clear that if the American side seeks excessive demands, they will not accept them,” Khamenei said.
Oil falls as tankers return to Hormuz after blockade lifted
04:44 , Shweta SharmaOil prices fell to their lowest level on Friday since 2 March as tankers resumed passing through the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its blockade on Iran, reopening a key shipping route under an interim agreement designed to end the three-month war.
But Israel continued its war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, raising questions about whether the agreement would hold.
The return of maritime traffic through the strategic waterway eased fears of a prolonged disruption to global energy supplies, weighing on crude prices.
Brent crude futures slipped 1% to $79.03 a barrel and were on track for a weekly decline of 9.5%, as traders grew increasingly confident that Gulf oil exports would continue to flow without major interruption.
Watch: Iran's supreme leader says Trump made deal 'out of desperation' as US lifts naval blockade
04:30 , Rachel DobkinPentagon tells lawmakers it needs $80bn for Iran war and other bills – report
04:15 , Shweta SharmaThe US Department of Defence needs $80bn to cover costs from the Iran war as well as other non-war-related bills, deputy defence secretary Stephen Feinberg told lawmakers in phone calls this week, the Wall Street Journal said on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.
Since the war began on 28 February, lawmakers have repeatedly sought a comprehensive estimate of its cost, while warning that the conflict has drained valuable munitions stockpiles that may be required to address security challenges elsewhere.
Recap: ‘Worst foreign policy blunder in decades’: Republicans turn on Trump over Iran deal
04:00 , James ReynoldsRepublicans have turned on Donald Trump over his plan to end the war with Iran, accusing him of making the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades”.
The U.S. released the 14-point interim agreement on Wednesday as Trump signed the documents in Versailles, France. The terms included stopping the conflict and reopening the vital shipping route the Strait of Hormuz, but also financing Iran’s recovery with a $300bn fund and scrapping sanctions.
“Reagan is rolling over in his grave,” said Louisiana senator Bill Cassidy on Wednesday, referring to the former president Trump admires.
Read the full story:
‘Worst foreign policy blunder in decades’: Republicans turn on Trump over Iran deal
US vice president cancels trip for peace talks with Iran
03:56 , Shweta SharmaUS vice president JD Vance has withdrawn from a planned trip to Switzerland, where he had been expected to meet Iranian negotiators for talks on implementing the recently signed US-Iran peace agreement, according to the White House.
The talks, which were expected to begin in Geneva on Friday, were aimed at working through the technical details of the 14-point accord reached by Washington and Tehran to end months of conflict between the two countries.
A White House spokesperson said the US delegation had been prepared to travel as soon as arrangements for the negotiations were finalised.
"But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable," the statement said.
The development comes amid uncertainty over the next phase of diplomacy.
While US officials had signalled plans for a formal signing ceremony in Geneva, Iran's foreign ministry questioned the need for such an event after the agreement was already signed by both countries' presidents on Wednesday.
Iran has also indicated that it wants to see evidence that Washington is implementing the interim deal before committing to further negotiations. Iranian media reported earlier that Tehran had not yet confirmed whether its delegation would travel to Geneva.
The diplomatic wrangling raises fresh questions about the durability of the ceasefire agreed between the two sides and the prospects for a lasting settlement after a conflict that has killed thousands, disrupted energy markets and rattled the global economy.
Pictured: Trump signs interim peace deal with Iran
03:30 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald J. Trump signs the Iran Memorandum of Understanding.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 18, 2026
Peace through strength. pic.twitter.com/ZbdnxIkRT5
Watch: Trump says he is 'so proud' of US military
03:00 , Rachel DobkinUS President Donald Trump said at a ceremony celebrating recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for US military valor in action, on Thursday that he was “so proud” of the Armed Forces.
.@POTUS "I have NO HIGHER PRIVILEGE than serving as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces—I AM SO PROUD OF THEM." pic.twitter.com/UMH8fESJsx
— DOW Rapid Response (@DOWResponse) June 18, 2026
Vance is not leaving for Iran talks in Switzerland
02:36 , Rachel DobkinUS Vice President JD Vance is not leaving for talks with Iran in Switzerland Thursday night, Washington time.
