US and Iran trade attacks as Trump deadline and Lebanon strikes deepen regional tensions

Morning update A fragile US-Iran ceasefire came under renewed strain after Washington launched strikes on Iranian targets in response to an alleged drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by targeting US positions in the region, while a separate US-brokered framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon marked a significant diplomatic development despite opposition from Hezbollah. Here are the latest updates:  US Central Command said American forces struck Iranian targets after a drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. A US official told Fox News the military operation concluded for the night after the strikes. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said it targeted US military positions in the region in retaliation for the American attack. Iranian lawmakers condemned the strikes as a violation of the ceasefire and warned Washington would regret the escalation. Lebanon and Israel signed a US-mediated framework agreement following several days of negotiations in Washington. According to reports, the agreement includes mutual recognition of each country's right to exist in peace and security. The framework envisions the Lebanese army gradually assuming responsibility for security in designated areas as part of efforts to strengthen state authority. Lebanon's presidency described the agreement as a first step toward restoring full sovereignty across Lebanese territory. Hezbollah rejected the agreement, while supporters staged protests and road blockades in Beirut. Israeli officials indicated forces would remain in southern Lebanon under the terms of the understanding, while military planners prepare to reduce troop levels in some sectors. Hezbollah supporters block road in Beirut’s southern suburbs with burning tyres during a protest against the agreement signed by US Israel and Lebanon, 27 June 2026 (Ibrahim Amro/AFP)

Morning update The United States and Iran took another step toward implementing their memorandum of understanding after negotiations in Switzerland produced agreements on sanctions relief, nuclear inspections and the release of frozen Iranian assets. While both sides highlighted progress, disagreements remain over how released funds can be used and over ongoing tensions in Lebanon. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said an agreement had been reached to release $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The US Treasury Department announced temporary sanctions relief allowing Iranian oil and petrochemical sales until 1 August. Washington said the measures follow Iran’s commitment to permit international nuclear inspections after intensive talks in Switzerland. President Donald Trump said released Iranian funds would be used to purchase food and agricultural products from US farmers. Iran’s Central Bank rejected Trump’s comments, saying Tehran is under no obligation to spend released funds on American goods. Iranian officials said technical negotiations with the United States have concluded and the process is entering a new phase. President Masoud Pezeshkian said the effectiveness of future talks depends on all sides fully implementing their commitments. A US official said Centcom has launched a monitoring mechanism in Lebanon to provide American officials with assessments of fighting on the ground. Israeli officials reiterated that military operations in Lebanon would continue despite ongoing diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran. Markets and regional observers continued to focus on sanctions implementation, Hormuz shipping activity and the durability of the broader agreement. Israelis look towards southern Lebanon from a vantage point in northern Israel, 22 June 2026 (Jalaa Marey/AFP)

Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, US and Iranian negotiators made what mediators described as encouraging progress during high-level talks in Switzerland, agreeing on a roadmap toward a final agreement within 60 days. While discussions advanced on sanctions, frozen assets and regional security, disputes over Lebanon and sharp rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran underscored the fragility of the diplomatic process. Here are the latest updates:  Pakistan and Qatar said US and Iranian negotiators made encouraging progress during talks in Switzerland. Mediators announced a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement between Washington and Tehran within 60 days. The two sides agreed to establish a de-confliction mechanism intended to prevent renewed military operations in Lebanon. US Vice President JD Vance said the American delegation had been instructed to pursue diplomatic solutions on several outstanding issues. Iranian officials said implementation of commitments in Lebanon would be a key factor in determining the future of the agreement. Talks continued overnight despite reports that Iran briefly revised its participation following comments by President Donald Trump warning Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said progress had been made on sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said the group would not accept any ceasefire arrangement that allows Israel unrestricted military activity in Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israeli forces would remain in designated security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza. Israeli media reported the military could begin reducing troop levels in parts of southern Lebanon after completing most offensive operations. US Vice President JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir greet each other ahead of talks at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, 21 June 2026 (Nathan Howard/Pool/AFP)

Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, The United States and Iran have opened a new round of high-level talks in Switzerland aimed at implementing their interim agreement and preventing renewed regional escalation. While both sides expressed support for diplomacy, tensions remain over Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, where competing claims underscored the fragility of the emerging deal. US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland for high-level negotiations with Iran, with Pakistan and Qatar helping facilitate the talks. Iran's delegation, led by Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and foreign minister Abbas Araghchi, said its priority is ensuring full implementation of the interim agreement. Iran said the Strait of Hormuz had been closed again in response to alleged violations of the agreement, while the US military maintained that the waterway remains open to international shipping. Vance said Washington is seeking progress on both nuclear issues and arrangements related to Lebanon. Israeli media reported that Israeli forces received instructions to halt fire in Lebanon following strong US pressure. Israeli officials indicated troops would remain in strategic positions in southern Lebanon despite the ceasefire. At least 16 people were reported killed in Lebanon on Saturday as Israeli attacks continued despite ceasefire efforts. An Israeli soldier was reported killed and 13 others wounded during fighting in southern Lebanon. Pakistan's prime minister and army chief are expected to participate in the Switzerland discussions alongside US and Iranian officials. Al Jazeera cameraman Ahmed Wishah was killed in an air strike in central Gaza, according to the broadcaster.  Motorcade carrying US Vice President JD Vance arrives at the Burgenstock resort overlooking Lake Lucerne ahead of high-level Middle East talks in Switzerland, 21 June 2026 (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP)

Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, The US-Iran agreement moved into a new phase as both sides signalled readiness for further diplomacy, while a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appeared to take effect after days of renewed violence. Tehran said Washington must ensure Israel complies with the terms of the deal, particularly in Lebanon, as preparations were made for another round of negotiations in Switzerland. Here are the latest updates:  Iran's deputy foreign minister said Tehran is ready to move forward with diplomacy but expects the United States to ensure Israel ends attacks in Lebanon. A US official said Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire after Israeli attacks reportedly killed at least 47 people in Lebanon. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said Washington has a responsibility to implement the agreement on all fronts, including Lebanon. Axios reported that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Araghchi are expected to travel to Switzerland for a new round of talks. President Donald Trump said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has surged, claiming roughly 700 vessels are now transiting the waterway. Israel's ambassador to Washington said offensive operations in Lebanon were halted beginning Friday morning Washington time. The White House confirmed the United States will host a fifth round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations aimed at sustaining the ceasefire. UK Maritime trade organisation lowered its threat assessment for the Strait of Hormuz from high to moderate as maritime traffic continues to recover. Iran's military said its combat readiness remains unchanged despite the diplomatic progress and ceasefire efforts. Regional mediators, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, are due to meet in Egypt's Alamein on June 21 to discuss implementation of the agreement and wider regional stability.

Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, The text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran has been signed digitally by the presidents of the two countries.  While an official meeting was expected on Friday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that talks between Tehran and Washington on Friday in Switzerland are not confirmed yet. Here are some of the other latest developments:  Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding will "enter into force with immediate effect". As a first step, he indicated that Tehran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington immediately lifts its naval blockade on the waterway.  US President Donald Trump told his advisors that no one can handle Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to The Wall Street Journal citing a source familiar with the comments. The president added that the US president indicated that Netanyahu wants to "bomb everyone". US senators are threatening to withhold 75 percent of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget amid increasing frustration with the Pentagon's refusal to comply with congressional requests - including information updates on an investigation into the US targeting of a girls school in Iran. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Wednesday hailed an understanding reached between Tehran and Washington as a "great victory", calling it a "pivotal point" for Lebanon. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children as he voiced alarm at a "staggering" rise in violations against Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank.