Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Iran had requested a meeting in Qatar, adding that the talks would take place in Doha tomorrow.

Earlier, a source familiar with the US-Iran talks told Reuters that technical teams from both countries were expected to meet in Doha in the coming days to discuss implementation of their recent memorandum of understanding. According to the source, the teams will focus on mechanisms for carrying out the agreement, while mediators have established dedicated communication channels to manage potential incidents and prevent escalation between the two sides.

Separately, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said $6 billion in Iranian funds frozen in Qatar would be released, part of a total $12 billion expected to be unfrozen under the agreement.

The United States and Iran have agreed to pause mutual strikes to ease rising tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, ahead of the planned talks.

Read more: Iraq stands to gain most from US-Iran deal, analysts warn of fragile foundations

Shafaq News- Washington

The United States and Iran have agreed to pause mutual strikes and arepreparing for new talks in Doha next week to ease rising tensions over theStrait of Hormuz, Axios reported on Sunday.

Citing US officials, the outlet noted that a direct hotline between theUS military and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has not yetbeen activated, even as efforts continue to establish emergency communicationchannels under the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Meanwhile, conflicting accounts have emerged over the status of thediplomatic track in Switzerland. Iranian state television, citing an unnamedofficial, relayed that Tehran will not take part in technical talks scheduledfor next week, pointing to “recent attacks and unmet conditions” as key factorsshaping its position. The Wall Street Journal similarly reported that thelatest round of hostilities between the two sides contributed to a pause inengagement.

The New York Times, however, underlined that the planned talks have not beencancelled, arguing that indirect communication remains active throughestablished channels.

The US and Iran exchanged blows on Sunday, extending fighting aroundHormuz into a third day. Washington previously accused Tehran of carrying outdrone attacks on an oil tanker near the maritime gateway, while strikingseveral sites inside Iran. The IRGC rejected the allegations and launchedattacks on several US military positions in Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation.

Read more: Iraq stands to gain most from US-Iran deal, analysts warn of fragile foundations

Shafaq News- Washington

US-Iran talks scheduled for next week in Switzerland were suspended, TheWall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing the latest round of hostilitiesbetween the two sides as the main reason for the halt.

Citing sources familiar with the matter, the newspaper noted thattechnical meetings had been planned to discuss mechanisms for implementing therecently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), covering Tehran’s nuclearprogram, sanctions relief, and arrangements for the release of frozen Iranianassets.

The two sides, however, have exchanged conflicting statements on severalissues, including the use of released Iranian funds, the return ofInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors, and maritime security inthe Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump described Iran as making “very largeconcessions,” claiming that Tehran is “agreeing to everything I want.” Iranianofficials dismissed Trump’s assertions, particularly those concerning howunfrozen funds would be used for purchases of American goods.

Neither Washington nor Tehran has offered an explanation for thesuspension of the talks or indicated when they might resume, leaving thediplomatic track uncertain.

The US and Iran exchanged blows on Sunday, extending fighting aroundHormuz into a third day. Washington previously accused Tehran of carrying outdrone attacks on an oil tanker near the maritime gateway, while strikingseveral sites inside Iran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) deniedthe allegations and launched attacks on several US military positions in Kuwaitand Bahrain in retaliation.

Read more: Iraq stands to gain most from US-Iran deal, analysts warn of fragile foundations

Shafaq News- Paris

France recorded around 1,000 excess deaths during the peakof last week's record-breaking heatwave, while extreme temperatures fueledwildfires, disrupted transport, and strained emergency services across Europe.

According to France's national public health agency, dailyfatalities rose from the usual 900–1,000 to more than 1,200 on June 24 andexceeded 1,400 on both June 25 and 26. The highest increase was recorded inareas under the country's highest heatwave alert, with people aged 65 and olderaccounting for 85% of the deaths.

A rapid study published on Friday by the World WeatherAttribution research group concluded that last week's unprecedented heat andhumidity in Europe would not have been possible without climate change. Itfound the event would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago and is now200 times more likely than it was two decades ago, media outlets reported.

The heatwave gave way to severe thunderstorms across Europe,triggering lightning strikes, wildfires, transport disruptions. Several peoplewere injured in Sweden after lightning struck an amusement park, while Germanybattled forest fires, heat-related illnesses, and major disruptions to rail andpublic transport. Greece warned of a "very high" wildfire risk infive regions, and Denmark recorded more than 1,100 lightning strikes after settingnew temperature records.

