Live ingestion is paused. We’re migrating our backend to a new database. The archive is up to date through Jun 21, 2026 (10 daysago). Fresh events will resume once the migration finishes — historical analysis is fully available.
61,156 documented events · latest Jun 21, 2026 — chronological archive with full summaries and multi-source verification.
Jerusalem: Israel's military chief said on Sunday that Hezbollah had suffered a severe blow fighting Israeli forces and was now in a "very difficult position", as he met with troops in southern Lebanon. He spoke as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland after signing a preliminary agreement to end the broader Middle East war, with the conflict in Lebanon threatening to derail the deal. Also Read: US, Iran negotiators add 'emergency session' on Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Switzerland meet "Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said, according to a military statement. "Hezbollah is in a very difficult position," he added. Hezbollah had pulled Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Despite a new ceasefire announcement on Friday as part of the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington, Israel and Hezbollah had continued to clash. However, there were no reports of fresh strikes in Lebanon since Saturday evening. Zamir vowed to defend the communities of northern Israel from Hezbollah rockets. Also Read: Hezbollah says Israel bears 'full responsibility' for truce violations "This is the purpose guiding all our efforts... The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations," Zamir said. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces had standing orders to act against any threat inside Lebanon and insisted they would remain in the so-called security zone established within Lebanese territory. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters engaged in fierce clashes this week, with Lebanese officials reporting dozens of people killed and the Israeli military reporting five of its own soldiers dead. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) He spoke as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland after signing a preliminary agreement to end the broader Middle East war, with the conflict in Lebanon threatening to derail the deal. Also Read: US, Iran negotiators add 'emergency session' on Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Switzerland meet "Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said, according to a military statement. "Hezbollah is in a very difficult position," he added. Hezbollah had pulled Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. Despite a new ceasefire announcement on Friday as part of the memorandum of understanding signed by Tehran and Washington, Israel and Hezbollah had continued to clash. However, there were no reports of fresh strikes in Lebanon since Saturday evening. Zamir vowed to defend the communities of northern Israel from Hezbollah rockets. Also Read: Hezbollah says Israel bears 'full responsibility' for truce violations "This is the purpose guiding all our efforts... The ceasefire that has been declared is fragile, and we must maintain a high level of readiness for the renewal of combat operations," Zamir said. Earlier on Sunday, Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israeli forces had standing orders to act against any threat inside Lebanon and insisted they would remain in the so-called security zone established within Lebanese territory. Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters engaged in fierce clashes this week, with Lebanese officials reporting dozens of people killed and the Israeli military reporting five of its own soldiers dead. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Prime ExclusivesInvestment IdeasStock Report PlusePaperWealth Edition
A former senior Pentagon official sounded the alarm on Sunday over their belief that the Trump administration was likely to bury an internal investigation into an incident that coincided with the launch of the U.S. war against Iran, an incident one Democratic lawmaker described as “one of the most horrific episodes” of the “illegal Trump war.” Trump’s Operation Epic Fury began with “double tap” strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh, an Iranian girls’ elementary school, which killed at least 156 people, 120 of them children. Trump initially blamed Iran for the strikes before it became clear that a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile was used in the attack. While the U.S. military is reportedly still investigating the incident, several former Pentagon and national security officials “expressed doubt” to The Guardian for its report published on Sunday that the results of the investigation would ever be made public. “It’s very rare that you would have a military operation and not have some incidents where there was a mistaken target and civilians are harmed or killed, but then there is a system for investigating, assessing accountability and taking responsibility,” one former senior Pentagon official told The Guardian, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “There’s a very clear process for this, and I’m very doubtful that the [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth Pentagon will follow through.” Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), also speaking with The Guardian, said that she had vigorously pressed the Trump administration for answers, only to be stonewalled. “The US strike [on the girls’ elementary school] is one of the most horrific episodes of the entire illegal Trump war in Iran,” Ansari said. “Donald Trump is hiding the truth from the American people and Congress, and deflecting blame to Secretary Hegseth, because he does not want the public to know the true horrors of what he unleashed on the Iranian people with absolutely nothing to show for it.”
