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LPG, PNG prices June 22, 2026: Check domestic, commercial cylinder rates in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, other cities
LPG, PNG Prices Today: The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have not changed the prices of petrol, diesel, domestic and commercial cylinders on Monday amid rising crude oil prices in the global markets due to ongoing tensions in West Asia. The last revision was done for the 14.2 kg cylinders on June 7, which marked the second increase in the domestic cylinders. The OMCs increased the prices of commercial LPG cylinders by over 79 percent during the same period. However, global markets took a sigh of relief after the United States and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end the war. The Trump administration informed that it had lifted the maritime blockade on all commercial ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, including the strategic Strait of Hormuz. |Cities|| | Price (₹/cylinder) |Delhi||942| |Bengaluru||944.5| |Hyderabad||994| |Mumbai||941.5| |Chennai||957.5| |Kolkata||968| |Cities|| | Price (₹/cylinder) |Delhi||3,113.50| |Bengaluru||3,198| |Hyderabad||3,367| |Mumbai||3,067.50| |Chennai||3,283| |Kolkata||3,255.50| |Cities||Price (₹/SCM)| |Delhi||47.9| |Bengaluru||52| |Hyderabad||51| |Mumbai||50| |Chennai||50| |Kolkata||50| For breaking news and live news updates, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram. Read more on Latest Business News on India.com.
Iran's Foreign Minister Hails Progress In Diplomacy, Highlights Lebanon Ceasefire Mechanism
WASHINGTON, June 22 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said early Monday that negotiations with the United States (US) in Switzerland facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar had produced significant progress toward ending the war in Lebanon and easing pressure on Iran's economy, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. "Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran," Araghchi said on the US social media platform X. His remarks came right after Qatar and Pakistan announced significant progress in ongoing diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran following the conclusion of the first round of high-level talks at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock. According to the joint statement, the parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell between the parties and the Lebanese Republic, facilitated by the mediators, to ensure adherence to the termination of military operations in Lebanon according to the memorandum of understanding. "1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell," Araghchi said. In a separate statement, the Iranian foreign minister framed the diplomatic developments as part of a broader national effort. "From the football pitch to the negotiating table to the battlefield, every step we take as Iranians is part of a larger struggle: defending the honour and dignity of our dear people," he said. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU BERNAMA provides up-to-date authentic and comprehensive news and information which are disseminated via BERNAMA Wires; www.bernama.com; BERNAMA TV on Astro 502, unifi TV 631 and MYTV 121 channels and BERNAMA Radio on FM93.9 (Klang Valley), FM107.5 (Johor Bahru), FM107.9 (Kota Kinabalu) and FM100.9 (Kuching) frequencies. Follow us on social media : Facebook : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatv, @bernamaradio Twitter : @bernama.com, @BernamaTV, @bernamaradio Instagram : @bernamaofficial, @bernamatvofficial, @bernamaradioofficial TikTok : @bernamaofficial
Shipping data reveals see-saw situation in Strait of Hormuz
Five vessels passed the strait on Sunday, from 26 ships spotted a day earlier, data from analytics firm Kpler showed. These included three Very Large Crude Carriers carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude and fuel oil each, one of which was heading to Japan. The data may exclude vessels that switch off their transponders while travelling in the Gulf. Iran lifted its effective blockade of the strait last week after agreeing with the United States to extend an April ceasefire for 60 days to allow for peace negotiations, but Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday declared the waterway shut once again in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Also read | India's oil imports back on track, boosted by record Russian shipments The U.S. military said commercial vessels were still operating. Among the ships that exited the strait on Saturday, three of them were VLCCs carrying crude from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq while there were also three tankers carrying various oil products, the data showed. Also read | India's airports may turn global transit centres, eye Gulf rivalry A total of 13 ships entered the strait on Saturday, including two VLCCs, the data showed. Gulf producers Abu Dhabi National Oil Co and Kuwait Petroleum Corp have issued tenders selling crude with the option of loading from inside and outside the Strait of Hormuz. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Explore More Stories
USAF Seeks 'Dronebuster' Anti-Jammer Gun To Protect Nuclear-Strike Base
USAF Seeks 'Dronebuster' Anti-Jammer Gun To Protect Nuclear-Strike Base Whether it's data centers, critical infrastructure, stadiums, corporate headquarters, or even military bases, the U.S. remains largely unprepared to combat one-way attack drones, including Category 1 through 3 drones, because a critical layer of cheap, scalable counter-UAS technology is missing. The proliferation of low-cost drones across Eurasian war zones, from the Ukraine-Russia war to the US-Iran conflict in the Middle East, has permanently changed the course of modern warfare. One-way attack drones and FPVs have exposed a missing layer of affordable air defense around high-value assets, including military bases, energy infrastructure, data centers, ports, stadiums, and corporate headquarters. This startling development has been a major wake-up call for Western leaders and suggests only one conclusion: a massive procurement wave for counter-UAS technology is likely just ahead. Last week, Piper Sandler analyst Clarke Jeffries arrived at the same conclusion we have been highlighting: We anticipate one of the biggest lessons of the 2020s will be how affordable drone technology fundamentally reshaped the modern combat environment and set the stage for a reevaluation of the procurement, organization and strategy of ~$3T in annual global military expenditures. While drones have existed in the modern military apparatus for decades at this point, it was the Ukraine war (as one of the first near-peer conflicts in recent memory) which provided demonstrable evidence of how specifically lightweight and affordable systems could change the paradigm of combat. The race to secure high-value assets against drones was seen last week when the U.S. Air Force moved to expand counter-drone defenses at one of America's most sensitive nuclear missile bases by issuing a solicitation to purchase a batch of handheld counter-drone electronic warfare guns. According to Defense Blog, the 5th Contracting Squadron at Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota issued a June 18 solicitation to purchase DZYNE Technologies' Dronebuster Block 4 for the 91st Security Forces Group. The Dronebuster is a rifle-shaped anti-drone jammer that an operator points at an unauthorized drone to disrupt it, rather than shooting it down with a projectile. "Quotes