Shafaq News- Washington/ Beirut

US President Donald Trump congratulated Lebanese PresidentJoseph Aoun on the signing of the framework agreement between Lebanon andIsrael under Washington's sponsorship.

According to the Lebanese Presidency, Trump said during a phonecall with Aoun that the United States would work to provide what is needed toimplement the agreement and help restore security and stability in Lebanon. Headded that Washington would support Lebanon's economy and its legitimatesecurity forces so the country can restore its role in the region and theworld.

The US president also pointed out that he expects to meetAoun soon in Washington.

Aoun, for his part, thanked Trump for his support, notingthe Lebanese government would assume its responsibilities in implementing theframework deal. He also voiced hope that the United States will ensure allagreed commitments are met, particularly by pressing Israel to withdraw fromthe territory it occupies in southern Lebanon to allow the Lebanese army todeploy up to the international border.

Signed in Washington on June 26, the agreement outlines aphased Israeli withdrawal linked to the Lebanese army's deployment across thesouth and the disarmament of non-state armed groups. While Aoun and PrimeMinister Nawaf Salam have backed the deal, Hezbollah andseveral other political parties have rejected it, saying it favors Israel anddoes not guarantee a full Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory.

Read more: South Lebanon framework: What we know so far

Shafaq News- Sirik

The US military struckIranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz region on Sunday in response to anIranian attack on a Panama-flagged oil tanker, according to Central Command(CENTCOM), confirming that the attacks hit Iranian missile and drone storagesites and coastal radar installations.

https://t.co/9JgYDCZXuB

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 27, 2026

The semi-official Farsnews agency reported that residents along the coast of the Tahrouyi area ofSirik heard several blasts, with residents on nearby Qeshm Island reporting thesame. A military source cited by the state broadcaster IRIB attributed the soundsto several projectiles striking a telecommunications tower in the Tahrouyivillage area.

On Friday, CENTCOMalso carried out strikes against Iranian military sites in response to a droneattack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The raidstargeted Iranian missile and drone storage facilities, as well as coastal radarsites. Iran'sIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it responded by targeting “USmilitary sites in the region” without identifying their locations, as part of“Iran's right to self-defense and response to US attacks.”

Shafaq News- Washington (Updated at 1:01)

US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday that it hadcarried out strikes against Iranian military sites in response to a droneattack on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

The raids targeted Iranian missile and drone storagefacilities, as well as coastal radar sites.

CENTCOM also described Iran’s attack on June 26 as anunprovoked act of aggression against commercial shipping, noting that forcescontinue to coordinate and support the safe passage of commercial vesselsthrough the Strait of Hormuz and remain deployed to ensure full compliance withand enforcement of the agreement with Iran.

https://t.co/W4zjNqnmCt

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 26, 2026

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) denied statements circulating on social media claiming its forces had repelled a US attack on Sirik Island and threatened retaliation, adding that "all official announcements and statements are published exclusively through Sepah News and the force's official media outlets."

Earlier today, US President Donald Trump said on Truth Social that Iran had launched at least four one-way attack drones at ships transiting the Strait, calling the incident a "stupid violation" of the ceasefire agreement. Later, when asked by reporters whether Iran would face consequences, Trump replied, "They'll find out."

Shafaq News- Washington/ Beirut

The Lebanon-Israel framework signed with US mediation establishes a structured process to restore Lebanese sovereignty, disarm Hezbollah, dismantle its military infrastructure, and allow Israel to return to its borders once the threat is removed, the US State Department said on Friday.

The trilateral framework also creates a US-facilitated Military Coordination Group for Lebanon (MCG4L) to oversee implementation between the two sides and pledges $100 million in humanitarian assistance in coordination with the United Nations, along with more than $30 million in prepared reimbursements for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to “strengthen state authority across Lebanese territory.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio had announced the agreement earlier on Friday after Washington talks, calling it “the beginning of the beginning” and warning that “a long road” remains ahead. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would allow the Lebanese army to assume control of two pilot areas in southern Lebanon while maintaining its presence in the security belt until Hezbollah is disarmed.

Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah rejected the framework, saying the group would oppose implementation and “hold more firmly to [its] weapons.”

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran denied on Friday the establishment of directcommunication channel with the United Stated to prevent incidents in the Straitof Hormuz from escalating into military confrontation.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Aerospace Force notedthat official statements and positions are released only through the force'sofficial platforms, accusing "enemy fake news" outlets of publishing “fabricatedcontent aimed at undermining Iran's national unity.”