A former senior Pentagon official sounded the alarm on Sunday over their belief that the Trump administration was likely to bury an internal investigation into an incident that coincided with the launch of the U.S. war against Iran, an incident one Democratic lawmaker described as “one of the most horrific episodes” of the “illegal Trump war.” Trump’s Operation Epic Fury began with “double tap” strikes on Shajareh Tayyebeh, an Iranian girls’ elementary school, which killed at least 156 people, 120 of them children. Trump initially blamed Iran for the strikes before it became clear that a U.S.-made Tomahawk missile was used in the attack. While the U.S. military is reportedly still investigating the incident, several former Pentagon and national security officials “expressed doubt” to The Guardian for its report published on Sunday that the results of the investigation would ever be made public. “It’s very rare that you would have a military operation and not have some incidents where there was a mistaken target and civilians are harmed or killed, but then there is a system for investigating, assessing accountability and taking responsibility,” one former senior Pentagon official told The Guardian, speaking on the condition of anonymity. “There’s a very clear process for this, and I’m very doubtful that the [Defense Secretary Pete] Hegseth Pentagon will follow through.” Rep. Yassamin Ansari (D-AZ), also speaking with The Guardian, said that she had vigorously pressed the Trump administration for answers, only to be stonewalled. “The US strike [on the girls’ elementary school] is one of the most horrific episodes of the entire illegal Trump war in Iran,” Ansari said. “Donald Trump is hiding the truth from the American people and Congress, and deflecting blame to Secretary Hegseth, because he does not want the public to know the true horrors of what he unleashed on the Iranian people with absolutely nothing to show for it.”
Why Lebanon may make or break the Iran-US deal Israeli escalation in Lebanon threatens to undermine agreement between Tehran and Washington and risks further regional destabilisation, analysts say. Beirut, Lebanon – The memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran leaves no room for doubt, declaring “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon,” between the two countries and their allies. “The final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” the interim agreement signed on Wednesday added. Recommended Storieslist of 3 items - list 1 of 3How does Trump’s MOU with Iran compare with Obama’s nuclear pact? - list 2 of 3Trump-Netanyahu tensions: Have Israeli and US leaders clashed before? - list 3 of 3Israeli strikes kill at least 47 amid intense fighting in southern Lebanon Yet Israel appears to either have not received the memo or to be deliberately ignoring it. Israeli attacks on Lebanon have continued in the days since the MoU’s signing, bringing the death toll since the start of Israel’s air and ground offensive on March 2 to more than 4,000. These deadly strikes led to Iran postponing talks with the US that had been planned for Friday in Switzerland. The Lebanese armed group Hezbollah and Lebanon’s government have both demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory although the former has said that should come by linking Lebanon to the Iran negotiations while the latter prefers direct talks with Israel. “Lebanon is at the beginning of the agreement because the Iranians want to bring home that Lebanon’s territorial integrity is essential to the agreement, the success of the [MoU],” said Michael Young, a Lebanon expert at the Carnegie Middle East Center. Israel to ‘torpedo’ Iran-US deal Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah have been fighting since October 2023, but Israel has twice intensified the conflict – in September 2024 and March this year – pummelling Lebanon with bombs and invading its territory. The March intensification came after Hezbollah fired on Israel for the first time in more than a year following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and as a response to more than 10,000 Israeli ceasefire violations since late 2024. Since then, Israel has killed at least 4,057 people in Lebanon and wounded more than 12,121. Israel has targeted paramedics and journalists and razed dozens of villages. While the US has tried to declare several ceasefires in Lebanon, the reality on the ground has played out differently. US President Donald Trump has made several statements on Lebanon, including that Israel needs to scale back its operations there, but Israeli officials have repeatedly stated that their ability to continue operations in Lebanon must be protected. “Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long, and too many people are being killed,” Trump said on Tuesday at a G7 summit in France. “And you don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses and they’re not all Hezbollah. That I can tell you.” Trump also said he was “not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and with Hezbollah. They should have been able to do the job faster. It just goes on forever.” Analysts said they believe the presence of Lebanon in the MoU means that Iran feels strongly about the situation there and the US, which also enjoys positive bilateral relations with the Lebanese government, may be willing to put pressure on Israel to stop its military