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Conflict Events Archive
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Opposition backs Israel's right to military action in Lebanon
Opposition backs Israel's right to military action in Lebanon as PM pushes back on sanction changes In short: The federal opposition has backed Israel's continued military invasion of southern Lebanon despite the signing of an MOU between the US and Iran to end hostilities. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Ted O'Brien said Israel had a right to defend itself against Hezbollah. What's next? Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would make its own decisions about sanctions, responding to a provision in the MOU which lifts some US sanctions on Iran. Shadow Foreign Affairs Minister Ted O'Brien has defended Israel's right to continue its military invasion of southern Lebanon, despite repeated calls from the Trump administration for it to end. His comments come amid ongoing questions about a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, which includes a commitment to pause Israel's military expansion over its northern border. On Saturday, Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon killed at least 16 people including two children, bringing the death toll of the latest war between Hezbollah and Israel to 4,000 according to Lebanon's health ministry. The strikes came just hours after the MOU came into effect. In response, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and warned that "not much" was likely to happen if "the fighting doesn't stop". Mr O'Brien said the fragile peace was being complicated by the involvement of parties which are not covered by the agreement. Although Israel is not a signatory of the MOU, the first provision of the agreement commits the US to ensuring an "immediate and permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon". "There's no doubt that when you have the likes of Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon at the moment, neither of whom are part of the agreement struck between the US and Iran, it certainly complicates things," Mr O'Brien told Insiders on Sunday. The remarks place Mr O'Brien at odds with the government, which has said Israel should not be conducting military operations in Lebanon. "Australia supports Lebanon's sovereignty — so we do not want to see occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel," Foreign Minister Penny Wong said in March. Mr O'Brien said Israel had a right to defend itself from Hezbollah. "If we have a terrorist organisation still threatening the lives of Israeli people, then I think Israel has a right to defend itself," he said. US and Iran deal reshapes sanctions policy US President Donald Trump said the MOU was signed in part to avoid an “economic catastrophe”. “If you kept this going, that could have happened,” President Trump told reporters on Thursday. The agreement also includes provisions to lift some US economic sanctions on Iran. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australia would not commit to lifting its own sanctions, stressing the government would make decisions as a “sovereign nation”. “Iran orchestrated attacks on Australian soil, and we do not take that lightly,” he said. The agreement leaves open the possibility of Iran introducing a toll through the Strait of Hormuz, a move Mr O'Brien warned would directly affect Australian consumers and the broader global economy. "A permanent toll would be bad in practise, wrong in principal and set a dangerous precedent for how otherwise waterways should be managed internationally," he said. Asked what message the agreement sends to other world powers, including China, Mr O'Brien said it reflects a shifting international landscape in which economic and security interests are increasingly connected. "We are in a new era of diplomacy, a new era of international affairs where security and economics are converging and are intertwined," he said. "There was no doubt that the US displayed absolute dominance militarily in Iran, but Iran was able to effectively hold the world's economy hostage through the Strait of Hormuz." He defended the Coalition's position to back the war on Iran from the outset. "If you go back to the basic principle as to why the Coalition backed the war, same as the government did, it was all about ensuring that this regime does not have a nuclear weapon," he said.
What’s going on with US-Iran talks and the Strait of Hormuz?
What’s going on with US-Iran talks and the Strait of Hormuz? The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains tense following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran, as the countries’ delegations descend on Switzerland for follow-up discussions. Commercial shipping through the key waterway was disrupted after the US-Israeli attack on Iran in February, and its reopening has become one of the key points of the memorandum signed by President Donald Trump on Wednesday. Washington promised to lift its own blockade of Iranian ports, while Tehran would gradually “make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels.” Trump touted the preliminary deal as an “immediate reopening,” announcing that “the oil is flowing” after the first tankers sailed through – before Tehran claimed to have shut down the waterway again. What does Iran say? Tehran accused Washington of failing to fulfill its commitments and force Israel to stop its “crimes” in Lebanon. The Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters military command announced on Saturday that “the Strait of Hormuz is closed,” while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned vessels against approaching the waterway, saying their safety would be “jeopardized.” What does the US say? US Vice President J.D. Vance has denied that traffic through the strait had been interrupted, insisting that “we actually got 16 million barrels of oil out of the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.” In an interview with Fox on Saturday, Vance called it “a record going back to even before the conflict started.” US Central Command stated that “commercial ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz increased June 20,” while US forces continue to operate in the area. According to CENTCOM data, safe passage through the waterway “remained intact,” and at least 55 merchant vessels had passed through as of Saturday. What is actually happening? Dozens of vessels, including three Saudi oil supertankers and five sanctioned Iranian ships, have moved through the waterway in recent days, according to data analytics company Kpler, which noted that most were “following established Iranian route patterns.” Hormuz traffic shows recovery— Kpler (@Kpler) June 19, 2026 Verified Strait of Hormuz crossings reached 25 on 18 June, marking a notable increase in daily maritime activity. Traffic was evenly distributed across both directions, with most vessels following established Iranian route patterns. Five sanctioned… pic.twitter.com/kqnil079nf Some commercial vessels continued traversing the strait as of Saturday evening, according to the MarineTraffic monitoring website. The number of tankers sailing through the waterway peaked at 25 on Thursday, but reportedly fell to single digits on Friday. Are US-Iran talks in jeopardy? Washington and Tehran are expected to reach a final settlement on remaining disputes, including Iran’s nuclear program, within a 60-day negotiating period, but the first round of talks was postponed. Vance eventually departed for Switzerland on Saturday, with Trump’s special envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also expected to take part in the talks, which are now planned for Sunday. The Iranian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf, also flew in aboard Minab168, a flight commemorating the deaths of schoolgirls in the deadliest US strike. The delegation also includes the head of the Iranian central bank, the deputy oil minister, and the chairman of the National Iranian Oil Company. Tehran agreed to the Swiss meeting primarily to “clarify” how the US plans to fulfill its commitments under the memorandum, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei. “Ending the war on all fronts, including Lebanon” is a key pillar of the mutual understanding, he stated, adding that the memorandum comes as a “single package” and that violation of any provision calls the entire agreement into question. What triggered Iran’s backlash? Israel has continued bombing Lebanon despite the US-Iran agreement, while Hezbollah has reportedly clashed with IDF troops occupying southern parts of the country since March. The Lebanese Health Ministry said at least 47 people were killed and 97 injured in intense Israeli airstrikes on Friday night alone, while the overall death toll from the Israeli invasion is nearing 4,000. The US-Iran memorandum explicitly calls for a cessation of all hostilities by the signatories and their allies, and for “ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon.” After mediation by the US and Qatar, the sides reportedly agreed to halt hostilities, although neither Hezbollah nor Israel officially confirmed the deal, and open-source intelligence monitors said sporadic exchanges of fire and Israeli strikes in Lebanon continued. What is Israel’s stance on the US-Iran deal? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israeli troops will remain in southern Lebanon for as long as Israel deems necessary, while the IDF has published a new map showing an occupied area extending roughly 10km into Lebanese territory. Hardline National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israel would not be bound by “Trump’s agreement,” writing on X: “All of Lebanon should burn!” The memorandum has strained US-Israeli relations, with Trump and members of his administration publicly accusing West Jerusalem of using excessive force in Lebanon. “You can’t just kill your way out of solving every single national security problem that you have,” Vance said, addressing Ben-Gvir and similarly minded Israeli officials. US intelligence officials believe that Israel will likely attempt to undermine the peace process, the Washington Post reported this week, claiming that Netanyahu could bet his political survival on escalating the conflict with Hezbollah ahead of the autumn elections.
