This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments
- Lebanese president tells Trump state will assume responsibility for implementing Israel agreement
- US launches fresh strikes on Iranian military targets, says CENTCOM
- France says ready to help implement Lebanon-Israel deal
- Far-right Israeli minister Ben Gvir says Lebanon deal a 'big mistake'
- Hezbollah rejects deal with Israel, which expects 'extended stay' in Lebanon
Hezbollah says reserves right to 'defend its homeland'
Published: June 28, 2026 | 23:37 GMT | by Web Desk
Hezbollah on Monday said it reserved the right to self-defense after several Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon despite a truce between the two sides and a US-Israel-Lebanon framework to end hostilities.
In a statement, the group said that it "reiterates that what the enemy has done is a blatant violation of the ceasefire to which it has adhered until now, and that it is monitoring and tracking these violations, and reserves its right to defend its homeland and its people".
US and Iran agree to stop attacking each other: Report
Published: June 28, 2026 | 22:00 GMT | by Web Desk
The US and Iran agreed to stop attacking each other over their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Axios.
Citing a senior US official, it stated that the US and Iran agreed to stop attacking each other.
"We decided to stop all the kinetic activity," a senior US official tells Axios
A second US official tells Axios both sides will stand down "for now" and that "vessels can move freely" as technical talks are set to continue, it added.
It added that both US officials and a “third source with knowledge” confirmed Tuesday's planned meeting.
Israeli forces shell Syrian village near occupied Golan Heights
Published: June 28, 2026 | 20:34 GMT | by Web Desk
Israeli forces shelled the village of Abidin in the western countryside of Syria’s Deraa province with artillery, while military aircraft are hovering over the countryside of Quneitra and Deraa, Syrian state news agency SANA is reporting.
The affected areas lie in southern Syria, close to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights
Tehran-Dubai flights to resume Monday: Iranian media
Published: June 28, 2026 | 13:58 GMT | by AFP
Flights between Tehran and Dubai are to resume on Monday, Iranian state media reported.
Iranian state TV and other media quoted Ramin Kashefazar, the head of Tehran's Imam Khomeini Airport, as saying that "the necessary arrangements have been made to reopen the Tehran–Dubai route at Imam Khomeini Airport".
Tickets were available to buy on the website of Iranian airline Sepehran for Monday's 10:40 am (0730 GMT) flight to Dubai.
Pakistan FM Dar, EU's Kallas discuss regional tensions
Published: June 28, 2026 | 13:58 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a telephonic conversation with European Union High Vice President Kaja Kallas, to discuss the rapidly evolving regional situation, the Foreign Office said.
The foreign minister highlighted Pakistan’s continued diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting a comprehensive framework for peace and stability in the Middle East.
“She appreciated Pakistan’s sincere efforts culminating in signing of the Islamabad MOU,” it added.
During the discussion, Kallas expressed concern over recent ceasefire violations and stressed the importance of keeping communication channels open to prevent further escalation and support lasting regional peace and stability.
FM Dar emphasized the necessity for all parties to abide by the ceasefire agreement.
Iraq proposes mediation between GCC states and Iran
Published: June 28, 2026 | 10:31 GMT | by Web Desk
Iraq has offered to mediate between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, Iran, and Iraq in an effort to reduce regional tensions and help restore stability, Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein announced, according to Al Jazeera.
He said Baghdad is prepared to facilitate dialogue among the parties to promote de-escalation and strengthen regional security.
Saudi Arabia condemns 'Iranian aggression against Kuwait, Bahrain'
Published: June 28, 2026 | 10:07 GMT | by Web Desk
Saudi Arabia condemned on Sunday, the "Iranian aggression against the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain."
A post shared by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's condemnation and strongest denunciation of the sinful Iranian aggressions against the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain, as well as against the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz."
Qatar condemns Iran's attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait
Published: June 28, 2026 | 09:55 GMT | by Web Desk
Qatar condemned on Sunday "Iran's repeated attacks" on Bahrain and Kuwait.
A statement issued by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The State of Qatar strongly condemns Iran's repeated attacks on the sisterly Kingdom of Bahrain and the sisterly State of Kuwait, using a number of missiles and drones, and considers them a flagrant violation of the sovereignty of both countries and a blatant breach of the rules of international law."
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the necessity of "continuing on the path of dialogue and diplomacy, de-escalation, and building on the achievements realized within the framework of the memorandum of understanding, in a way that contributes to consolidating security and stability at both the regional and international levels."
Iran FM calls for security framework with Gulf countries
Published: June 28, 2026 | 09:27 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called on Sunday for the establishment of a security framework with Gulf countries, after Iranian strikes against US bases in the Gulf in retaliation for American attacks.