operations in the country. “The US wants to split out the Lebanon and Iran conflicts,” said David Wood, the International Crisis Group’s senior analyst on Lebanon. “It can help Lebanon by insisting that Israel implement the June 3 proposal for a bilateral ceasefire.” “This approach would give the Lebanese state an opportunity to show that it can assert control over Lebanese soil effectively and defend the country by nonviolent means, as opposed to Hezbollah’s strategy of armed resistance against Israel,” Wood added. But Israel may have other thoughts. Young said Israel “is going to try to torpedo” the MoU and the talks between Iran and the US. “They don’t want these negotiations to succeed, so their way to do so is to basically continue the war in Lebanon,” he added. According to Karim Safieddine, a nonresident fellow at the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, there is “no political, technological, industrial, economic incentive for Israel to stop the war on Lebanon”. What’s Hezbollah’s role? Iran must also decide what it will do if Israel refuses to stop attacking Lebanon and the US is unable or unwilling to pressure the Israeli government. Safieddine said there are divisions inside Iran, including in its state apparatus, about how far it should go to ensure Israeli aggression in Lebanon stops. After renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon on Saturday despite another declared ceasefire, Iran announced the closure of the economically important Strait of Hormuz once again. With the MoU, many people in Lebanon hope the end of Israel’s war is approaching. But there are still issues that need resolving. In a speech on Wednesday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem praised the movement’s patron. “We … thank the Islamic Republic of Iran for linking Lebanon’s arena as both a resistance movement and a people to a spirit of readiness for sacrifice that compelled” Israel to “halt its aggression”, he said. Israel and Lebanon are due to continue direct negotiations next week, and Hezbollah’s disarmament remains a major issue. The Lebanese government has moved forward with efforts to disarm the group since early 2025, but the second Israeli intensification of the conflict halted these efforts. “Lebanon’s political leadership finds itself in yet another bind under the US-Iran MoU,” Wood said. “On the one hand, Lebanon understandably wants to take charge of its own future, including the path towards a sustainable end to the Israel-Hezbollah war. On the other hand, it is hard to fault President [Joseph] Aoun for welcoming Iran’s insistence on including a Lebanon ceasefire in the MoU, even if it has failed to end the fighting to date,” he added. “Lebanon has very limited agency in addressing the fundamental conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, so inevitably, Beirut will need support from outside in the coming period.”
Listen to this article in summarized format "Trump is committed to see a full regional ceasefire," Vance said, adding that the president had "empowered us to find a diplomatic solution to a host of issues" and had asked the team to "turn over a new leaf" in Washington's relationship with the Iranian people. Also read: Indian refiners increase Russian and UAE oil imports ahead of Hormuz recovery Vance said the talks, which also included Qatari mediators in a trilateral format, marked an unprecedented moment in the two countries' diplomatic history. "The technical negotiations may not solve every disagreement, but it will allow us to sit together as teams for the first time in history," he said. "What we're trying to accomplish is through diplomacy to work together to transform the Middle East," Vance said, describing the central question as "whether we can change relations in the Middle East permanently." He added that the US now saw "a future together where everyone can work together to promote peace and prosperity," while noting that Washington still viewed Iran as "a driver of regional instability." Despite the optimism, Vance struck a measured note. "These kinds of ceasefires are always a little bit messy," he said, even as he confirmed that the two sides had made "great progress in the last few hours." The framework underpinning the current talks was signed last week, and both sides are now in a 60-day window to hammer out technical details that carry significant implications for global energy markets and international security. Vance's arrival had originally been scheduled for Friday but was delayed after fighting escalated in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, and Iran announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's traded oil and gas transits. Also read: Oil keeps flowing through Hormuz despite Iran saying it’s shut The US delegation also includes special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had already been on the ground ahead of Vance to begin working through the nuclear specifics. Iran's delegation is led by parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with central bank and oil officials. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also part of the broader talks, alongside Qatari mediators. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Sunday that Tehran would not give up its right to enrich uranium, stating the other side was "forced to accept it." The deal signed by Trump and Pezeshkian allows Iran to sell oil freely and would unlock billions in currently frozen Iranian assets, while also requiring Tehran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Explore More Stories