Iran and Pakistan reaffirm support for diplomatic process
Iran and Pakistan reaffirm support for diplomatic process Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Pakistan's interior minister Mohsin Naqvi have discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts, the recent ceasefire process and ways to strengthen relations between their countries. According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, the meeting took place in Tehran and focused on regional developments and cooperation between Iran and Pakistan. The statement said Pezeshkian "emphasised Pakistan's constructive and effective role in supporting the path of diplomacy and helping to consolidate the results of the negotiations". Naqvi, in turn, expressed appreciation for "the diplomatic efforts and measures" undertaken by the Iranian leadership and praised what he described as its role in managing political and diplomatic processes. The statement also said Naqvi commended the guidance of Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei and his "strategic and intelligent role in supporting diplomatic processes and helping to end the crisis and establish a ceasefire".
Trump, Italy’s Meloni exchange fresh criticism over Iran war stance By Investing.com
Zelenskiy warns of major Russian attack as strikes kill at least six Investing.com -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni traded fresh criticism on Saturday, extending a public dispute that has emerged between the two leaders in recent days, Bloomberg reported. In a social media post, Trump repeated claims that Meloni had sought a photo with him during this week’s G7 summit in France, but said he declined because Italy did not support the U.S. military campaign against Iran. The president also suggested that Meloni was seeking closer ties with Washington after the U.S. military operation against Iran. Meloni responded shortly afterward on Instagram, describing Trump’s repeated comments as "senseless" and defending Italy’s independence. "Italy remains a sovereign nation," she wrote. "I suggest you focus on yours," she added, referring to Trump’s popularity. Relations between the two leaders have deteriorated in recent months over differences surrounding the Iran conflict. Italy opposed the war from the outset and became increasingly critical as energy prices rose during the fighting. Earlier this year, Rome denied Washington access to an airbase in Sicily for combat operations linked to the conflict, citing long-standing restrictions governing the use of the facility. Meloni has also publicly criticized Trump’s comments directed at Pope Leo XIV, who opposed the war. The latest exchange follows what appeared to be a brief easing of tensions during the G7 summit. Italian officials had indicated that discussions between the two leaders had helped improve relations. That changed after Trump said in televised remarks on Friday that Meloni had "begged" for a photograph with him at the gathering. The Italian leader rejected the claim, calling it "totally made up." Responding from a meeting of European Union leaders in Brussels, Meloni said she regretted that Trump did not direct the same level of criticism toward what she described as adversaries of the United States and the West. The public disagreement marks a rare escalation in tensions between two leaders whose governments have traditionally maintained close ties on economic and security issues.
Maximum in a day: Three Indian-flagged ships safely cross Strait of Hormuz
NEW DELHI: Three Indian-flagged tankers - Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald - carrying 8.6 lakh tonne of crude oil, crossed Strait of Hormuz safely Saturday. This was the highest number of Indian ships to tr-ansit the strategic waterway in a single day since the war in West Asia broke out Feb 28. With this, 18 India-bound ships - 13 Indian and five foreign-flagged - vessels have crossed the route. Shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal said the three ships have 94 Indian crew members and "govt is working on highest priority to secure India's maritime interests and to guarantee safety of seafarers and energy lifelines". Sanmar Herald was atta-cked by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on April 18 during its previous attempt to transit the strait after reportedly getting the go ahead. Now it's scheduled to reach Paradip port on July 1, a shipping ministry official said. The ships have sailed through the Strait after the United States officially ended blockade of Iranian ports and Tehran eased restrictions on movements of vessels following the peace deal. Ship tracking portal Marinetraffic shows another two India-bound ships - container carrier SSL Kaveri and crude carrier Desh Suraksha - were waiting around the strait. A total of 31 India-bound ships are still stuck in Persian Gulf, including 16 loaded with fertiliser. Officials said that Desh Vaibhav is scheduled to reach Vadinar in Gujarat on June 24. Desh Vibhor's next port of call is Sikka in Gujarat, where it estimated to arrive on June 24. "We are hopeful of India-bound ships safely transiting the strait. That will bring huge relief to hundreds of our seafarers who have been stuck for over three months," said an official. The movement of ships in the region and the Strait has increased since the two sides announced the peace deal. On Thursday alone, 25 commercial vessels had crossed the reopened Strait of Hormuz, which was the highest number since mid-April.
'Not seeing any evidence': Vance waves off Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure, touts 16M barrels of oil
'Not seeing any evidence': Vance waves off Iran's Strait of Hormuz closure, touts 16M barrels of oil "The Straits really are open."— FOX & Friends (@foxandfriends) June 20, 2026 .@VP JD Vance breaks down the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting efforts to keep shipping lanes open and clear remaining mines: pic.twitter.com/BN6g49j7O2 WASHINGTON, DC: Vice President JD Vance on Saturday, June 20, pushed back against Iran’s claim that it has shut down the Strait of Hormuz following Israel’s strike on Lebanon, saying there is no evidence of restriction. Iran, on Saturday, announced its plans to close the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Israel of violating the terms of the recently signed US-Iran memorandum of understanding through continued military operations in Lebanon. JD Vance says no evidence Iran closed Strait Appearing on Fox News 'Fox & Friends', JD Vance touted the record-breaking oil flow through Hormuz. Responding to reports claiming Iran’s naval forces were blocking ship traffic in the strait, he said the passage was still open. Vice President Vance told Fox News that “we're not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz.” “It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though,” Vance added. “We got 16 million barrels out of the Strait of Hormuz in just the last 24 hours. That is basically where it was before the war even started. And so that suggests that the Straits really are open,” Vance added. Vance also confirmed in the interview that special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, are currently in Switzerland ahead of planned talks on Sunday to reach an agreement to end the war. Iran announces restrictions and accuses US of 'bad faith' Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Israel’s targeted attacks on the reportedly Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah breached a ceasefire agreement that went into effect hours before. “In view of the United States’ bad faith and its clear breach of its commitments by failing to implement the first article of the memorandum ending the war, and in response to the continuous and ongoing violation of the ceasefire by the regime in southern Lebanon, it hereby announces that the Strait of Hormuz will be closed to the passage of vessels,” the statement read. The announcement has injected new uncertainty into the already damaged global energy market. ‼️⭕️REPEATED CEASEFIRE VIOLATIONS: Hezbollah launched 50+ projectiles toward IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 20, 2026 In order to remove threats & in response to Hezbollah’s blatant violations, the IDF struck dozens of Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure sites & terrorists in… The Israeli military confirmed the overnight attacks in Lebanon, citing retaliation after “Hezbollah launched 50+ projectiles toward” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers “operating in southern Lebanon.” The move targets one of the world's most important energy corridors and comes just as American, Iranian and regional negotiators prepare for a new round of talks in Switzerland aimed at preventing the agreement from unraveling.