from vendors are due no later than June 26, 2026, giving the defense industry less than two weeks to respond to a requirement the Air Force has formally described as an operational necessity," Defense Blog wrote in the report. Why Minot Air Force Base seeks Dronebusters likely hinges on the need for security forces to protect B-52H Stratofortress bombers, nuclear missile infrastructure, and other high-value assets from small drones. Lessons from the US-Iran conflict show how low-cost drones can threaten +$100 million jets, or a multi-million-dollar radar or communications system. We suspect the procurement cycle for drones and counter-UAS technology is only in its early stages. We detailed how readers can profit from "The Asymmetric Warfare Boom" in a note on Saturday, found here. Related: JPM Call With Axon Reveals Race To Fortify U.S. Data Centers Against Kamikaze Drone Swarms Dronebuster can be useful against standard FPVs, GPS-dependent drones, and drones with radio links. But against an emerging fiber-optic FPV drone with no RF command link and no GPS dependency, a handheld jammer is useless, suggesting the need for kinetic interceptors. Tyler Durden Sun, 06/21/2026 - 22:45
US-Iran talks create Lebanon de-confliction cell in Switzerland
US-Iran talks create Lebanon de-confliction cell in Switzerland US and Iranian negotiators ended their first Switzerland round by agreeing to create a de-confliction cell on Lebanon. The move will be judged by whether it can hold a fragile truce while wider disputes over Hormuz and the nuclear programme continue. High-level talks in Switzerland aimed at finding a permanent end to the Iran war ended early on Monday, with the United States and Iran agreeing to create a "de-confliction cell" to address the fighting in Lebanon. Mediators Pakistan and Qatar said the mechanism would include the Lebanese government and would "ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon". The talks opened a 60-day diplomatic process, but Lebanon remained a major sticking point. Iran linked progress in the negotiations to an end to the fighting there, while Israel has said it will continue to occupy Lebanese territory and maintain freedom to strike militants launching attacks into northern Israel. Pakistan, Qatar and Iran acknowledged the end of the first round of high-level talks, while the US had not commented. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that "Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end the Lebanon War." He added that the first "real test" of the negotiations would be whether the de-confliction cell succeeded in halting the fighting in Lebanon. It remained unclear whether the new arrangement would be enough to stop fighting between Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militia, and Israel. The talks in Switzerland had started tensely on Sunday after US President Donald Trump threatened Iran over Lebanon and warned that Iran's president should watch what he says. "Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble," Trump said on social media. "If they don't, we'll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!" Iran's lead negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf responded on X: "They would do better to be careful about their statements. Our armed forces are prepared to respond to them in a different manner. They may keep talking, it is we who act." US Vice President J D Vance, along with US negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, met Qalibaf and Araghchi for what Iranian state media said was about 80 minutes. Pakistan and Qatar later said lower-level technical talks would continue in Switzerland for the rest of the week to work towards agreements that high-level officials could return to sign. A senior US diplomat involved in the talks, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the discussions included clarifying what Iran meant by recent statements about the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomat said negotiators also discussed "mechanisms" to ensure the strait remains open and that a ceasefire in southern Lebanon is enforced, along with "robust" discussions on the nuclear issue. As the talks opened, Vance said, "The question before us now is how much more can we accomplish together? Can we turn over a new leaf?" He also asked whether the two sides could "change relations in the Middle East permanently." The US wants Iran to stay in negotiations over its nuclear programme amid concerns it could be used for military purposes, which Iran denies. Iran also insisted it had again shut the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, a narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf that is crucial for energy shipments, while the US said traffic continued. Vance has also sought a commitment from Tehran to keep the strait open. A renewed ceasefire in Lebanon, brokered on Saturday, appeared to be holding, and Israel's military said it would lift movement restrictions for residents near the border with Lebanon on Monday morning. But neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the US-Iran deal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said his forces will remain in southern Lebanon until any threat to Israel is eliminated, while Hezbollah has refused to stop attacks unless Israel commits to withdrawing. For now, the first round of high-level talks has ended with technical discussions set to continue in Switzerland, a new mechanism proposed for Lebanon, and the wider issues of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear programme still central to the 60-day diplomatic push. With PTI Inputs
Strait of Hormuz ship traffic plunges after Iran closes waterway again | The Jerusalem Post
The number of ships that passed through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply on Sunday after Iran announced it had again closed the waterway, citing Israeli and US violations of the interim peace deal, shipping data showed. Five vessels passed the strait on Sunday, from 26 ships spotted a day earlier, data from analytics firm Kpler showed. These included three Very Large Crude Carriers carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude and fuel oil each, one of which was heading to Japan. The data may exclude vessels that switch off their transponders while traveling in the Gulf. Iran lifted its effective blockade of the strait last week after agreeing with the United States to extend an April ceasefire for 60 days to allow for peace negotiations, but Tehran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday declared the waterway shut once again in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Commercial vessels still operating, crude oil passing through The US military said commercial vessels were still operating. Among the ships that exited the strait on Saturday, three of them were VLCCs carrying crude from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq, while there were also three tankers carrying various oil products, the data showed. A total of 13 ships entered the strait on Saturday, including two VLCCs, the data showed. Gulf producers Abu Dhabi National Oil Co and Kuwait Petroleum Corp have issued tenders selling crude with the option of loading from inside and outside the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping slows after Iran says it has again shut Strait of Hormuz - The Korea Times