U.S. and Iranian negotiators are in Switzerland on Sunday for talks on working out key details of their interim agreement to end the Iran war. A team led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is to meet with g Iranian negotiators led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani envoys are also in place, as well as Qatari mediators, for the technical-level discussions to end the conflict that began in late February. Vance said he was optimistic about making progress in talks about Iran’s nuclear program and a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. On the eve of the talks, Tehran announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. The interim deal between the U.S. and Iran is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, as well as calling for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world's oil supply. Here is the latest: Pakistani mediators also in place in Switzerland Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also in Switzerland for the high-level U.S.-Iran talks, the prime minister's office said without providing further details. The technical-level talks at Bürgenstock Resort near the Swiss city of Lucerne are being held after Sharif dispatched his special envoy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to Tehran to persuade Iranian authorities to send a delegation to Switzerland. The meeting was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed because of concerns raised by Iran. Naqvi later informed Islamabad that Iran was willing to attend the talks. Pakistan subsequently conveyed the development to Washington. Strait of Hormuz is once again a challenge The strait has emerged as a key focus, with Iran’s joint military command saying on Saturday that it was closed again because of the U.S. “clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war. The interim deal is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon where Israeli forces are battling the militant Hezbollah group. The U.S. disputed Iran’s announcement, with the U.S. Central Command saying that traffic continues to flow and that 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. Ships began transiting after the interim U.S.-Iran agreement was signed last week. The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and now allows Tehran to sell its oil freely — terms that have left some in U.S. Congress asking whether the war was worth it. The interim deal signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, but the time can be extended.
U.S. and Iranian negotiators are in Switzerland on Sunday for talks on working out key details of their interim agreement to end the Iran war. A team led by U.S. Vice President JD Vance, including Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, is to meet with g Iranian negotiators led by parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Pakistani envoys are also in place, as well as Qatari mediators, for the technical-level discussions to end the conflict that began in late February. Vance said he was optimistic about making progress in talks about Iran’s nuclear program and a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. On the eve of the talks, Tehran announced it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon. The interim deal between the U.S. and Iran is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, as well as calling for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world's oil supply. Here is the latest: Pakistani mediators also in place in Switzerland Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir are also in Switzerland for the high-level U.S.-Iran talks, the prime minister's office said without providing further details. The technical-level talks at Bürgenstock Resort near the Swiss city of Lucerne are being held after Sharif dispatched his special envoy, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, to Tehran to persuade Iranian authorities to send a delegation to Switzerland. The meeting was originally scheduled for Friday but was delayed because of concerns raised by Iran. Naqvi later informed Islamabad that Iran was willing to attend the talks. Pakistan subsequently conveyed the development to Washington. Strait of Hormuz is once again a challenge The strait has emerged as a key focus, with Iran’s joint military command saying on Saturday that it was closed again because of the U.S. “clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war. The interim deal is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including in Lebanon where Israeli forces are battling the militant Hezbollah group. The U.S. disputed Iran’s announcement, with the U.S. Central Command saying that traffic continues to flow and that 55 merchant ships transited on Saturday with more than 17 million barrels of oil. Ships began transiting after the interim U.S.-Iran agreement was signed last week. The U.S. lifted its blockade of Iran’s ports and now allows Tehran to sell its oil freely — terms that have left some in U.S. Congress asking whether the war was worth it. The interim deal signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian gives negotiators 60 days to reach a nuclear agreement, but the time can be extended.