US President Donald Trump accused Iran of violating theceasefire agreement by launching attack drones at commercial vessels transitingthe Strait of Hormuz, including a cargo ship reportedly struck off the coast ofOman on Thursday.

Citing sources, Iranian Press TV reported earlier today thatTehran and Washington established a direct communication channel, which mediatorincluded in the final statement following the June 22 talks in Switzerland toimplement Article 5 of the memorandum of understanding signed in Islamabad.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that"safe passage through Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguousarrangements, parallel routes, or decision-making mechanisms that disregardIran's role as a littoral state."

عبور ایمن در تنگه هرمز با ترتیبات مبهم، مسیرهای موازی یا تصمیم‌سازی خارج از ملاحظات ایران، به عنوان دولت‌ ساحلی، تضمین نمی‌شود. هر چارچوب معتبر باید بر هماهنگی با ایران و مفاد بند پنج یادداشت تفاهم اسلام آباد استوار باشد. در غیر این‌صورت، نتیجه، تعلیق مسیر تعیین شده موازی می شود.

— Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) June 26, 2026

Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets reportedthat the United States handed over 22 Iranian crew members from the oil tankerMT Lenore to Pakistani authorities after the vessel had been detained in theIndian Ocean. According to the reports, the crew members were transferred tothe Iranian consulate in Karachi.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran's Ministryof Foreign Affairs considered the joint statement issued by US Secretary ofState and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) foreign ministers, “interventionist,irresponsible, and provocative.”

The joint communiquein Manama called for Iran to address what “threats to regional security,” includingits ballistic missiles, drones, and support for regional proxy groups. It also stressedthat any future trade and investment with Tehran would remain conditional andreversible, tied to Iran's compliance with a recently signed memorandum ofunderstanding and the cessation of “destabilizing behavior.”

Read more: US, GCC back Baghdad's bid to disarm armed factions

In a statementon Friday, the ministry rejected “a repetition of a big lie fabricated byIsrael and the United States” regarding Iran's peaceful nuclear program, urgingGCC member states to pursue cooperation with Tehran on establishing anuclear-weapon-free zone in West Asia ”rather than echoing Washington's framingof the program as a threat.”

CharacterizingUS military presence in the region as "a burden on the peoples of theregion and a source of insecurity and division," the statement argued thatAmerican assurances of commitment to GCC security amount to propaganda.Washington's use of regional bases to conduct military aggression against Iranbetween February 28 and April 8, 2026, demonstrated, in its view, that theUnited States disregards the security of neighboring states.

On missiles anddrones, the ministry called it "irresponsible and fully condemnable"to portray Iran's defensive capabilities as threatening, particularly given aUS-driven arms race that has turned West Asia into "a massive weaponsdepot."

"TheIslamic Republic of Iran will not show any tolerance whatsoever in defendingits sovereignty and the capabilities related to it," the statement read.

Countries inthe region whose territory was used during the recent war with the UnitedStates and Israel, according to the statement, must reconsider their positions.

The ministryrejected the joint statement's characterization of Palestinian and Lebaneseresistance movements as Iranian proxies, stating that the only entity operatingby proxy in the region is Israel. Palestinian and Lebanese resistance againstoccupation and what it termed apartheid constitutes, in the ministry'sposition, fully legitimate struggle under international law, with all statesobligated to support the right to self-determination.

Shafaq News-Caracas

Venezuelanauthorities declared a state of emergency and designated the coastal state ofLa Guaira a disaster zone after two powerful earthquakes struck the country onJune 24 and killed more than 200 people.

The twoearthquakes, measuring magnitude 7.2 and 7.5, struck minutes apart, accordingto the US Geological Survey (USGS), are among the South American country'sworst disasters in more than a century. Authorities classified La Guaira, thehardest-hit area, as a disaster zone after dozens of buildings were destroyed.

A day after thetremors, emergency crews were racing to reach hundreds of people believedtrapped beneath collapsed buildings.

Health MinisterCarlos Alvarado said Friday that hospitals had received 235 people who diedbefore or upon arrival, and that more than 4,300 injured had been treated,including moderate and severe cases that required surgery.

In Caracas,residents formed long lines outside food stores and gas stations amid fears ofshortages and rising prices, according to local media.

AmnestyInternational warned of the potentially devastating effects of the disaster onVenezuela's population and urged the country's authorities and theinternational community to do everything possible to provide relief to thoseaffected.