Shipping slows after Iran says it has again shut the Strait of Hormuz Five vessels passed through the strait on Sunday, from 26 ships a day earlier - This comes as Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Jun 20 declared the waterway shut again in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. PHOTO: REUTERS [SINGAPORE] The number of ships that passed through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply on Sunday (Jun 21) after Iran announced it had again closed the waterway, citing Israeli and US violations of the interim peace deal, shipping data showed. Five vessels passed through the strait on Sunday, from 26 ships spotted a day earlier, data from analytics firm Kpler showed. These included three Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) carrying two million barrels of Saudi crude and fuel oil each, one of which was heading to Japan. The data may exclude vessels that switch off their transponders while travelling in the Gulf. Iran lifted its effective blockade of the strait last week after agreeing with the US to extend an April ceasefire for 60 days to allow for peace negotiations, but Tehran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday declared the waterway shut once again in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The US military said commercial vessels were still operating. Among the ships that exited the strait on Saturday, three of them were VLCCs carrying crude from the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Iraq, while there were also three tankers carrying various oil products, the data showed. A total of 13 ships entered the strait on Saturday, including two VLCCs, the data showed. Asean Intelligence Get insights into businesses across South-east AsiaGet the free report Gulf producers Abu Dhabi National Oil and Kuwait Petroleum have issued tenders selling crude with the option of loading from inside and outside the Strait of Hormuz. REUTERS Decoding Asia newsletter: your guide to navigating Asia in a new global order. Sign up here to get Decoding Asia newsletter. Delivered to your inbox. Free. Share with us your feedback on BT's products and services TRENDING NOW Onitsuka Tiger pivots from Asics stripes to tap luxury market Soaring profits in emerging markets build the case for a raging bull market ‘I felt like dying’: Thai Singha beer scion speaks up after disclosure of alleged sexual abuse Singapore investors see SpaceX investment as a long-term bet on the future of the space economy
Who controls the Strait of Hormuz? Uncertainty grows after 60-day deal
A fragile 60-day ceasefire between the United States and Iran has temporarily reopened the Strait of Hormuz, but conflicting claims over tolls, security enforcement, and long-term authority have deepened uncertainty over the future of the critical oil chokepoint. The interim agreement, signed last week, was designed to stabilize global energy markets following months of conflict. It established a 60-day window for negotiators to pursue a broader deal, halt active hostilities, and required the U.S. to lift its naval blockade of Iranian ports. However, divergent narratives from Washington and Tehran are already testing the arrangement, raising fears that the strategic waterway could trigger renewed economic and military volatility before long-term talks even begin. Conflicting Reports on Maritime Traffic Conflicting reports emerged over the weekend regarding the operational status of the strait. Open-source intelligence monitors reported brief disruptions Saturday and Sunday, noting the tanker Starbound Explorer turned back in Iranian waters and the container ship MSC Qingdao briefly reversed course before exiting via Omani waters. U.S. officials downplayed reports of a shutdown, asserting that shipping lanes remain clear and heavily transited. "Yesterday, 67 ships went through the Strait of Hormuz. The day before, it was 55 ships," Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Sunday on Fox News. "In terms of oil and oil products—[it is] about equal to where we were before the conflict." Vice President JD Vance echoed those comments in a separate interview on Sunday with Fox News' Fox and Friends, stating that "the straits really are open" due to ongoing international enforcement efforts. Unresolved Framework of the Ceasefire Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MOU), Iran agreed to permit the safe, toll-free passage of commercial vessels through the strait during the 60-day period. During this window, Iran, Oman, and other Gulf states are expected to negotiate the future administration and maritime services of the waterway. Yet, the MOU leaves critical mechanisms unresolved, including: - Which international or regional forces will ultimately enforce security. - Whether transit fees or tolls could be legally imposed after the ceasefire expires. - How future maritime disputes between Washington, Tehran, and regional actors will be handled. The lack of clarity has allowed both sides to project vastly different interpretations of who holds ultimate authority over the channel. Trump Warns of U.S. Intervention, Tolls President Donald Trump has praised the deal as a breakthrough but has also escalated his rhetoric regarding American oversight of the region. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump stated there would be "no tolls" during the 60-day period but floated the possibility of enacting a 20 percent transit fee on foreign vessels afterward "for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East" to reimburse past and future U.S. military costs. The president also warned of severe military and economic retaliation if Tehran attempts to close the waterway again. "You close it and you won't have a country...You won't even make it back to your f***ing country," Trump told Fox News reporter Trey Yingst regarding Tehran’s diplomats in Switzerland who are currently negotiating with U.S. officials about ending the war. "We may take over the Strait, if we have to. If they don't make a deal, we'll collect tolls." Iran Asserts Sovereignty Tehran has signaled that it views the Strait of Hormuz as firmly within its sphere of sovereign control. On Sunday morning, a message attributed to the Iranian military’s operation command posted on Tasnim’s Telegram account stated that the Strait of Hormuz "will be closed to vessel traffic." While traffic appeared to continue despite the message, Iranian military authorities have long maintained that management of the strait is exercised with "full authority" by Iran's armed forces. Officials in Tehran have warned they could restrict access again if they determine the U.S. or its allies violate the ceasefire terms, or in response to broader regional conflicts like the ongoing war between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Global Market Implications The ongoing friction continues to keep global energy markets on edge. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical oil chokepoint, carrying roughly a fifth of the world's petroleum liquids and significant shares of liquefied natural gas. During earlier phases of the conflict, reduced shipping traffic and the threat of prolonged closures pushed crude prices sharply higher, straining global supply chains and increasing maritime insurance premiums. Financial markets also responded sharply. Energy stocks often surge on supply fears, while broader equities can decline amid concerns about economic slowdown tied to higher energy costs. While the 60-day agreement has provided temporary relief to shipping companies and commodities traders, analysts warn that the underlying geopolitical dispute remains unresolved. As long as Washington and Tehran advance irreconcilable visions for the waterway, the strait remains a volatile flashpoint for the global economy.