Trump team races to Switzerland for Iran nuclear talks as fragile deal faces first real test
Trump team races to Switzerland for Iran nuclear talks as fragile deal faces first real test WASHINGTON, DC: The Trump administration is moving quickly to keep its newly signed agreement with Iran from unraveling, with senior negotiators already on the ground in Switzerland for what could become the most consequential phase of post-war diplomacy. As ceasefire violations and fresh accusations emerge in Lebanon, Washington is under pressure to prove that the breakthrough agreement can survive its first major challenge and deliver lasting stability across the region. White House envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will reportedly be in Switzerland today for the first round of talks on a potential Iran nuclear deal, as Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. | @foxandfriends @Max_Gorden pic.twitter.com/JW1dQmyJpW— Fox News (@FoxNews) June 20, 2026 Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff rush to Switzerland Fresh reporting indicates that key members of Trump's negotiating team have already arrived in Switzerland ahead of the next round of talks with Iranian representatives. According to Axios, senior adviser Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff are already in the country preparing for discussions aimed at turning the recently signed memorandum of understanding into a broader and more detailed agreement. Fox News correspondent Max Gordon also reported that Pakistan is sending its interior minister to participate in the diplomatic effort, highlighting Islamabad's continuing role after helping facilitate the initial breakthrough between Washington and Tehran. The urgency surrounding the talks reflects growing concern that the agreement's early momentum could be threatened by renewed tensions on the ground. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized his desire to move negotiations forward quickly, while administration officials have framed the upcoming discussions as critical to securing longer-term commitments from Iran. Speaking this morning on FOX & Friends, U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff are currently on the ground in Switzerland for negotiations with Iran, and that talks are “going well,” adding that he will… pic.twitter.com/JTfyebQyxQ— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) June 20, 2026 The talks are expected to focus heavily on Tehran's nuclear activities, future verification mechanisms, sanctions-related issues, and regional security concerns. JD Vance expected to join talks Vice President JD Vance has also confirmed that he plans to join the negotiating effort, signaling the importance the White House places on the next stage of discussions. Speaking to Fox News on Saturday, June 20, Vance argued that the agreement has already produced tangible results, pointing to increased oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, falling energy prices, and what he described as improved regional stability. Administration officials have maintained that future sanctions relief and economic opportunities for Iran remain tied to compliance with the terms of the agreement and progress on nuclear-related commitments. FOX & FRIENDS: The Journal is reporting that the remnants of the Iranian navy are turning ships back in the Strait of Hormuz. Is that a violation of the MOU?— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 20, 2026 JD VANCE: I'm skeptical of that reporting, or at least of some of the conclusions that could drawn from it. We're not… pic.twitter.com/D4iWxq769p The Switzerland talks represent the first major diplomatic test since the United States and Iran signed their memorandum aimed at ending hostilities and launching a broader negotiation process.
3 Indian-flagged oil tankers cross Strait of Hormuz, head home with 94 crew members
NEW DELHI: Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying more than 8.6 lakh metric tonnes of cargo and 94 Indian crew members successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are now sailing towards India, Union ports, shipping and waterways minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. The development comes days after the United States lifted its blockade on Iran and allowed oil tankers to resume movement through the strategically important waterway following a tentative agreement aimed at ending the Iran conflict. In a post on X, Sonowal said the three vessels, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald, had safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz and were en route to Indian ports. “3 Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald carrying over 8.6 Lakh MT of cargo with 94 Indian crew members have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz today and are en route to India,” Sonowal said. He added that the government was working to safeguard India’s maritime and energy interests. “Under the decisive leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, GoI is working on highest priority to secure India's maritime interests. Our Ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to guarantee the absolute safety of Bharat's seafarers and energy lifelines,” he said. Tankers set to reach Indian ports next week According to news agency PTI, Desh Vaibhav is expected to arrive at Vadinar Port on June 24, while Desh Vibhor is scheduled to reach Sikka Port on the same day. The third tanker, Sanmar Herald, is expected to dock at Paradip on July 1. The successful passage of the vessels comes amid improving shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transit routes. Shipping traffic rises despite tensions The United States military said commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz increased on June 20, with more than 17 million barrels of oil moving through the waterway during the day, according to Reuters. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 55 commercial vessels transited the strait on Saturday and that safe passage remained intact. “US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect,” CENTCOM said. The comments came shortly after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced the closure of the strait, alleging violations of the US-Iran truce by Israel and the United States. However, US Vice President JD Vance said earlier that he had seen no evidence of the waterway being shut and expressed confidence that the ceasefire would hold.
3 Indian-flagged oil tankers transit through Strait of Hormuz
New Delhi: Three Indian-flagged crude oil tankers carrying over 8.6 lakh million tonnes of cargo with 94 crew members from the country transited through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday and are en route to India, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said. The three crude oil tankers -- Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald -- are expected to arrive in India between June 24 and July 1. While Desh Vaibhav is expected to reach Vadinar Port on June 24, Desh Vibhor is likely to arrive at Sikka Port the same day. Sanmar Herald, the third Indian-flagged oil tanker to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, is scheduled to reach Paradip on July 1. "3 Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald carrying over 8.6 Lakh MT of cargo with 94 Indian crew members have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz today and are en route to India," Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sonowal said in a post on X. "Under the decisive leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, GoI is working on highest priority to secure India's maritime interests. Our Ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to guarantee the absolute safety of Bharat's seafarers and energy lifelines," he wrote. The United States on Thursday lifted its blockade of Iran, allowing oil tankers to move through the Strait of Hormuz as a tentative agreement to end the war took effect. The channel had been largely unusable for months, but shipping began to resume soon after a deal came into force. On June 18, President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran Wednesday that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives US-backed sanctions on the country, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely in a major concession from Washington. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) The three crude oil tankers -- Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor, and Sanmar Herald -- are expected to arrive in India between June 24 and July 1. While Desh Vaibhav is expected to reach Vadinar Port on June 24, Desh Vibhor is likely to arrive at Sikka Port the same day. Sanmar Herald, the third Indian-flagged oil tanker to cross the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, is scheduled to reach Paradip on July 1. "3 Indian-flagged crude oil tankers, Desh Vaibhav, Desh Vibhor and Sanmar Herald carrying over 8.6 Lakh MT of cargo with 94 Indian crew members have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz today and are en route to India," Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sonowal said in a post on X. "Under the decisive leadership of Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi ji, GoI is working on highest priority to secure India's maritime interests. Our Ministry is actively coordinating with all relevant agencies to guarantee the absolute safety of Bharat's seafarers and energy lifelines," he wrote. The United States on Thursday lifted its blockade of Iran, allowing oil tankers to move through the Strait of Hormuz as a tentative agreement to end the war took effect. The channel had been largely unusable for months, but shipping began to resume soon after a deal came into force. On June 18, President Donald Trump signed an agreement with Iran Wednesday that calls for Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium and waives US-backed sanctions on the country, immediately allowing Iran to sell its oil freely in a major concession from Washington. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) ...more (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News on ...more (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online.