"We should reach a new framework that includes all countries in the region and without the presence or interference of any country from outside the region," Araghchi said at a news conference on a visit to Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Lebanon’s president condemns attacks on Bahrain, Kuwait
Published: June 28, 2026 | 09:23 GMT | by Web Desk
The President of Lebanon Joseph Aoun, condemned the attacks that targeted Bahrain and Kuwait, said a statement posted on X by Lebanese Presidency on Sunday.
The post said, "President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, condemned the attacks that targeted both Bahrain and Kuwait, considering these escalatory acts to constitute a flagrant violation of state sovereignty and a direct threat to the security and stability of the region."
Iran FM warns against deviating US deal 'from its course'
Published: June 28, 2026 | 09:15 GMT | by AFP
Iran's foreign minister warned on Sunday that any challenge to the country's control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz would increase tensions despite ongoing peace negotiations to end the Middle East war.
"Any attempt to adopt new or separate arrangements compared to what is underway by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will only lead to more complicated situations and delays in the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and will increase the tensions, as we witnessed in the past two nights," Abbas Araghchi said at a news conference on a visit to Iraqi capital Baghdad.
Tehran's top diplomat called on all parties to "adhere to the memorandum of understanding and not to allow this MoU to deviate from its course" after both sides traded attacks in recent days.
Iran solely controls the Strait of Hormuz over the next 30 days: Araghchi
Published: June 28, 2026 | 08:45 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz remains under total Iranian control during a visit to Iraq, according to Al Jazeera.
“I have briefed my counterpart on the latest outcomes of the war imposed on Iran, and also the developments with respect to the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States,” said Araghchi, while speaking at a press conference along with his Iraqi counterpart in Baghdad on Sunday.
“The Strait of Hormuz remains under the total oversight and management of Iran through the 30 coming days, and after all obstacles are removed the total capacity of the waterway will be restored. This is what we are working on,” he added.
Iran, Iraq FMs discuss regional developments in Baghdad
Published: June 28, 2026 | 08:07 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian and Iraqi foreign ministers discussed regional developments in Baghdad on Sunday.
A post shared on Iranian government's X account said, "FM @araghchi met Iraqi FM @Fuad_Husseein in Baghdad."
"The two ministers discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between Iran and Iraq," the post said.
Lebanon state media reports Israeli strike on south
Published: June 28, 2026 | 07:49 GMT | by AFP
The Lebanese state news agency reported a new Israeli attack on southern Lebanon on Sunday, two days after the countries signed an agreement to pave the way to peace talks.
"An Israeli warplane carried out an airstrike targeting the outskirts of the towns of Deir Seryan and Taybeh in southern Lebanon," Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported.
Trump shares article highlighting Islamabad MoU's potential benefits for US trucking industry
Published: June 28, 2026 | 07:33 GMT | by Web Desk
US President Donald Trump on Sunday shared an article titled "Mack to the Future: Trump Touts Iran Deal Energy Boom That Could Boost Trucking Biz," highlighting that a US-Iran agreement could provide economic benefits for the American trucking sector.
According to the article, Trump, during a combined campaign rally and factory visit in Lower Macungie Township, emphasized the momentum of iconic truck manufacturer Mack Trucks and pointed to strategic investments emerging from a recovering heavy-duty truck industry.
The article also states that the Islamabad MoU, which includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and temporary waivers allowing Iranian crude exports, is already providing measurable relief to the trucking industry by helping reduce fuel costs.
The article presents these developments as contributing to improved operating conditions for trucking businesses through lower energy prices and increased industry confidence
Iran FM departs for Baghdad for talks on regional developments
Published: June 28, 2026 | 07:14 GMT | by Web Desk
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi departed for Baghdad on an official visit, said a post shared on the Iranian government's X account on Sunday.
The post said, "FM @araghchi departed for Baghdad on an official visit."
"Talks with senior Iraqi officials will cover bilateral ties, regional and international developments, and coordination for funeral arrangements in the holy shrines," the post added.
Pakistan, Bahrain FMs discuss evolving regional situation
Published: June 28, 2026 | 07:03 GMT | by Web Desk
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed the evolving regional situation with his Bahraini counterpart on Sunday.
A Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs post on X, stated: "Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 held a telephone conversation today with the Foreign Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani @bahdiplomatic."
The two foreign ministers discussed the "latest evolving regional situation" following the signing of the Islamabad MoU.