La Guaira, anarrow coastal state bordering Caracas, is home to Venezuela's maininternational airport and seaport and serves as the principal gateway to thecapital.

Shafaq News- Tokyo

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) DirectorGeneral Rafael Grossi said on Friday that reducing Iran's stockpile of nuclearmaterial or transferring it abroad remains a viable option while Washington andTehran pursue a comprehensive agreement.

Speaking to reporters in Japan, Grossi expressed hopeof visiting Iran soon, confirming that a mechanism is in place to verify thecountry's nuclear program. He also urged that nuclear facilities not betargeted and said Iran's nuclear material appears to have remained in placesince the agency's last visit in 2025, calling on Tehran to demonstrate that itis not pursuing a nuclear weapon.

Iran's Foreign Ministry ruled out IAEA inspections ofnuclear facilities damaged during the recent war earlier this week, with spokespersonEsmaeil Baqaei noting no special arrangements had been made to examine theaffected sites. He maintained that Tehran remains committed to its obligationsunder the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.

US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, said IAEApersonnel would deploy “at the appropriate time” while reaffirming Washington'scommitment to reaching a final accord with Tehran.

The first round of US-Iran negotiations concluded onSunday at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock. Iran's delegation, led by ParliamentSpeaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, met a US team headed by Vice President JDVance, with Qatar and Pakistan acting as mediators. Vance called the talks “avery, very good day,” saying Tehran had agreed to admit international nuclearmonitors as a first step toward permanently denuclearizing the country.

Tehran, however, rejected that account, insisting thenegotiations did not cover nuclear issues and that no commitments oninternational monitoring were made.

Shafaq News- Paris

Italy and France agreed to form a coalition to supportLebanon after the mandate of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon(UNIFIL) expires at the end of this year, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloniannounced on Thursday.

Speaking at a joint press conference with French PresidentEmmanuel Macron, Meloni said that the two leaders discussed the possibility ofholding an international conference dedicated to supporting Lebanon during thepost-UNIFIL phase. She noted that Italy and France "can certainly make adifference," adding that an international presence is needed to prevent"a highly dangerous security vacuum."

Macron said Paris and Rome want to launch the coalition incoordination with the European Union and the United Nations, “to strengthenLebanon's sovereignty and armed forces and prevent the country's territory frombecoming a base for regional escalation.”

🔴 Dichiarazioni congiunte alla stampa con il Presidente Macron, in occasione del 36º Vertice intergovernativo Italia-Francia https://t.co/1hdVHu2PRH

— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) June 25, 2026

UNIFIL was first deployed in 1978 after Israel’s advanceinto southern Lebanon, and its mandate expanded in 2006 following the JulyIsrael–Hezbollah war. The peacekeeping mission includes troops from more than40 countries and conducts patrols along the Blue Line, a 120-kilometer boundaryset by the UN in 2000 following Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon.

Shafaq News- Tehran

Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament SpeakerMohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Thursday rejected US claims that Tehran had agreedto use unfrozen assets to purchase American agricultural products.

“The only crop we're harvesting is what you planted:decades of mistrust. It's organic, abundant, and homegrown,” Ghalibaf wrote,adding that the United States appears to export little beyond geneticallymodified “soybeans, broken promises, and empty words.”

America falsely claims our unfrozen assets will buy their agriculture. Interesting. The only crop we're harvesting is what you planted: decades of mistrust. It's organic, abundant, and homegrown. But apparently the US only exports GMO soybeans, broken promises and trash talks.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) June 25, 2026

US President Donald Trump had claimed the releasedIranian funds would be used exclusively to purchase American food and medicalequipment. However, Iran’s Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati rejectedthat assertion, saying the memoranda signed with Washington imposed no suchrequirement. Tehran, he said, could choose to use the initial $12 billion inreleased funds to buy US agricultural products if commodities such as corn andwheat were competitively priced and met the country's quality standards.

Shafaq News-Washington

Iran couldbegin invoicing its oil sales in US dollars under ongoing negotiations withWashington, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday.

In aninterview with CNBC, Bessent explained that the move would reinforce the dollar's role inthe global economy, stressing that “dollar dominance is essential…everything weare doing is pushing the dollar.” He attributed the currency's appeal to thedepth and liquidity of US capital markets and predicted that Russia couldreturn to the dollar system after the end of the war in Ukraine.