Trump blasts Meloni over Iran war support, revives feud with fresh 'begging' claim
Trump blasts Meloni over Iran war support, revives feud with fresh 'begging' claim WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J Trump dramatically escalated his dispute with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Saturday, June 20, by accusing her government of undermining American military operations during the Iran conflict, transforming a personal feud into a broader confrontation over alliance commitments and wartime cooperation. After Meloni delivered a fierce cross-Atlantic counter-strike, releasing an official video message flatly stating, "Neither I nor Italy ever beg," Trump fired back on Truth Social, mockingly repeating that the right-wing leader asked "over and over" for a picture simply to rescue her cratering domestic popularity. The extraordinary escalatory loop has plunged the Western coalition into a historic diplomatic crisis. June 20, 2026 The feud originally ignited following a televised interview with Italy's La7 network, where Trump claimed he only posed with Meloni because he "felt sorry for her." Meloni’s swift, public denunciation, in which she blasted Trump’s story as "completely fabricated" and chided him for being softer on the West's enemies than its closest allies, failed to quiet the American executive. Instead, Trump's decision to repeat and amplify the "begging" narrative has shattered traditional alliance protocol, turning an initial dispute over summit optics into an open geopolitical war over wartime logistics. Io e l’Italia non imploriamo mai. pic.twitter.com/sTpKlqWB67— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 19, 2026 Trump details extreme alliance logistical disputes "Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni asked, over and over, for a picture with me during the G-7 meeting in France," Trump wrote in his Saturday broadside, explicitly connecting the personal humiliation campaign to underlying military grievances. He noted that the non-cooperation occurred despite the fact that the United States contributes hundreds of billions of dollars annually to protect Italy and other "so-called" NATO allies who routinely default on their core commitments. Trump links Giorgia Meloni's slump to Iran stance The public spat exposes deep structural fractures regarding the limits of Trump's post-war alliances. Meloni's center-right government has faced intense internal volatility following a stinging justice referendum defeat on March 23, causing her domestic numbers to collapse. Trump seized directly on this political vulnerability to justify his refusal to extend diplomatic goodwill to Rome. He asserted that Meloni is doing poorly in Italy because she turned down the United States when it came to denying Iran a nuclear weapon, adding that now that America has single-handedly defeated Iran militarily, she wants to be friends again just to get her numbers up, before signing off with a definitive: "No thanks!!!" Le gravi e offensive parole del Presidente Trump nei confronti del Presidente del Consiglio Giorgia Meloni offendono tutta l’Italia. Per questo motivo ho deciso di annullare la mia visita negli Stati Uniti prevista per i prossimi 21 e 22 giugno.— Antonio Tajani (@Antonio_Tajani) June 19, 2026 Defense budget adjustments fuel transatlantic friction The public humiliation campaign has already triggered rapid retaliatory measures from the Italian state apparatus. In immediate protest of Trump's offensive remarks, Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani permanently canceled a high-profile, two-day diplomatic mission to Washington that was scheduled to begin this Sunday. Furthermore, Undersecretary Giovanbattista Fazzolari issued an unprecedented statement accusing Trump of systematically wrecking historic relations between the United States and Europe through inappropriate outbursts. Italian undersecretary & senator Fazzolari: “It is unclear whether out of intent or ineptitude Trump is wrecking the historic relations between the US and Europe. With his inappropriate outbursts, he managed no easy feat - to make the US unpopular across the entire continent.”— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) June 19, 2026 With Rome tightening its defense budgets and the Pentagon launching a comprehensive review of Article 5 security guarantees in response to the operational freeze, Trump’s refusal to back down from the photo dispute has successfully set Southern European defense coordination on a rock-bottom collision path.
Iran Media Says Hormuz 'Closed' Again, Citing Lebanon Violations, As Vance Expected In Switzerland For Talks
Iran Media Says Hormuz 'Closed' Again, Citing Lebanon Violations, As Vance Expected In Switzerland For Talks Update(10:00ET): As has become the 'norm' after well over 100 days of war - which some pundits have been calling the "third Gulf war" - there are deeply conflicting headlines emerging Saturday. On the one hand, diplomacy based in Switzerland is said to be in motion, with a potential top level Trump delegation (led by Witkoff and to be joined later by Kushner reportedly/allegedly) - but fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in south Lebanon still rages, with the death toll climbing, and also with Hezbollah rockets still landing against IDF positions as well as in northern Israel. Will the US and Iranian sides actually meet in Europe for the 'technical' side of further talks toward final peace? Saturday has seen reports of Iran having again 'closed' the Strait of Hormuz, citing Israeli aggression in Lebanon, after Tehran has insisted that the tenuous freshly signed MoU included a Lebanon ceasefire and peace. The latest newswires out of Iranian state media: IRAN SAYS HORMUZ TO CLOSE, CITING CEASEFIRE VIOLATION: TASNIM IRAN SAYS STRAIT OF HORMUZ HAS BEEN CLOSED: TASNIM IRAN'S IRGC NAVY SAYS HORMUZ STRAIT CLOSED TO ALL VESSELS: FARS *VESSELS WARNED TO AVOID STRAIT OF HORMUZ OVER SECURITY: FARS Vance expected in Switzerland, reports Axios on Saturday: 🇺🇸🇮🇷Trump envoys arrive in Switzerland for Iran talks planned for Sunday. Vice President Vance could travel to Switzerland today or tomorrow. My story on @axios https://t.co/suNH9rkVk9 — Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) June 20, 2026 And yet, some of the same state sources have been saying that an Iranian delegation will travel to Switzerland where it will seek to hold Washington to its commitments. “In Switzerland, we intend to press for the fulfilment of the other side’s commitments and clarify how they plan to act on their obligations,” the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said, according to Fars, also as cited in Al Jazeera. Per the same report Saturday mid-morning (US time): "The delegation will leave for Switzerland in a few minutes, Mehr news agency also reported. The spokesperson also said that if the US refuses to implement its commitments, Iran will respond with necessary measures." So things remain very fluid, and could implode at any moment. * * * Since the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding was signed days ago it's increasingly obvious there's been a widening split between Washington and it's closest Middle East ally Israel over the terms of the deal. The political interests between the Trump administration and Israel, which have been typically lock-step, have increasingly diverged on the question of the Iran peace and terms of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Ground zero for this divergence has remained south Lebanon, where the overnight the death toll from fighting - and especially from Israeli air raids - have risen. Lebanon's civil defense agency has announced that Israeli attacks on the southern Nabatieh district have killed 16 people and wounded 12 others. The significant death toll comes a mere day after the latest Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire was announced. Still, Al Jazeera is on Saturday confirming that "the wheels of diplomacy" appear to be "back in motion" after the delay to the technical talks from Friday. "Pakistan and Qatar – mediators – are holding a series of meetings in Switzerland, Iran and Egypt and according to Al Jazeera’s team on the ground," the publication writes. Top American negotiators are reportedly on the way to Europe. via Reuters Iran too is optimistic, while calling out certain Israeli hardliner politicians for seeking to sabotage peace. State media is hitting