Foreign Minister Al Zayani congratulated the DPM/FM on the signing of the Islamabad MoU and appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating the understanding, expressing hope that it would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
He indicated that he would visit Pakistan in the near future to personally thank the prime minister, the foreign minister and the Chief of Defense of Forces, Field Marshal Asim Munir, for their great efforts to achieve the ceasefire.
Dar thanked Dr Al Zayani for his kind sentiments and reiterated Pakistan’s resolve to promote dialogue and diplomacy for achieving peace and stability in the region and beyond.
Iran says determined to defend sovereignty against US aggression
Published: June 28, 2026 | 06:45 GMT | by AFP
Iran said on Sunday it was determined to defend its sovereignty after the latest US strikes on the country.
"Iran strongly condemns the airstrikes by the terrorist US army on several monitoring and surveillance facilities on the southern coast of the country in the early hours of Sunday," the Iranian foreign ministry said in a statement, adding that it "stresses its determination to defend Iran's national sovereignty" against US attacks.
Iran and the United States have accused each other of violating their truce, straining negotiations meant to end the Middle East war.
Kuwait condemns 'repeated Iranian aggression'
Published: June 28, 2026 | 06:29 GMT | by Web Desk
Kuwait on Sunday condemned what it called "repeated Iranian aggression".
A statement issued by Kuwait's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses the State of Kuwait's condemnation and strongest denunciation of the repeated heinous Iranian aggressions against the State of Kuwait."
CENTCOM shares video of US fighter jets striking 'Iranian military targets'
Published: June 28, 2026 | 05:55 GMT | by Web Desk
CENTCOM has said that US Navy and Air Force fighter jets struck 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations. It shared a video of the strikes on its social media page.
A post shared by CENTCOM on Sunday said, "US Navy and Air Force fighter jets struck 10 Iranian military targets at multiple locations inside and near the Strait of Hormuz tonight, in response to Iran's drone attack on the motor tanker Kokuka Courageous."
Air raid siren sounded for a second time in Bahrain: Interior Ministry
Published: June 28, 2026 | 04:41 GMT | by AFP
Air raid sirens sounded for a second time in Bahrain on Sunday, the Interior Ministry said.
Iran announced earlier that it had launched strikes against the US Fifth Fleet base in Bahrain and another base in Kuwait, in retaliation for US strikes on its territory.
"The siren has been sounded ... Citizens and residents are urged to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the Interior Ministry said on X.
Iran Guards say strikes against Kuwait, Bahrain in retaliation for US attack
Published: June 28, 2026 | 02:56 GMT | by AFP
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Sunday that it carried out strikes against Kuwait and Bahrain in retaliation for US attacks on Iranian territory, warning any further aggression would be met with a "crushing response."
Iran and the United States have both accused the other of violating their fragile ceasefire, straining negotiations meant to end the Middle East war.
The Guards "destroyed eight important US military facilities at the Ali al-Salem base in Kuwait and at the Fifth Fleet naval base in Port Salman in Bahrain," they said in a statement.
"Any enemy aggression, whatever the pretext, even against insignificant targets ... will have a crushing response," the Guards added.
Kuwait says engaging 'hostile missile and drone attacks'
Published: June 28, 2026 | 00:28 GMT | by AFP
Kuwait came under attack from "hostile" missiles and drones, the country's army said on Sunday, while in Bahrain, air-raid sirens sounded following fresh US strikes against Iran.
"Kuwaiti air defenses are currently engaging hostile missile and drone attacks. Everyone is urged to adhere to the safety and security instructions issued by the relevant authorities," the army wrote on X.
In Bahrain, which hosts a major US naval base, air raid sirens went off, the interior ministry said, calling on residents to "remain calm and head to the nearest safe place".
Trump warns Iran 'will no longer exist' if US decides to escalate
Published: June 28, 2026 | 00:21 GMT | by AFP
US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Iran would "no longer exist" if the United States is "forced" to resume the war, as he accused Tehran of violating a ceasefire.
"United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.
"There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist!" Trump wrote.
US launches fresh strikes on Iranian military targets, says CENTCOM
Published: June 27, 2026 | 21:00 GMT | by Web Desk
The United States said its military carried out additional strikes against multiple Iranian military targets on Saturday after accusing Tehran of attacking another commercial oil tanker near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest strikes were ordered after an Iranian one-way attack drone struck the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku early Saturday as it transited the strategic waterway carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil. Washington said Iran had been allowed to honor a ceasefire following earlier US strikes, but instead launched the latest attack.
CENTCOM said US military aircraft targeted Iranian military surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities in response to what it described as continued Iranian aggression against commercial shipping.
For earlier developments, read our June 27 live blog here.