Bessent alsopointed to Venezuela, saying it “is going to be invoicing in dollars” afteryears of sanctions prevented transactions in the US currency and forceddiscounted oil sales to China. “The dollar is going to be the centerpiece oftheir trade,” he said.

His remarkscame days after the first round of US-Iran talks concluded in the Swiss resortof Bürgenstock, where US Vice President JD Vance led the American delegationand Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf headed Iran's team, with Qatarand Pakistan serving as mediators. Vance described the meeting as “a very, verygood day,” while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed the outcome, citingwaivers on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports and the release of some frozenassets abroad.

On Monday,the US Treasury issued a 60-day exemption allowing Iran to produce and sellcrude oil, petrochemical, and petroleum products in dollars through Aug. 21,while previously sanctioned vessels and entities were cleared for relatedtransactions.

Bessent alsonoted that the Treasury Department would oversee the release of Iranian funds underPresident Donald Trump's “interim agreement,” with the initial tranche expectedto be released from Qatar. Reiterating Trump's position, he said a large shareof the money would be used to purchase food and medicine, effectivelychanneling part of the funds back into US products.

Iranianofficials, however, rejected suggestions that Washington or its partners woulddictate how the assets are spent, maintaining that any agricultural purchaseswould depend on price and quality rather than US-imposed conditions.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Senate approved a resolution on Tuesday calling foran end to military hostilities with Iran unless Congress explicitly authorizesthe use of force.

The measure, previously approved by the House ofRepresentatives, passed the Senate in a 50-48 vote. It directs Trump towithdraw US forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress grantsauthorization for military action.

As a concurrent resolution, the measure does not require thepresident's signature and its legal effect remains disputed. However, itspassage places both chambers of Congress on record opposing continued militaryengagement with Iran without congressional approval.

The vote comes as the Trump administration seeks totransform a memorandum of understanding with Iran into a broader agreementcovering Tehran's nuclear program, sanctions relief, and navigation through theStrait of Hormuz.

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer pushed for the voteafter some Republican lawmakers expressed concerns about both the conflict andthe administration's efforts to settle with Iran.

Democrats argue that Trump exceeded his constitutionalauthority by launching military operations against Iran without congressionalapproval.

Under the 1973 War Powers Act, US presidents must obtaincongressional authorization within 60 days of introducing American forces intohostilities, although successive administrations have disputed aspects of thelaw's application.

The White House has maintained that efforts to limit thepresident's authority to conduct military operations against Iran areunconstitutional. It has also argued that the conflict effectively endedfollowing a ceasefire announced by Trump in April.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that inspectorsfrom the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be deployed on theground “at the appropriate time.”

The United States is working to reach a final agreement withIran, Trump reaffirmed, adding that Tehran is “wrong” regarding inspectionsconducted by the IAEA. “There is no need to rush sending nuclear inspectors toIran.”

Earlier on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokespersonEsmaeil Baqaei said Tehran had not held a meeting with IAEA Director GeneralRafael Grossi in Switzerland and does not plan to allow inspections of Iraniannuclear facilities that were recently damaged.

Director General of the IAEA Rafael Mariano Grossi stated thatthe agency's top priority is determining the location of Iran's stockpile ofhighly enriched uranium. Speaking to reporters, Grossi confirmed that the IAEAintends to conduct inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities, adding that “itwould be best for inspections of Iranian nuclear sites to take place as soon aspossible.”

Shafaq News-Washington

Lebanon andIsrael opened their fifth round of direct negotiations at the US StateDepartment on Tuesday, with talks spanning security and political tracks overthree days, according to the Israeli Embassy in Washington.

An Israelisource told Channel 12 that the Israeli delegation will present maps for a"model zone" in Lebanon, located partly south of the Litani River andpartly south of the UN-established Blue Line, from which Israeli forces wouldwithdraw as a field trial, with the Lebanese army deploying inside the zoneunder US supervision.

Lebanon'sdelegation is led by Ambassador Simon Karam alongside Ambassador to WashingtonNada Maaouad, while Israel's delegation is headed by Ambassador Yechiel Leiter,with Secretary of State Marco Rubio overseeing the process.

Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahu reiterated Tuesday that Israeli forces will remain in thesouthern Lebanon security zone "for as long as necessary to protectnorthern residents and Israelis." Lebanese President Joseph Aoun saidLebanon will accept nothing less than the complete end of Israeli occupation ofthe south and the full extension of state authority over Lebanese territory.