this theme hard, and naturally Tehran is going to seek to drive a deep and permanent wedge between the Trump and Netanyahu administrations. Iran's deputy foreign minister has said the Islamic Republic is "ready to move forward" on diplomacy with Washington, and the big elephant in the room is that "the United States must ensure Israel abides by the terms of the deal to end the war" - according to Al Jazeera. As a reminder, President Trump appears in the mood to play nice with Iran while bringing the (very rare) pressure on Netanyahu. However, Trump himself is facing immense rising pressure from outraged pro-US hawks at home: Donald Trump told NBC News in a phone interview that he spoke with Israel on Friday and asked them to agree to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. “‘You just gotta calm down sometimes and use your head,’” Trump was quoted as telling Israel. Trump declined to specify whether he spoke with Benjamin Netanyahu directly. A senior US official earlier confirmed the ceasefire to Reuters, though Israeli attacks continue across Lebanon. One of the key elements of the MoU the hawks vehemently object to is the creation of a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran. But in terms of the main aspect which could derail ongoing negotiations altogether is that the US committed that it and its allies (read: Israel and the Lebanese government) will initiate the "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon." This is a major concession by the US to the Iranian side. ❗️FOUR IDF soldiers killed after Hezbollah struck IDF tank in southern Lebanon Including 52nd Battalion Commander who assumed command only days earlier after his predecessor was seriously wounded Hours later, five more wounded, including SERIOUSLY, in drone strike in same area pic.twitter.com/RQBjyKoxme — RT (@RT_com) June 19, 2026 But Israel has much more than these things to complain about, as it continues to lose troops in recent Hezbollah attacks: Israel immediately responded to that agreement by pounding Lebanon, killing at least 47 people on Friday, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Four Israeli soldiers were also killed overnight [Friday] by the armed Lebanese group, Hezbollah, prompting Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to say that “all of Lebanon must burn”. Vice President JD Vance's own recent remarks putting these Israeli officials in their place has been unprecedented spectacle to behold. The "special relationship" remains tenuous, at least in terms of weighing the current heated rhetoric and atmosphere. But again, Israel can point to Hezbollah aggression, with Times of Israel (TOI) reporting the latest figures as follows: The Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon in response to overnight projectile launches at troops in south Lebanon by the Iran-backed terror group, despite a ceasefire announced a day earlier. ⚡️Consequences of an Israeli airstrike (3 bombs) on a building complex in Southern Lebanon Multiple casualties. pic.twitter.com/CF4riEgu3E — War Monitor (@WarMonitors) June 20, 2026 "Overnight, the Hezbollah terrorist organization launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Following the attacks, the IDF has been striking Hezbollah terrorist targets in southern Lebanon," an Israeli military official said was cited in TOI as saying. Meanwhile, CNN also confirms that diplomacy is in "motion", writing: "US envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Switzerland for technical talks with Iran, a US official said, with President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner also expected to join. Meanwhile, mediator Pakistan’s interior minister has arrived in Iran for talks with senior Iranian officials as part of efforts to encourage them to Switzerland." Tyler Durden Sat, 06/20/2026 - 10:00
Iran declares Strait of Hormuz 'closed' over MOU 'breach'
Iran’s military has declared the Strait of Hormuz “closed,” citing air strikes in Lebanon as "America's blatant breach" of the Memorandum of Understanding to end the war, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported—even as politicians on both sides insisted the key shipping lane was open. "The Strait of Hormuz will be closed to vessel traffic," a message attributed to the Iranian military's operation command and posted on Tasnim's Telegram account said about 9:10 a.m. ET The claim directly contradicts comments made just hours earlier by Iran’s foreign ministry, which told Tasnim that shipping through the strait was “operating normally” and denied any closure. U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News in a live interview about 9:30 a.m that “the straits really are open,” pointing to ongoing efforts to keep shipping lanes clear. Tasnim is a semi‑official Iranian news agency associated with the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, meaning its reporting often reflects military or hardline positions rather than unified government policy. The conflicting signals add fresh uncertainty to the status of one of the world’s most important oil chokepoints, through which roughly one‑fifth of global energy supplies pass under normal conditions. This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
Iran shuts the doors to Strait of Hormuz; alleges US, Israeli violations of ceasefire MOU
Listen to this article in summarized format According to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency, the country's top joint military command said the strategic waterway was being shut in response to Washington's "clear breach of its commitments" under the first clause of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) that ended the Middle East war, as well as Israel's continuing military operations in southern Lebanon. You may follow our live coverage of the West Asia war here The command described the closure as the "first step" and warned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned." The decision marks a dramatic reversal after ships had resumed transiting the Strait of Hormuz following the signing of the interim US-Iran agreement earlier this week. Iran had previously closed the passage during the war, disrupting one of the world's most important routes for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Washington sees no blockade, bets on diplomacyDespite Tehran's announcement, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington had seen no evidence that Iran had actually shut the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to Fox News, Vance said talks with Tehran were progressing well and expressed confidence that the ceasefire could be maintained. He said negotiations with Iran could take place as early as Sunday and that the United States intended to "give Iran negotiations a chance." Vance also said US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were on the ground for talks related to Iran and added that he expected to travel to Switzerland in the coming days. Lebanon flare-up threatens fragile truceTehran directly linked the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to developments in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes in southern parts of the country killed at least 16 people, including two children, on Saturday. Seven others were reported trapped under the rubble after strikes in and around the town of Nabatiyeh. The latest violence followed a heavy exchange of fire on Friday that reportedly killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. The Israeli military said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting strikes on dozens of Hezbollah targets, including rocket-launching positions and command centres. Hezbollah, meanwhile, said it remained committed to the ceasefire but accused Israel of violating the agreement multiple times and said it would repel any attacks by Israeli troops. Also read: Congress wonders as the Iran war draws to a close: Was it worth it? Neither Israel nor Hezbollah is a signatory to the US-Iran deal, although the agreement calls for military operations in Lebanon to cease and for the country's sovereignty to be respected. The continued fighting has raised questions over the viability of the accord and threatened to derail the next phase of diplomacy. Tehran heads to Switzerland, seeks guaranteesEven as it accused Washington of failing to honour the agreement, Tehran indicated that diplomacy had not collapsed. Iran's Fars news agency, citing Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, said an Iranian delegation would travel to Switzerland to follow up on the implementation of the MoU and demand fulfilment of the other party's commitments. The announcement marks a shift from earlier indications that Iran could suspend its participation in the talks because of the continued fighting in Lebanon. Switzerland has confirmed that confidential discussions between the United States and Iran remain underway and that it continues to provide a neutral setting for implementing the agreement. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global seaborne crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The interim US-Iran accord gives negotiators 60 days to work towards a final deal on Iran's nuclear programme and envisages sanctions relief, the unfreezing of Iranian assets and broader economic normalisation. But with fighting continuing in Lebanon and Tehran once again threatening maritime traffic through Hormuz, the agreement is facing its first major test only days after it was signed. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Trump’s new Iran deal faces nuclear blind spot over uranium stockpile, experts warn