“As the Vice President said at his press conference, the plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the U.S. delegation has been prepared to depart at the first available opportunity”, a White House spokesperson said, per a press pool report.
“But the logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now the Vice President is not departing tonight”.
Trump claims Iran deal is 'unconditional surrender,' despite Tehran being able to profit from it
02:30 , Rachel DobkinDonald Trump has claimed the deal he struck with Iran was “unconditional surrender,” despite Tehran being able to profit from it.
The US president made the claim in an Axios interview.
Several points in the interim peace deal could benefit Iran, including a $300 billion reconstruction fund and the lifting of sanctions.
Trump also boasted to Axios that his power has “no limits” and touted America’s military capabilities.
“We defeated them totally militarily”, Trump said.
He mentioned the US naval blockade of Iranian ports that has now been lifted.
"Who else could have done a blockade like that? I did a naval blockade where not one ship was able to get through. Some tried. It didn't last very long”, he said.
Trump envoy says Iran will invite nuclear watchdog to inspect sites: report
02:00 , Rachel DobkinSteve Witkoff, one of Donald Trump’s envoys, has said Iran will invite the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its nuclear sites, according to the Associated Press.
Witkoff made the comments during a private meeting with lawmakers Thursday and was described by two people familiar with the matter.
Witkoff said the locations of Iran’s enriched material, which is believed to be buried, will be identified and uncovered.
As part of the US-Iran interim peace deal, Iran has reaffirmed not to obtain or develop nuclear weapons. Iran would need highly enriched uranium to make a nuclear weapon.
Trump’s war secretary Hegseth tears into European allies over Nato spending
01:30 , James ReynoldsDonald Trump’s war secretary has announced a review of US forces in Europe after launching a fresh attack on allies over the amount of money they are putting into the Nato alliance.
Pete Hegseth told Nato defence ministers that “for too long Nato has been a paper tiger and a one-way street” – referring to how much of the weight of troops and money have fallen on the US – at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels.
“No more,” he added. “For all of our clarity, too many allied capitals seem to still miss something in translation. Too many allies still don't recognise the historic need that President Trump has made clear to them and to Nato itself to reforge a relevant, powerful military alliance, as President Trump put it.”
Trump’s war secretary Hegseth tears into European allies over Nato spending
Top US Democratic leader bashes Trump's deal with Iran
01:00 , Rachel DobkinUS Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has bashed President Donald Trump’s interim deal with Iran.
“This is not the art of the deal. This is the art of surrender. Trump didn’t get peace through strength; he got payoff through weakness”, he told reporters Thursday.
Schumer claimed that “Americans got almost nothing we wanted and needed, and Trump gave away the store”.
The US-Iran agreement includes the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran and a promise from Iranian officials not to obtain or develop nuclear weapons.
How many ships have transited Strait of Hormuz so far?
Friday 19 June 2026 00:30 , Rachel DobkinAs part of the interim peace deal that the US and Iran signed Wednesday, the Strait of Hormuz will be opening back up.
At least seven ships were able to transit the strait on Thursday, CNN reported earlier, citing data from Marine Traffic.
On Thursday night, zero ships were traveling through the strait, according to the Hormuz Strait Monitor.
UK minister urges Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon
Friday 19 June 2026 00:00 , James ReynoldsBritain's international development minister Jenny Chapman called on Thursday for Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon so that families displaced by three months of war could return to their homes.
"Israel should withdraw from southern Lebanon, absolutely. Displacement we know anywhere in the world causes huge disruption," she told Reuters while visiting a school where displaced families were sheltering.
"That is why we want to get the conditions right so that people can return home and be secure, be safe and be confident they can stay in their homes for the long term."
Iran says it will deliver 'a crushing response' if US acts in 'bad faith'
Thursday 18 June 2026 23:43 , Rachel DobkinIran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said his country will deliver “a crushing response” if the US acts in “bad faith” during negotiations.
“We are at your command; the task assigned to us by the Supreme Leader is to pursue the realization of the conditions and clauses of the agreement.