HezbollahSecretary-General Naim Kassem rejected any direct talks with Tel Aviv andrenewed the group's call for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the south,saying “the Lebanese army alone bears responsibility for protecting sovereigntyin the country, and it is the party we will collaborate with.”

The talks comedays after a US-Iran memorandum of understanding entered into force on June 18,which includes a provision committing both parties to respect Lebanon'ssovereignty and territorial integrity.

Since March 2,Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed 4,192 people and wounded 12,171,according to Lebanese Health Ministry figures.

Shafaq News- Washington

US President Donald Trump said on Monday the Strait ofHormuz is fully open and reiterated that Iran will never be allowed to obtain anuclear weapon.

"We have been able to move more oil than before,"Trump told reporters, adding that Iran was "doing very well"regarding the Strait of Hormuz and said progress was being made in negotiationsaimed at reaching what he described as a fair and reasonable agreement withTehran.

Trump also stressed that any Iranian funds released under afuture agreement would be used exclusively to purchase food from Americanfarmers. "If Iran misbehaves, I will do what I have to do.”

The US president further stated that he was working toresolve several international issues, including matters involving Israeli PrimeMinister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Earlier in the day, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated thatits delegation didn’t discuss the country's nuclear program during talks withthe United States in Switzerland, adding that it rejected any new commitmentsrelated to its nuclear activities.

ShafaqNews- Doha

Anexplosion tore through a factory at Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar's primarynatural gas processing hub, on Sunday, killing 13 people, injuring 66 others,and leaving 18 unaccounted for, Qatar's Energy Minister Saad al-Kaabiconfirmed.

Searchand rescue teams remain deployed across the site as operations to locate themissing continue.

Al-Kaabisaid the blast caused no disruption to Qatari liquefied natural gas exports andproduced no hazardous leak posing a threat to public safety. Authorities havenot disclosed the cause of the explosion or the nationalities of thecasualties.

RasLaffan Industrial City sits approximately 80 kilometers north of Doha andserves as Qatar's primary onshore hub for processing gas extracted from theNorth Field, the world's largest single natural gas reservoir.

Shafaq News- Washington

The US Treasury on Monday announced a temporary 60-day license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil, as Washington and Tehran advance negotiations aimed at reaching a broader agreement.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that Iran had committed to ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the country.

Under President @realDonaldTrump and @VP, we continue to make the world safer and more prosperous.In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to permit International Atomic Energy Agency…

— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) June 22, 2026

Earlier today, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said mediation efforts led by Qatar and Pakistan had achieved "significant progress" toward securing exemptions for Iranian oil exports, easing some restrictions, releasing frozen assets, and launching a reconstruction plan inside Iran.

The first round of direct US-Iran talks concluded yesterday in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, with delegations led by US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, alongside Qatari and Pakistani mediators.

Shafaq News- London

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced onMonday that he will step down as leader of the Labour Party and resign as primeminister after concluding that he no longer has enough backing to take theparty into the next general election.

“I have heard the answer of my parliamentary party tothat question and I accept that answer with good grace,” Starmer stated. “Everydecision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That iswhy I will resign as leader of the Labour Party.”

Watch live: My statement. https://t.co/MX7ga3FRGq

— Keir Starmer (@Keir_Starmer) June 22, 2026

Starmer called becoming prime minister “the proudestmoment” of his life and recalled inheriting a Labour Party he viewed as “politically,financially and morally bankrupt.”

His resignation now opens a succession process underBritain's parliamentary system, in which the party holding a majority in theHouse of Commons forms the government and its leader serves as prime minister.With Labour commanding a comfortable majority, the process of replacing Starmeras premier will begin with the election of a new party leader.

He asked the party to set a timetable for the contest,with nominations due to open on July 9, and pledged to remain in office untilthe process concludes to ensure “an orderly handover of power.” Labour,he said, would have a new head in place before parliament returns from itssummer recess in September.

Shafaq News- Geneva

The first round of US-Iran negotiations concludedconstructively in Switzerland overnight, with both sides agreeing to continuetechnical talks this week and establish new mechanisms to overseeimplementation of their recent agreement, mediators announced on Monday.

Pakistan and Qatar said in a joint statement thatWashington and Tehran agreed to establish a High-Level Committee to provide “politicaloversight on the mediation,” supported by working groups handling nuclearissues, sanctions, and other aspects of the deal. The two sides also set up adirect communication channel for the Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20%of global oil supplies, to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels duringthe 60-day implementation period, as well as a “de-confliction cell” involvingLebanon aimed at ending military activity there.