Modi-Trump reset? Trade, tariffs and trust dominate G7 talks
US-Iran hold historic talks on nuclear programme, Lebanon ceasefire in Geneva Historic high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran have commenced, marking a shift in diplomatic relations aimed at transforming the Middle East. The discussions focus on ending the Iranian nuclear programme, ensuring the free flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, and establishing long-term regional stability. Officials highlighted that these technical negotiations are designed to resolve decades of unfriendly relations and prevent further regional instability. The diplomatic breakthrough was facilitated by mediation and statesmanship from leadership in Pakistan and Qatar. The talks also address the ongoing military operations in Lebanon, with officials noting progress toward a comprehensive regional ceasefire. The primary objective is to move beyond past conflicts and foster peace and prosperity by addressing core disagreements through structured diplomacy. Delegations from the involved nations will continue technical negotiations to finalise agreements that support global economic security and sustainable peace across the region.
Khamenei’s MoU stance stirs debate as Iran and US meet in Switzerland
Tehran, Iran – Senior negotiators from Iran and the United States are in Switzerland to advance the signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) to end the war launched by the US and Israel in late February. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi led the Iranian delegation in Sunday’s high-level talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, with Vice President JD Vance heading the US team. But back in Tehran, opponents of the deal continued to argue about Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s reluctant stance on the MoU. “I, as a matter of principle, held a different view,” said a short written statement attributed to Khamenei on Thursday, in what has been his only public reaction to this week’s MoU with the US. But, he added, he approved it after President Masoud Pezeshkian accepted responsibility. On Sunday, the director general of the Islamic Republic of Iran News Network (IRINN), the main news channel of state television, resigned after the station broadcast a live interview with Mahmoud Nabavian, a hardline cleric, legislator and member of Iran’s negotiating team during an earlier round of talks in Pakistan in April. To rally backing for his opposition to the MoU, Nabavian read lines from what he claimed was correspondence between Khamenei and unnamed top officials in the Supreme National Security Council in March and April. Nabavian claimed the supreme leader was opposed to the ceasefire that started on April 8 since he wanted immediate enforcement of a tolling system for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz and demanded “exclusive management” of the strategic waterway for Iran. Khamenei, who has not been seen or heard from publicly since becoming supreme leader in March, allegedly also wanted war reparations, the release of frozen assets and an absolute rejection of concessions over Iran’s nuclear programme. The interview with Nabavian ran for 11 minutes before being abruptly ended by the host. It could not be found in IRINN’s online archive on Sunday. Pezeshkian has called the text of the MoU a “historic document” that “reflects the voice of a nation that has not traded its dignity and independence for any threat or pressure”. The Supreme National Security Council released a statement saying it will safeguard “the rights of the Iranian nation and the resistance front”, while honouring the memory of leaders killed in the war. Khamenei’s father and former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the joint US-Israeli air attacks on February 28 . Multiple political figures, including Tehran’s hardline Mayor Alireza Zakani, as well as state-linked media have attested in recent days that almost all members of the Supreme National Security Council, including military commanders, voted in favour of the MoU. Saeed Jalili, the ultra-hardline former chief negotiator and failed presidential candidate, is the only person said to have voted against the deal, which has offered some respite to global markets affected by the Strait of Hormuz disruption. Amir Hossein Sabeti, a hardline MP close to Jalili, told a gathering in Tehran on Saturday night that Pezeshkian, his ministers and Ghalibaf voted yes, while Jalili voted no since he believes Iran’s “national interests” are not realised through the deal. Sabeti said hawkish politicians are demanding answers from the government about the MoU since its first provision, which emphasised cessation of military hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon, is being repeatedly violated by Israel. On Saturday, Iran’s joint military command said the Strait of Hormuz was closed again because of Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, but the US military said the waterway remained open to all vessels. Iran’s ministry of foreign affairs stressed on Sunday that the first priority in Switzerland will be to ensure enforcement of the deal, especially in Lebanon, before technical talks can proceed towards potentially achieving a long-term resolution over the coming months. Nevertheless, anti-deal factions in Iran are utilising their broad access to state media as a weapon against any negotiations with the US. On Be Vaght-e Iran, a wartime state TV programme, said that along with the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport must be closed to prevent Iranian negotiators leaving the country for talks with the “enemy”. Kian Abdollahi, the editor-in-chief of the Tasnim news agency linked with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said it was a “mistake” to send a large delegation to Switzerland while the MoU is not being enforced. “We are facing a time equation, and we can’t lose this time. Let’s say after 30 days, we act very revolutionary and bombard Israel with missiles. Then we will have lost a very important factor. The other side’s aim is only to offload some pressure over the Strait of Hormuz,” he said during a video interview. The government also appears to have been at odds with more hardline elements within the political establishment about the night-time gatherings of state supporters on the streets. Such rallies have repeatedly been used to project messaging against any deal with the US since the start of the war. Tehran lawmaker Ali Khezrian told state TV on Saturday that the strategic planning arm of the president’s office has adopted a document that delineates the rallies as “excitable rituals” that are contributing to “blocking diplomacy”. “These are the same people that have kept me and the likes of the people who wrote the government text in power,” he said, criticising the government for seeking an end to the rallies, which have been accompanied by armed motorcades and roadblocks, as well as loud religious music blasting from truck-mounted speakers.