President Donald Trump’s new Iran framework is drawing warnings from nuclear experts who say the deal could leave Tehran too much control over its uranium stockpile unless inspectors first locate, secure and verify the material. The concern centers on language in the reported U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) saying the two sides will resolve the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile through a still-to-be-negotiated process. The MOU identifies on-site "downblending," which means diluting enriched uranium so it is less usable for a nuclear weapon, under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision as the minimum acceptable method for dealing with the material. The MOU does not explicitly say Iran will retain a civilian nuclear program, but it says the two sides will discuss enrichment and other matters related to Iran’s "nuclear needs" in a final deal. "Unfettered verification is everything," Chuck DeVore, Chief National Initiatives Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, told Fox News Digital. "There can be no denial for teams to inspect on the ground. Remote, technological means can achieve a lot, but nothing beats in-person inspections." TRUMP NUCLEAR TALKS FACE DEFINING QUESTION: WHAT HAPPENS TO IRAN’S URANIUM STOCKPILE? The warnings from experts come as the MOU has already been signed, while planned follow-up talks in Switzerland aimed at launching technical negotiations were postponed Friday. The delay leaves key nuclear details unresolved as the agreement begins a 60-day window for negotiating a final deal. IAEA supervision would only be meaningful if inspectors first regain enough access to fully account for Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and ensure Tehran does not retain unchecked control of the material, nuclear experts who spoke with Fox News Digital warned. Meanwhile, a recent IAEA report released this month underscored the agency’s limited visibility into Iran’s declared nuclear program after last year’s military strikes, saying that aside from a single inspection at an Iranian nuclear power plant, the agency "has not received information from Iran" about the status of its other declared nuclear facilities or associated nuclear material. "Nor has the Agency had access" to those sites for in-field verification, the report noted. A senior administration official told Fox News Digital on background that the MOU required Iran’s regime to reaffirm that it will not procure or develop nuclear weapons, calling that a critical first step under Iran’s new Supreme Leader. The official said the U.S. has reached understandings with Iran when it comes to its uranium stockpile, and the new deal is the first step of turning these understandings into real results, which include progress on enriched uranium stockpiles, dismantlement of nuclear sites, an enrichment ban and inspection access. The official added that the U.S. has already had productive discussions with Iran on those issues and, now that the MOU is formally in place, negotiators will work to make quick progress. US-IRAN TALKS POSTPONED IN SWITZERLAND AMID ISRAEL-HEZBOLLAH TENSIONS; HORMUZ REMAINS A KEY ISSUE The official also referred Fox News Digital to comments Vice President JD Vance made Thursday, when he said the deal’s benefits depend on Iran following through on its promises. "They have promised not to enrich. They have promised that they would allow inspectors in to destroy that highly enriched stockpile. And then, of course, it's not usable anymore. You take it somewhere else," Vance said. "They promised a number of things, and that's why the deal contemplates a number of benefits if they do those things. But it doesn't do anything if they don't actually meet those promises." Andrea Stricker, deputy director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies’ Nonproliferation Program, told Fox News Digital that any credible agreement must begin with recovering and safeguarding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, and not allowing Tehran to keep control of the material while it is diluted inside the country. "Without verifiably dismantling and destroying all of Iran's fundamental nuclear capabilities — nuclear material, facilities, centrifuges, manufacturing capabilities, equipment, documentation, and weaponization capacities, and ensuring scientists are redirected to civilian work — Iran's pledge on paper is meaningless," she told Fox News Digital, noting that Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile could, if recovered and further enriched, provide enough weapons-grade material for roughly 22 nuclear weapons. HOW DOES TRUMP SOLVE KEY 'NUCLEAR DUST' HANG-UP IN NEGOTIATIONS TO END IRAN WAR? DeVore was more cautious about assigning a single number to Iran’s potential weapons capacity, saying the estimate depends heavily on the sophistication of the weapon design. He said the same stockpile could translate into fewer basic weapons or be stretched further by a more advanced nuclear program. He said on-site downblending, if properly verified, would be aimed at making Iran’s roughly 1,000 pounds of 60% enriched uranium unavailable for further enrichment. DeVore cautioned that the material would still need additional processing to be turned into weapons-grade uranium and said he does not believe Tehran can currently do that because key facilities were destroyed in last year’s strikes. Asked what would be needed to make any Iran deal enforceable, DeVore told Fox News Digital the U.S. must avoid repeating what he described as a key weakness of the Obama-era nuclear deal: allowing Tehran to restrict access or keep certain sites off limits. He said the "ultimate question" is on-site verification, warning that Washington cannot allow itself to be pushed into "an agreement for agreement’s sake." TOP SENATE REPUBLICAN RIPS INTO TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL, SAYS $300B MAKES OBAMA DEAL LOOK LIKE 'A PITTANCE' DeVore also said the Obama-era JCPOA gave inspectors too much notice and too little freedom to inspect suspicious locations as well, arguing that any new deal must avoid a system where Iran can delay, limit or steer inspections before the IAEA gets on the ground. DeVore told Fox News Digital that his concern is informed by his experience as a young special assistant for foreign affairs in the Reagan administration, when he worked on verification issues surrounding Cold War-era nuclear agreements with the Soviet Union, including the Peaceful Nuclear Explosions Treaty and the Threshold Test Ban Treaty. In those negotiations, DeVore said, the danger was that the minimum level of verification sought by defense and intelligence officials could become the starting point for diplomats, meaning the final deal could end up below what experts believed was necessary. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP "Once you say, ‘This is the minimum we need,’ then that becomes the starting point, so anything agreed to is less than that," DeVore said. "That’s what I fear." Fox News Digital reached out to the IAEA asking whether the agency can currently account for Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and whether it has any comment on the verification questions raised by the reported framework.