Vance arrives in Switzerland for US-Iran talks Both nations seek a durable end to their war as Iran slams Israeli attacks on Lebanon as violations of interim deal. United States Vice President JD Vance has arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iranian officials on implementing the interim deal to end the US war with Iran. The US and Iran earlier this week agreed to a 60-day ceasefire extension for the negotiations, but Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps on Saturday announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, although the US military said commercial vessels kept operating. Recommended Storieslist of 4 items - list 1 of 4Overplaying Strait of Hormuz card will turn Iran into a pariah state - list 2 of 4Iran closes Strait of Hormuz as Pakistan says new talks with US due Sunday - list 3 of 4Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz as Israel tests MOU with Lebanon strikes - list 4 of 4Trump vows Iran will not charge Strait of Hormuz tolls, but says US might Vance arrived at Emmen Air Base at 5:59am (03:59 GMT) on Sunday, according to his spokesperson. “I think we’re going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue,” with a “couple days of talks” likely, Vance told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland before departing. An Iranian delegation arrived in Switzerland late Saturday, state media and the Swiss Foreign Ministry said. Iran’s official broadcaster said it included parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Mediator Pakistan said its Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the army chief, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, had also arrived in Switzerland to participate in the talks. Al Jazeera’s Osama Bin Javaid, reporting from Burgenstock, Switzerland, said that the sides will try to bridge the gap between their positions during the talks. “And that is why you’re seeing the highest level of participation,” he said. “The US immediately wants to go into the nuclear issue. The Iranians want an end to the fighting in Lebanon,” our correspondent also said. A halt to fighting in Lebanon was one of the conditions agreed this week in the interim deal to extend the US-Iran ceasefire for 60 days and start talks on Tehran’s nuclear programme and other issues. But the deal is already coming under strain, as Israel continued attacks in Lebanon on Saturday, killing dozens of people, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) citing the strikes as it declared the Strait of Hormuz shut. The US military said commercial vessels had continued operating in the waterway. Pointing to what it called Israeli “crimes” in Lebanon that violated US commitments to a ceasefire, the IRGC warned ships would be at risk if they approached the strait, a vital conduit for global oil and gas supplies. But US Central Command (CENTCOM) said 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, with more than 17 million barrels of oil bound for global markets. US forces will ensure commercial traffic continues, CENTCOM said. Trump said no toll would be charged for passage through the strait during or after the 60-day ceasefire – unless the US imposes one should peace talks fail. In a social media post, he cited the possibility of a toll levied by the US “for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East” if a deal to end the war is not completed. Iran seeks implementation of the deal The developments could complicate talks to advance the interim deal brokered by Pakistan and signed on Wednesday by presidents Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian to end the almost four-month war. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, accused the US on X of failing to implement the first clause of its 14-point interim deal with Iran, which stipulates a ceasefire “on all fronts”, including Lebanon. He said that if the deal were not implemented, the flow of energy through the region would remain halted. Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar Atas, reporting from Tehran, said the Iranian delegation in Switzerland was likely to focus on Articles 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 of the memorandum of understanding (MoU). “These include the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, the lifting of the US maritime blockade, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the release of Iranian frozen assets and, of course, the lifting of US sanctions when it comes to Iran’s oil sector and petrochemical products and related sectors,” our correspondent said. “So the Iranians are not looking for these files to be concluded in one meeting here, but at least they want the initiation of the implementation,” he added. “Why does Lebanon matter so much for Iran? Overall, it’s about Iran’s geopolitical standpoint. So if Iran wants to remain as a regional power, Tehran has to keep the axis of resistance alive. Iran has invested in Hezbollah through the decades. So it is about Iran’s regional influence. It is also sending out a message to its allies and proxies in the region that Tehran is not going to leave them alone.” The Lebanon truce appeared fragile as Israeli forces continued their attacks on the country on Saturday, killing dozens of people, according to Lebanese state media. The Iran-aligned Hezbollah group also announced attacks on Israeli forces. Israel claimed it was responding to attacks from Hezbollah, while the Iran-backed fighters said Israel had repeatedly violated the truce since Friday, and it would not allow Israel “freedom of movement” in Lebanon. The Israeli military said one soldier was killed in combat, the fifth such death since the US-Iran deal was reached. Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 reported late on Saturday that the prime minister and defence minister had ordered the military to hold fire in Lebanon, but that the military would not withdraw from captured territory.
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? 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 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".
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.
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 "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 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.
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.
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 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 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’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.