US-Iran hold historic talks on nuclear programme, Lebanon ceasefire in Geneva
Viral T-shirt seller at CJP protest reveals what changed after internet stardom Remember the viral T-shirt seller who left everyone confused about where he stood politically? He's back. Historic high-level negotiations between the United States and Iran have commenced, marking a shift in diplomatic relations aimed at transforming the Middle East. The discussions focus on ending the Iranian nuclear programme, ensuring the free flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, and establishing long-term regional stability. Officials highlighted that these technical negotiations are designed to resolve decades of unfriendly relations and prevent further regional instability. The diplomatic breakthrough was facilitated by mediation and statesmanship from leadership in Pakistan and Qatar. The talks also address the ongoing military operations in Lebanon, with officials noting progress toward a comprehensive regional ceasefire. The primary objective is to move beyond past conflicts and foster peace and prosperity by addressing core disagreements through structured diplomacy. Delegations from the involved nations will continue technical negotiations to finalise agreements that support global economic security and sustainable peace across the region. Remember the viral T-shirt seller who left everyone confused about where he stood politically? He's back. Women's T20 World Cup, IND vs SA: India bowling coach Aavishkar Salvi said that India will miss Shreyanka Patil, who has been ruled out due to a foot injury, but he hailed young leg-spinner Prema Rawat as an equally exciting prospect. A year ago, "Gen Z" barely appeared in Rahul Gandhi's vocabulary. Today, it's everywhere. India is staring at a severe water emergency. This InDepth documentary by India Today travels across the country to expose the grim reality of a nation running dry.
Sen. Lindsey Graham: "Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail."
Sen. Lindsey Graham: "Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail." Washington — GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Sunday he expects the U.S.'s attempts to reach a diplomatic solution with Iran to fail, though he noted that he would "rather try diplomacy than take it off the table." "Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail. What happens next?" Graham said on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan." Vice President JD Vance and other U.S. negotiators are meeting with Iranian officials in Switzerland on Sunday, as the clock starts on a 60-day negotiating period following the two countries' signing of a memorandum of understanding last week. But already, conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has endangered the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. Iran said Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed again after it accused the U.S. and Israel of violating the agreement. Graham, who said he spent four and a half hours with the president on Friday, outlined that if a deal fails, he expects "President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz over by force." "The United States will control the Strait of Hormuz, we'll charge a fee for all those who go through to pay for the operation, and we're going to expand the Abraham Accords in calendar year 2026," Graham said. Graham added, "if Iran contests control of the Strait of Hormuz by the United States, we will obliterate them." "So, to all the people listening, if this diplomatic effort fails, President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz. We're going to run it," Graham said. "We're going to try to get Saudi Arabia to join the Abraham Accords, end the Arab-Israeli conflict in 2026. And if Iran continues to attack Israel and Lebanon, the new policy will be, we'll hit Iran." Earlier this month, Graham — who has long held hawkish views on Iran — came out strongly against the initial contours of the deal. He took particular issue with $300 billion in slated reconstruction funds for Iran, which he wrote on X would be "akin to a Marshall Plan for Germany with the Nazis still in charge." In recent days, following the release of the 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran, Graham's position appeared to change. Graham explained on Sunday that "before, I thought the money was coming from the West." Now, he believes U.S.-allied Gulf states are likely to provide the money, which he said would be a positive development because "it would mean that the Sunni Arabs believe that Iran has changed to the point they want to be a business partner." While the South Carolina Republican called the memorandum of understanding "problematic," he argued "the money Iran gets is not going to change the future of Iran." "It's not enough to reconstruct the country," Graham said.
Israel army chief in south Lebanon, says Hezbollah in 'difficult position'
Jerusalem: Israel's military chief said on Sunday that Hezbollah had suffered a severe blow fighting Israeli forces and was now in a "very difficult position", as he met with troops in southern Lebanon. He spoke as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland after signing a preliminary agreement to end the broader Middle East war, with the conflict in Lebanon threatening to derail the deal. Also Read: US, Iran negotiators add 'emergency session' on Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Switzerland meet "Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said, according to a military statement. "Hezbollah is in a very difficult position," he added. Hezbollah had pulled Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Despite a new ceasefire announcement on Friday as part of the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington, Israel and Hezbollah had continued to clash. However, there were no reports of fresh strikes in Lebanon since Saturday evening. Zamir vowed to defend the communities of northern Israel from Hezbollah rockets. Also Read: Hezbollah says Israel bears 'full responsibility' for truce violations "This is the purpose guiding all our efforts... The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations," Zamir said. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces had standing orders to act against any threat inside Lebanon and insisted they would remain in the so-called security zone established within Lebanese territory. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters engaged in fierce clashes this week, with Lebanese officials reporting dozens of people killed and the Israeli military reporting five of its own soldiers dead. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) He spoke as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland after signing a preliminary agreement to end the broader Middle East war, with the conflict in Lebanon threatening to derail the deal. Also Read: US, Iran negotiators add 'emergency session' on Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Switzerland meet "Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said, according to a military statement. "Hezbollah is in a very difficult position," he added. Hezbollah had pulled Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Despite a new ceasefire announcement on Friday as part of the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington, Israel and Hezbollah had continued to clash. However, there were no reports of fresh strikes in Lebanon since Saturday evening. Zamir vowed to defend the communities of northern Israel from Hezbollah rockets. Also Read: Hezbollah says Israel bears 'full responsibility' for truce violations "This is the purpose guiding all our efforts... The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations," Zamir said. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces had standing orders to act against any threat inside Lebanon and insisted they would remain in the so-called security zone established within Lebanese territory. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters engaged in fierce clashes this week, with Lebanese officials reporting dozens of people killed and the Israeli military reporting five of its own soldiers dead. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition
Ex-senior official suspects Trump to 'bury horrific' incident that killed children: report
A former senior Pentagon official sounded the alarm on Sunday over their belief that the Trump administration was likely to bury an internal investigation into an incident that coincided with the launch of the U.S. war against Iran, an incident one Democratic lawmaker described as “one of the most horrific episodes” of the “illegal Trump war.” Trump’s Operation Epic Fury began with “double tap” strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh, an Iranian girls’ elementary school, which killed at least 156 people, 120 of them children. Trump initially blamed Iran for the strikes before it became clear that a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile was used in the attack. While the U.S. military is reportedly still investigating the incident, several former Pentagon and national security officials “expressed doubt” to The Guardian for its report published on Sunday that the results of the investigation would ever be made public. “It’s very rare that you would have a military operation and not have some incidents where there was a mistaken target and civilians are harmed or killed, but then there is a system for investigating, assessing accountability and taking responsibility,” one former senior Pentagon official told The Guardian, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “There’s a very clear process for this, and I’m very doubtful that the [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth Pentagon will follow through.” Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), also speaking with The Guardian, said that she had vigorously pressed the Trump administration for answers, only to be stonewalled. “The US strike [on the girls’ elementary school] is one of the most horrific episodes of the entire illegal Trump war in Iran,” Ansari said. “Donald Trump is hiding the truth from the American people and Congress, and deflecting blame to Secretary Hegseth, because he does not want the public to know the true horrors of what he unleashed on the Iranian people with absolutely nothing to show for it.”