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as the US-Iran deal is under threat
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East. Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said. Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers. An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting the military to start targeting the militant group there. The official spoke anonymously in line with regulations. On Friday, Israeli ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said on X that Israel “remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire” if Hezbollah honors the agreement and ceases hostilities. In public statements, Hezbollah has said it will abide by a ceasefire if Israel does, but has not said a ceasefire was actually in place. A Hezbollah official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly, said Friday after reports of a ceasefire deal emerged that efforts were underway by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran to broker an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire but stopped short of confirming a deal had been reached. A conflict that could sink the US-Iran dea l Hezbollah and Israel went to war just days after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, with Hezbollah firing rockets and drones at civilian communities in northern Israel and Israel seizing large swaths of southern Lebanon. The interim U.S.-Iran agreement signed this week has already reopened the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had closed as the war unfolded — cutting off the global economy from significant supplies of oil and natural gas. The deal also envisages the relaunch of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, a core issue in the war. Neither Israel nor Hezbollah are signatories to the deal, which calls for a halt to military operations in Lebanon and for the country's sovereignty to be respected. With the fighting continuing, the accord is under threat and U.S.-Iran talks in Switzerland, planned to start Friday, have been delayed, with no new date announced. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to keep Israeli forces in southern Lebanon until any threat to Israel is eliminated. Hezbollah has refused to halt its attacks unless Israel commits to withdrawing from Lebanon, which Iran says is also a condition of the deal. The fighting in the south, near the Israel-Lebanon border Plumes of smoke rose into the sky over southern Lebanon Saturday and Israeli jets flew low over the coastal city of Tyre. A strike on the village of Barish killed four members of a family, parents and two children. In Arab Salim village, a body was pulled from a destroyed house, and in the villages of Doueir and Kfar Rumman, drone strikes killed a person on a motorcycle and a Lebanese soldier. Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment on the ceasefire efforts. On Friday, Netanyahu posted on X that, on his orders, the Israeli army had “struck powerfully” 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the Israeli forces were operating in a “forward defense zone” and would continue doing so. Iranian and US officials cancel travel to Switzerland Iranian officials did not travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place. U.S. Vice President JD Vance also postponed his trip. On Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told the semi-official ISNA news agency that Pakistan's interior minister will arrive in Iran as part of continued negotiation efforts. Baghaei had said earlier that consultations through mediators were ongoing regarding the next phase of negotiations to draft a final U.S.-Iran agreement. Because the initial deal was signed digitally earlier this week, the talks in Switzerland were not urgent, and plans were underway to hold a meeting in the coming days, he said. Much still needs to be resolved The talks in Switzerland were expected to focus on Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran maintains it's for peaceful purposes only, though it has a large stockpile of uranium enriched to higher levels that are a step short of weapons' grade. That uranium could be used to build multiple atomic bombs, should Tehran choose to do so, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, the U.N. nuclear watchdog. Those talks are expected to be difficult. The 2015 nuclear deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump scrapped during his first term, took more than 18 months to negotiate. The interim deal gives negotiators 60 days to come up with a nuclear agreement, but that can be extended. It outlines lucrative incentives if Iran does reach a new agreement, including the eventual lifting of all international sanctions and a $300 billion fund for postwar reconstruction. Iran has already won some concessions. Following the signing of the interim deal, the U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and is allowing it to sell its oil freely. The deal also calls for Iran’s assets to be unfrozen — though it’s not clear how quickly. ___ Mroue reported from Beirut. Associated Press writers Abby Sewell in Beirut and Samy Magdy in Cairo contributed to this report.
Several reported killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire
Several reported killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon despite ceasefire Several people have reportedly been killed by Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, less than 24 hours after a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. The Lebanese state news agency said at least 11 people have been killed after Israeli warplanes, drones, and artillery targeted more than a dozen areas, many around the city of Nabatieh. The Israeli military said it struck "Hezbollah terrorist targets" after the group fired over 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Washington has criticised Israel's ongoing operations in Lebanon, which was drawn into the US-Iran war when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel in March, in retaliation for a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader. Washington also fears that continued tensions between Israel and Lebanon could undermine the US peace deal with Iran, which includes a commitment to end fighting on "all fronts" including Lebanon. Tehran has insisted that Lebanon must be part of any broader agreement to end the conflict. US envoy, Steve Witkoff, is reported to be heading to Switzerland for initial talks with Iran to help cement the agreement. On Saturday morning, footage and photos from southern Lebanon showed several large grey clouds of smoke billowing into the sky, purportedly after Israeli strikes. Senior Hezbollah official Hassan Fadlallah said his group had the right to respond to Israeli attacks. "What concerns us is that the enemy fully and comprehensively respects the ceasefire, and doesn't attempt to attack our country and villages or seek to occupy any new position," he said, as quoted in Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA). Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been under domestic pressure to continue military action against Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Shia Muslim political and military group in Lebanon. Hezbollah has said that if Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon persists, it will continue its attacks. Earlier this week, the White House criticised the Israeli government's military operation in Lebanon, saying it risks scuppering the peace deal. But speaking near Washington as he unveiled a new Air Force One jet, President Donald Trump praised Netanyahu, calling him a "warrior". When Hezbollah launched its rockets and drones into Israel in early March, drawing Lebanon into the Iran conflict, Israel responded by launching a bombing campaign across Lebanon. It is occupying around 5% of the country's territory in the south, with the aim of driving back Hezbollah fighters from its northern border. Around a million people remain displaced, while dozens of communities in the south have been completely destroyed.
Is the worst over on oil prices?
Consumers are beginning to breathe a sigh of relief as oil prices fall after a shaky peace deal was agreed in the Middle East. But the hangover from the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue long after shipping fully resumes. Consumers in Ireland and elsewhere will be paying more for food, natural gas and electricity due to the havoc of the last four months. At the beginning of this year, oil prices were $60 per barrel, but with the outbreak of the war, they doubled to $118 on 31 March. Since mid-May, repeated promises of a breakthrough from US President Donald Trump have seen oil prices fall. Now that a resolution of sorts has been announced, oil is around $80 per barrel. The fall, if the peace deal holds, will result in lower prices for petrol and diesel at the pumps - but not immediately. Fuels for Ireland, the lobby group which represents forecourt retailers, says there has been damage to energy infrastructure, with up to 5% of refineries impacted. The other issue is that even when the Strait of Hormuz fully reopens, which may take time, it takes about 50 days for tankers to reach Europe. In late March, the Government cut the excise on petrol by 15 cent per litre, on diesel by 20 cent per litre, and by three cent on marked agricultural diesel. Those reductions will expire at the end of July unless it decides to extend them. When asked about the situation this week, Tánaiste and Minister for Finance Simon Harris said the Government would consider the issue in the next two weeks. But he referred to the damage to energy infrastructure, which suggests he may be open to rolling over the excise cuts. Economically, if oil prices continue to fall, it will be difficult to justify rolling over those reductions. But elsewhere across the economy, the impact of the energy crisis has yet to play out fully. Flogas, Electric Ireland, Pre-Pay Power and Yuno Energy have all announced increases of between 8% and 10.9% for electricity and 7.7% and 11.8% for natural gas. That will be a significant burden for thousands of households around the country when consumption rises in the autumn. And when the Dáil returns from its summer break in September, we can expect the Opposition to put massive pressure on the Government to introduce further supports for consumers in this October's Budget. A significant issue is whether the coalition of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents will reintroduce electricity credits. These payments have been enormously expensive for taxpayers in recent years. For example, the credit of €250 paid across late 2024 and early 2025 cost the State €550m. They benefit the wealthy as well as vulnerable households because they are paid to all 2.2 million electricity accounts. The owner of a house and holiday home gets twice as much as somebody owning or renting one property. The Central Bank and Economic & Social Research Institute both argue that the coalition should target supports through the social welfare system to reach those who are less well-off. However, politically, this may not work for TDs who wish to help the "squeezed middle" not covered by the social welfare system but struggling with deteriorating household incomes. The problem with electricity credits is that once introduced, they can prove very sticky and any minister who removes them can expect to be excoriated in the Dáil. In April, the Government paused a scheduled rise in Carbon Tax until October. Reintroducing that in the autumn will be controversial too because it will put up the price of fossil fuels at exactly the wrong time. In tandem with rising energy costs, we can expect the recent increase in food costs to continue. Many crops grown using higher-priced fertiliser products have yet to be harvested and reach the shelves. This week, the Central Bank warned that elevated inflation is eating into household incomes. Wages have been rising by about 4% per annum, but when the higher cost of living is taken into account, this year pay will only rise by 0.5% in real terms. The bank has increased its forecast for inflation, which it expects to be 3.5% this year and 2.9% in 2027. However, it warns that, in a severe scenario, where oil soars to €120 per barrel, inflation could reach 5%. If that happened, wages would fall in real terms. But there is a broader lesson from this year's price shock. Despite years of trying to move away from fossil fuels, which originate largely in some of the most politically unstable parts of the world, the fate of Ireland and other countries remains inextricably linked to oil. It affects transport, distribution, food, heat, electricity, manufacturing, gas ... the list goes on. Even before climate change considerations are taken into account, the further Ireland and other countries can move away from oil, the better it will be for consumers.