“In the event of bad faith, breach of contract, and excessive demands by the opposing side, we have no hesitation in delivering a crushing response to the enemy.
“They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to tread that path again, they will receive an even harder slap”, he wrote on X Thursday.
Maritime security threat in the Strait of Hormuz reduced to 'moderate'
Thursday 18 June 2026 23:30 , Rachel DobkinThe maritime security threat in the Strait of Hormuz has been reduced to “moderate” following the interim US-Iran peace deal, according to UK officials.
“The maritime security threat level in the SoH has been reduced to MODERATE following the announced intentions by both the United States and Iran for an opening ofthe waterway.
“However, Mariners should be advised of the existence of mines and expect naval presence as clearance operations continue”, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre said in an update Thursday.
JMIC Advisory Note 009-26 (SoH open)
— UKMTO Operations Centre (@UK_MTO) June 18, 2026
Click here to view the full advisory note⤵️ https://t.co/yzSYJA4lK7#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/Aw70M9AMgs
Iran's gulf authority to issue fast-tracked authorizations for ships in Strait of Hormuz
Thursday 18 June 2026 23:00 , Alex CroftIran's Supreme National Security Council has said that the country's Persian Gulf Strait Authority will look to issue fast authorizations for ships wanting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The move comes as per the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington, it said in a statement.
Measures on mine clearance will be carried out under the Islamabad MoU, though ships are advised to stick to the path and timing allocated by the authority, the statement published by state media added.
Trump doesn't take questions from reporters at White House event
Thursday 18 June 2026 22:23 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump did not take questions from reporters, including one about Iran, when leaving a Model of Honor ceremony at the White House Thursday.
Trump says oil prices are 'dropping like a rock'
Thursday 18 June 2026 22:00 , Rachel DobkinPresident Donald Trump has said oil prices are “dropping like a rock” as he made an interim peace deal with Iran.
“The stock market just hit a new all-time high. The 401K's just hit a new all-time high, and oil is dropping like a rock”, Trump said at a ceremony celebrating recipients of the Medal of Honor, the highest award for US military valor in action.
Watch: JD Vance sends warning to Israel as he defends Trump's Iran deal
Thursday 18 June 2026 20:35 , Alex CroftTrump urged to include imprisoned British couple in Iran peace deal
Thursday 18 June 2026 20:12 , James ReynoldsThe family of a British couple held in Iran are urging Donald Trump to push for a hostage exchange as part of a deal to end the war.
Craig and Lindsay Foreman, from East Sussex, were sentenced to 10 years in Tehran’s Evin prison last year after Iran charged them with espionage during a motorcycle trip around the world. They deny the charges.
The couple have been on hunger strike for 39 and 30 days respectively, fearing “there is no other way to be heard” having effectively been stranded without legal representation, according to the family.
Family of British couple in Tehran prison want loved ones freed under Iran peace deal
Trump says he expects 'complete ceasefire an all fronts' in Iran and Lebanon
Thursday 18 June 2026 19:49 , Alex CroftWe’ve just heard from Donald Trump, who said on Thursday that the United States expects "a complete ceasefire on all fronts," including Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Israel.
"We encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The post came one day after he signed a memorandum of understanding to end a nearly four-month conflict with Iran.
“We encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold,” he added.
“The Markets are loving what is happening with Oil Prices way down, and Stocks way up.”
Iran's supreme leader says Trump made deal out of 'desperation'
Thursday 18 June 2026 19:41 , Alex CroftIran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday he had authorised a memorandum of understanding signed by the Iranian and U.S. presidents.
The supreme leader said he himself held a different view, but received assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and other senior officials that Iran's rights and the interests of the "Resistance Front" would be safeguarded.
He accused Trump of making the deal out of “desperation”.
In a written message to the Iranian nation, Khamenei said Pezeshkian, in his capacity as head of the Supreme National Security Council, had accepted responsibility for ensuring the agreement protected Iran's interests and pledged not to yield if Washington made what he described as excessive demands.
Khamenei added that future face-to-face negotiations with the United States would not mean accepting "the enemy's position".