Ex-senior official suspects Trump to 'bury horrific' incident that killed children: report
A former senior Pentagon official sounded the alarm on Sunday over their belief that the Trump administration was likely to bury an internal investigation into an incident that coincided with the launch of the U.S. war against Iran, an incident one Democratic lawmaker described as “one of the most horrific episodes” of the “illegal Trump war.” Trump’s Operation Epic Fury began with “double tap” strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh, an Iranian girls’ elementary school, which killed at least 156 people, 120 of them children. Trump initially blamed Iran for the strikes before it became clear that a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile was used in the attack. While the U.S. military is reportedly still investigating the incident, several former Pentagon and national security officials “expressed doubt” to The Guardian for its report published on Sunday that the results of the investigation would ever be made public. “It’s very rare that you would have a military operation and not have some incidents where there was a mistaken target and civilians are harmed or killed, but then there is a system for investigating, assessing accountability and taking responsibility,” one former senior Pentagon official told The Guardian, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “There’s a very clear process for this, and I’m very doubtful that the [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth Pentagon will follow through.” Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), also speaking with The Guardian, said that she had vigorously pressed the Trump administration for answers, only to be stonewalled. “The US strike [on the girls’ elementary school] is one of the most horrific episodes of the entire illegal Trump war in Iran,” Ansari said. “Donald Trump is hiding the truth from the American people and Congress, and deflecting blame to Secretary Hegseth, because he does not want the public to know the true horrors of what he unleashed on the Iranian people with absolutely nothing to show for it.”
Why Lebanon may make or break the Iran-US deal
Why Lebanon may make or break the Iran-US deal Israeli escalation in Lebanon threatens to undermine agreement between Tehran and Washington and risks further regional destabilisation, analysts say. Beirut, Lebanon – The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran leaves no room for doubt, declaring “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon,” between the two countries and their allies. “The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” the interim agreement signed on Wednesday added. Recommended Storieslist of 3 items - list 1 of 3How does Trump’s MOU with Iran compare with Obama’s nuclear pact? - list 2 of 3Trump-Netanyahu tensions: Have Israeli and US leaders clashed before? - list 3 of 3Israeli strikes kill at least 47 amid intense fighting in southern Lebanon Yet Israel appears to either have not received the memo or to be deliberately ignoring it. Israeli attacks on Lebanon have continued in the days since the MoU’s signing, bringing the death toll since the start of Israel’s air and ground offensive on March 2 to more than 4,000. These deadly strikes led to Iran postponing talks with the US that had been planned for Friday in Switzerland. The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Lebanon’s government have both demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory although the former has said that should come by linking Lebanon to the Iran negotiations while the latter prefers direct talks with Israel. “Lebanon is at the beginning of the agreement because the Iranians want to bring home that Lebanon’s territorial integrity is essential to the agreement, the success of the [MoU],” said Michael Young, a Lebanon expert at the Carnegie Middle East Center. Israel to ‘torpedo’ Iran-US deal Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been fighting since October 2023, but Israel has twice intensified the conflict – in September 2024 and March this year – pummelling Lebanon with bombs and invading its territory. The March intensification came after Hezbollah fired on Israel for the first time in more than a year following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and as a response to more than 10,000 Israeli ceasefire violations since late 2024. Since then, Israel has killed at least 4,057 people in Lebanon and wounded more than 12,121. Israel has targeted paramedics and journalists and razed dozens of villages. While the US has tried to declare several ceasefires in Lebanon, the reality on the ground has played out differently. US President Donald Trump has made several statements on Lebanon, including that Israel needs to scale back its operations there, but Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that their ability to continue operations in Lebanon must be protected. “Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long, and too many people are being killed,” Trump said on Tuesday at a G7 summit in France. “And you don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses and they’re not all Hezbollah. That I can tell you.” Trump also said he was “not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and with Hezbollah. They should have been able to do the job faster. It just goes on forever.” Analysts said they believe the presence of Lebanon in the MoU means that Iran feels strongly about the situation there and the US, which also enjoys positive bilateral relations with the Lebanese government, may be willing to put pressure on Israel to stop its military operations in the country. “The US wants to split out the Lebanon and Iran conflicts,” said David Wood, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst on Lebanon. “It can help Lebanon by insisting that Israel implement the June 3 proposal for a bilateral ceasefire.” “This approach would give the Lebanese state an opportunity to show that it can assert control over Lebanese soil effectively and defend the country by nonviolent means, as opposed to Hezbollah’s strategy of armed resistance against Israel,” Wood added. But Israel may have other thoughts. Young said Israel “is going to try to torpedo” the MoU and the talks between Iran and the US. “They don’t want these negotiations to succeed, so their way to do so is to basically continue the war in Lebanon,” he added. According to Karim Safieddine, a nonresident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, there is “no political, technological, industrial, economic incentive for Israel to stop the war on Lebanon”. What’s Hezbollah’s role? Iran must also decide what it will do if Israel refuses to stop attacking Lebanon and the US is unable or unwilling to pressure the Israeli government. Safieddine said there are divisions inside Iran, including in its state apparatus, about how far it should go to ensure Israeli