Crude comeback: 20 million barrels leave Iran port after peace breakthrough
After months of disruption, oil exports from Iran finally picked up after Tehran and Washington reached a peace deal. According to shipping data cited by Bloomberg a wave of 11 tankers carrying 20 million barrels of crude left the Gulf of Oman port. The vessels had previously been unable to sail into the Indian Ocean due to a US military blockade aimed at limiting Iran’s access to oil revenues. Most of the country's oil exports are shipped to China. The rise in exports has come alongside Iran’s continued efforts to regulate maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Gulf State Authority, which oversees transit operations, has published guidance requiring vessels to follow designated routes and setting out how tolls could be imposed on ships passing through the waterway. Chabahar has emerged as the most visible outlet for increased energy shipments since the memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday. The port, located near Iran’s border with Pakistan and outside the Persian Gulf, has seen the clearest evidence of additional oil flows despite expectations that the agreement would ease the movement of oil and gas across the wider region. However, uncertainty remains over the longer-term outlook. Negotiations on a permanent peace agreement between the United States and Iran, scheduled to begin in Switzerland on Friday, have been delayed. The postponement came after overnight clashes involving Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. It remains unclear whether the delay will have any effect on shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman. Traffic through the region appeared lighter on Friday morning. No non-Iranian tankers were observed heading out of the Persian Gulf, compared with Thursday when vessels carrying nearly 10 million barrels were either transiting or had already exited the Strait of Hormuz. The supertanker Tenzan, carrying a full cargo, was later spotted in the Gulf of Oman after apparently crossing the strait overnight. Additional cargo movements may become apparent in the days ahead. Ships have increasingly been travelling through Hormuz with their transponders switched off, often following routes close to Oman’s coastline.
What pushed the number of displaced people down?
Skip links Skip to Content play Live Sign up Show navigation menu Navigation menu News Show more news sections Africa Asia US & Canada Latin America Europe Asia Pacific World Cup Middle East Explained Opinion Video More Show more sections Features Economy Sport Human Rights Climate Crisis Investigations Interactives In Pictures Science & Technology Podcasts Travel Sponsored Content play Live Click here to search search Sign up Navigation menu caret-left Trending US-Israel war on Iran World Cup 2026 Tracking Israel's ceasefire violations Russia-Ukraine war Donald Trump caret-right Toggle Play What pushed the number of displaced people down? By the Numbers What pushed the number of displaced people down? Published On 20 Jun 2026 20 Jun 2026 Save Click here to share on social media share-nodes Share facebook x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info
China: Iran exports 18 mln barrels of crude oil over past 5 days: TankerTrackers. | Flipboard
China: Iran exports 18 mln barrels of crude oil over past 5 days: TankerTrackers. Iran exported nearly 18 million barrels of crude oil, valued at roughly 1.44 billion U.S. dollars, over the past five days, maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers said in a post on social media platform X on Friday. The surge in shipments came as Iran and the United States finalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which was announced finalized on Monday and signed on Thursday, aimed at ending their conflict. Iran said on Friday that multiple Iranian oil tankers had transited through the Gulf of Oman and entered international waters over the past 24 hours, with more tankers expected to set sail in the coming days. According to the Iran-U.S. MoU published on Wednesday, the United States would immediately begin lifting its naval blockade on Iran. In return, Iran would make every effort to ensure the safe and toll-free transit of merchant vessels between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for an initial 60-day window. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that it has officially lifted its naval blockade on all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. Also on Thursday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced that it will waive all transit fees for commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days. On Feb. 28, Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran responded with waves of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. bases and assets in the region, and tightened its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States. The United States imposed its blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, preventing ships traveling to and from Iranian ports from transiting the waterway, after post-ceasefire negotiations with Iran in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on April 11 and 12 failed to lead to an agreement. Shotlist: Beijing, China - June 20, 2026: 1. Screenshot of TankerTrackers' post on X; FILE: Kharg Island, Iran - March 10, 2016 2. Various of petroleum production plants by coast; 3. Various of oil transport platform at dock; Khasab, Oman - June 18, 2026 4. Various of vessels in Strait of Hormuz; FILE: Tehran, Iran - Date Unknown 5. National flag of Iran, city view; Tehran, Iran - June 6, 2026 6. Various of Iranian national flags, traffic; FILE: Washington D.C., USA - March 2026 7. White House, U.S. national flag; FILE: Washington D.C., USA - Date Unknown 8. … More stories from StringersHub Join the flipboard community Discover, collect, and share stories for all your interestsSign up More stories from China The Mystery of China’s Oil Demand Drop Is No Mystery It’s the biggest conundrum in the world economy right now: How has China managed to go on an oil detox? As my colleague Javier Blas has written, its sharply declining appetite for petroleum is probably the single biggest factor that has kept the crude market balanced since the Strait of Hormuz … How China’s Navy Is Tightening the Noose on Taiwan Late last month, Chinese navy ships, including large guided-missile destroyers, were positioned all around Taiwan. The map below shows their approximate positions, which were shared with The Wall Street Journal by security officials in the region. This wasn’t a military drill intended to show force. … Chinese Satellite Engine Costs Plummet, Boosting Commercial Space Sector China's commercial space industry is achieving new milestones as domestically developed satellite propulsion systems see dramatic cost reductions, …