Joint Statement by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Regarding The Conclusion of Lake Lucerne Summit, First High-Level Committee Meeting with Participation of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of IranLucerne | June 22, 2026The first… pic.twitter.com/bLVpaR2uua

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) June 22, 2026

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi welcomed theoutcome, citing waivers on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, the releaseof some frozen assets abroad, and the launch of a “major reconstruction &development plan” for Iran. Lebanon's de-confliction mechanism, he added, wouldserve as the “first real test” of the agreement.

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. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2026

The talks, however, nearly collapsed after USPresident Donald Trump threatened to resume strikes on Iran and take control ofthe Strait of Hormuz if negotiations failed. Iran's semi-official Tasnim NewsAgency reported that Tehran initially refused to return to the negotiatingroom, though Pakistani and Qatari mediators continued relaying messages betweenthe two sides. Meanwhile, US-based Axios, quoting a diplomat involved in thetalks, denied reports of a walkout and said the Iranian delegation remained atthe Burgenstock resort.

Read more: Trump’s balancing act with Iran tests diplomacy and deterrence

The agreement, reached last week, extends a ceasefirefor at least 60 days and includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and endingmilitary operations across the region, including in Lebanon. Iran, however,accused Washington over the weekend of failing to uphold its commitmentsregarding Lebanon and announced a renewed suspension of maritime trafficthrough the strategic waterway.

Shafaq News- Geneva

Iran's negotiating delegationsuspended participation in talks with the United States in Switzerland onSunday in protest over statements made by President Donald Trump, according toIranian state-affiliated media.

Fars News Agency, citing aninformed source, stated that Trump's comments disrupted the discussions andcast doubt on their future. Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran'sIslamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), also indicated that the Iranian teamhad left the venue.

US-based Axios, however, citeda diplomat involved in the talks as saying the Iranian delegation had notwithdrawn from the Burgenstock resort and that discussions were continuing.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf,speaker of Iran's parliament and head of the delegation, dismissed Trump'sremarks. “If their threats had worked, they would not have reached today'simpasse,” Ghalibaf stated. “Iran pays no attention to American threats. Ourarmed forces are prepared to respond in another way. The more they talk, themore we act.”

با خودشان فکر نمی‌کنند که اگر تهدیدهایشان نتیجه‌ای داشت، به استیصال امروز نمی‌رسیدند؟ ما تهدیدهای آمریکایی‌ها را به جایی حساب نمی‌کنیم.بهتر است مراقب اظهارنظرهای خود باشند، نیروهای مسلح ما آماده‌اند تا به نحوی دیگر پاسخشان را بدهند. هر چه حرف بزنند، این ماییم که عمل می‌کنیم.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) June 21, 2026

Trump had earlier threatenedto take control of the Strait of Hormuz if negotiations collapsed. He addedthat he had warned Iranian officials that closing the strait would have severeconsequences, saying Iranian negotiators “would not be able to return home” ifTehran carried out such a move.

Shafaq News- Burgenstock

Iran and the United States opened high-level talks inSwitzerland on Sunday in a tense start marked by Tehran’s refusal to take partin a joint handshake or group photo, semi-official Tasnim News reported.

Citing a source close to the Iranian negotiating team, theoutlet noted that US officials had prepared for a brief public exchange, butthe Iranian delegation stepped back, prompting the US side to proceed alongsidethe Pakistani delegation led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army ChiefField Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the mediators of the talks.

“Iran will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed unless Israel’soperations in Lebanon are curtailed,” the source added, linking the outcome ofthe talks to developments on the Lebanese front, which it placed at the top ofthe agenda.

Earlier today, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson EsmaeilBaqaei stated that Tehran will use the talks to push for US implementation ofthe recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), stressing that“implementing any document is more important than simply signing it.”

The diplomatic effort follows an MoU reached last week thatset out a 60-day cease-fire. Under the arrangement, Washington pledged to endits blockade on Iranian ports, ease sanctions on oil exports and release frozenIranian assets, while Tehran committed to maintaining freedom of navigationthrough the Strait of Hormuz.

The future of Iran’s nuclear programme and its stockpile ofenriched uranium has been deferred to the next phase of negotiations. Tehranreiterates it does not seek nuclear weapons and has signalled readiness todilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium as part of a final deal.