aggression in Lebanon stops. After renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon on Saturday despite another declared ceasefire, Iran announced the closure of the economically important Strait of Hormuz once again. With the MoU, many people in Lebanon hope the end of Israel’s war is approaching. But there are still issues that need resolving. In a speech on Wednesday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem praised the movement’s patron. “We … thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for linking Lebanon’s arena as both a resistance movement and a people to a spirit of readiness for sacrifice that compelled” Israel to “halt its aggression”, he said. Israel and Lebanon are due to continue direct negotiations next week, and Hezbollah’s disarmament remains a major issue. The Lebanese government has moved forward with efforts to disarm the group since early 2025, but the second Israeli intensification of the conflict halted these efforts. “Lebanon’s political leadership finds itself in yet another bind under the US-Iran MoU,” Wood said. “On the one hand, Lebanon understandably wants to take charge of its own future, including the path towards a sustainable end to the Israel-Hezbollah war. On the other hand, it is hard to fault President [Joseph] Aoun for welcoming Iran’s insistence on including a Lebanon ceasefire in the MoU, even if it has failed to end the fighting to date,” he added. “Lebanon has very limited agency in addressing the fundamental conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, so inevitably, Beirut will need support from outside in the coming period.”
JD Vance calls ceasefire 'a little messy', says US has made 'great progress' in Iran nuclear talks
Listen to this article in summarized format "Trump is committed to see a full regional ceasefire," Vance said, adding that the president had "empowered us to find a diplomatic solution to a host of issues" and had asked the team to "turn over a new leaf" in Washington's relationship with the Iranian people. Also read: Indian refiners increase Russian and UAE oil imports ahead of Hormuz recovery Vance said the talks, which also included Qatari mediators in a trilateral format, marked an unprecedented moment in the two countries' diplomatic history. "The technical negotiations may not solve every disagreement, but it will allow us to sit together as teams for the first time in history," he said. "What we're trying to accomplish is through diplomacy to work together to transform the Middle East," Vance said, describing the central question as "whether we can change relations in the Middle East permanently." He added that the US now saw "a future together where everyone can work together to promote peace and prosperity," while noting that Washington still viewed Iran as "a driver of regional instability." Despite the optimism, Vance struck a measured note. "These kinds of ceasefires are always a little bit messy," he said, even as he confirmed that the two sides had made "great progress in the last few hours." The framework underpinning the current talks was signed last week, and both sides are now in a 60-day window to hammer out technical details that carry significant implications for global energy markets and international security. Vance's arrival had originally been scheduled for Friday but was delayed after fighting escalated in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and Iran announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas transits. Also read: Oil keeps flowing through Hormuz despite Iran saying it’s shut The US delegation also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had already been on the ground ahead of Vance to begin working through the nuclear specifics. Iran's delegation is led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with central bank and oil officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also part of the broader talks, alongside Qatari mediators. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that Tehran would not give up its right to enrich uranium, stating the other side was "forced to accept it." The deal signed by Trump and Pezeshkian allows Iran to sell oil freely and would unlock billions in currently frozen Iranian assets, while also requiring Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Explore More Stories
The Latest: Vance meets Iranian negotiators in Switzerland to work on details of deal
U.S. and Iranian negotiators are in Switzerland on Sunday for talks on working out key details of their interim agreement to end the Iran war. A team led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is to meet with g Iranian negotiators led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani envoys are also in place, as well as Qatari mediators, for the technical-level discussions to end the conflict that began in late February. Vance said he was optimistic about making progress in talks about Iran’s nuclear program and a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. On the eve of the talks, Tehran announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. The interim deal between the U.S. and Iran is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, as well as calling for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world's oil supply. Here is the latest: Pakistani mediators also in place in Switzerland Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also in Switzerland for the high-level U.S.-Iran talks, the prime minister's office said without providing further details. The technical-level talks at Bürgenstock Resort near the Swiss city of Lucerne are being held after Sharif dispatched his special envoy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to Tehran to persuade Iranian authorities to send a delegation to Switzerland. The meeting was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed because of concerns raised by Iran. Naqvi later informed Islamabad that Iran was willing to attend the talks. Pakistan subsequently conveyed the development to Washington. Strait of Hormuz is once again a challenge The strait has emerged as a key focus, with Iran’s joint military command saying on Saturday that it was closed again because of the U.S. “clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war. The interim deal is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon where Israeli forces are battling the militant Hezbollah group. The U.S. disputed Iran’s announcement, with the U.S. Central Command saying that traffic continues to flow and that 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. Ships began transiting after the interim U.S.-Iran agreement was signed last week. The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and now allows Tehran to sell its oil freely — terms that have left some in U.S. Congress asking whether the war was worth it. The interim deal signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, but the time can be extended.
The Latest: Vance meets Iranian negotiators in Switzerland to work on details of deal
U.S. and Iranian negotiators are in Switzerland on Sunday for talks on working out key details of their interim agreement to end the Iran war. A team led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is to meet with g Iranian negotiators led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani envoys are also in place, as well as Qatari mediators, for the technical-level discussions to end the conflict that began in late February. Vance said he was optimistic about making progress in talks about Iran’s nuclear program and a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. On the eve of the talks, Tehran announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. The interim deal between the U.S. and Iran is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, as well as calling for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world's oil supply. Here is the latest: Pakistani mediators also in place in Switzerland Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also in Switzerland for the high-level U.S.-Iran talks, the prime minister's office said without providing further details. The technical-level talks at Bürgenstock Resort near the Swiss city of Lucerne are being held after Sharif dispatched his special envoy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to Tehran to persuade Iranian authorities to send a delegation to Switzerland. The meeting was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed because of concerns raised by Iran. Naqvi later informed Islamabad that Iran was willing to attend the talks. Pakistan subsequently conveyed the development to Washington. Strait of Hormuz is once again a challenge The strait has emerged as a key focus, with Iran’s joint military command saying on Saturday that it was closed again because of the U.S. “clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war. The interim deal is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon where Israeli forces are battling the militant Hezbollah group. The U.S. disputed Iran’s announcement, with the U.S. Central Command saying that traffic continues to flow and that 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. Ships began transiting after the interim U.S.-Iran agreement was signed last week. The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and now allows Tehran to sell its oil freely — terms that have left some in U.S. Congress asking whether the war was worth it. The interim deal signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, but the time can be extended.
Vance arrives in Switzerland for US-Iran talks
Vance arrives in Switzerland for US-Iran talks Both nations seek a durable end to their war as Iran slams Israeli attacks on Lebanon as violations of interim deal. United States Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iranian officials on implementing the interim deal to end the US war with Iran. The US and Iran earlier this week agreed to a 60-day ceasefire extension for the negotiations, but Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, although the US military said commercial vessels kept operating. Recommended Storieslist of 4 items - list 1 of 4Overplaying Strait of Hormuz card will turn Iran into a pariah state - list 2 of 4Iran closes Strait of Hormuz as Pakistan says new talks with US due Sunday - list 3 of 4Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz as Israel tests MOU with Lebanon strikes - list 4 of 4Trump vows Iran will not charge Strait of Hormuz tolls, but says US might Vance arrived at Emmen Air Base at 5:59am (03:59 GMT) on Sunday, according to his spokesperson. “I think we’re going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue,” with a “couple days of talks” likely, Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before departing. An Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland late Saturday, state media and the Swiss Foreign Ministry said. Iran’s official broadcaster said it included parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Mediator Pakistan said its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, had also arrived in Switzerland to participate in the talks. Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid, reporting from Burgenstock, Switzerland, said that the sides will try to bridge the gap between their positions during the talks. “And that is why you’re seeing the highest level of participation,” he said. “The US immediately wants to go into the nuclear issue. The Iranians want an end to the fighting in Lebanon,” our correspondent also said. A halt to fighting in Lebanon was one of the conditions agreed this week in the interim deal to extend the US-Iran ceasefire for 60 days and start talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme and other issues. But the deal is already coming under strain, as Israel continued attacks in Lebanon on Saturday, killing dozens of people, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) citing the strikes as it declared the Strait of Hormuz shut. The US military said commercial vessels had continued operating in the waterway. Pointing to what it called Israeli “crimes” in Lebanon that violated US commitments to a ceasefire, the IRGC warned ships would be at risk if they approached the strait, a vital conduit for global oil and gas supplies. But US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, with more than 17 million barrels of oil bound for global markets. US forces will ensure commercial traffic continues, CENTCOM said. Trump said no toll would be charged for passage through the strait during or after the 60-day ceasefire – unless the US imposes one should peace talks fail. In a social media post, he cited the possibility of a toll levied by the US “for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East” if a deal to end the war is not completed. Iran seeks implementation of the deal The developments could complicate talks to advance the interim deal brokered by Pakistan and signed on Wednesday by presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian to end the almost four-month war. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, accused the US on X of failing to implement the first clause of its 14-point interim deal with Iran, which stipulates a ceasefire “on all fronts”, including Lebanon. He said that if the deal were not implemented, the flow of energy through the region would remain halted. Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar Atas, reporting from Tehran, said the Iranian delegation in Switzerland was likely to focus on Articles 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). “These include the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, the lifting of the US maritime blockade, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the release of Iranian frozen assets and, of course, the lifting of US sanctions when it comes to Iran’s oil sector and petrochemical products and related sectors,” our correspondent said. “So the Iranians are not looking for these files to be concluded in one meeting here, but at least they want the initiation of the implementation,” he added. “Why does Lebanon matter so much for Iran? Overall, it’s about Iran’s geopolitical standpoint. So if Iran wants to remain as a regional power, Tehran has to keep the axis of resistance alive. Iran has invested in Hezbollah through the decades. So it is about Iran’s regional influence. It is also sending out a message to its allies and proxies in the region that Tehran is not going to leave them alone.” The Lebanon truce appeared fragile as Israeli forces continued their attacks on the country on Saturday, killing dozens of people, according to Lebanese state media. The Iran-aligned Hezbollah group also announced attacks on Israeli forces. Israel claimed it was responding to attacks from Hezbollah, while the Iran-backed fighters said Israel had repeatedly violated the truce since Friday, and it would not allow Israel “freedom of movement” in Lebanon. The Israeli military said one soldier was killed in combat, the fifth such death since the US-Iran deal was reached. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported late on Saturday that the prime minister and defence minister had ordered the military to hold fire in Lebanon, but that the military would not withdraw from captured territory.