Trump cancels Iran strikes, cites progress in talks involving Pakistan

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

• Twenty-two countries tell Iran to stop attacks 'on our soil'
• US military denies Iran's claim that Hormuz is closed
• Vance says Israeli PM has 'gotten some things wrong'
• Pentagon chief say strikes on Iran will be 'strong' and 'clear'
• UN nuclear watchdog demands more information from Iran on stockpile

Deal negotiations move forward

Published: June 11, 2026 | 17:45 GMT | by Web Desk
 

US President Donald Trump said he had canceled planned military strikes against Iran after discussions aimed at ending the conflict were elevated to the highest levels of the Iranian leadership and received approval from all parties involved.

In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said: “I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening.” 

He said the decision was based on progress made in negotiations and agreement on the key elements of a proposed settlement.

Trump said discussions and final points had been approved “in both concept and great detail” by all parties involved, including the United States, Iran's regional interlocutors and several countries participating in diplomatic efforts surrounding the crisis. 

He named Pakistan among the countries involved in the process.

While signaling progress toward a potential agreement, Trump said the US naval blockade would remain in place until the arrangement is formally concluded. 

“The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized,” he wrote, adding that the time and location of a signing ceremony would be announced later.

Says he canceled planned strikes on Iran after talks reached the highest levels of Iranian leadership, while Pakistan says it remains engaged in mediation efforts and continues to pursue dialogue despite recent hostilities and setbacks.

Islamabad backs diplomacy, dialogue

Published: June 11, 2026 | 14:00 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan on Thursday called for a negotiated resolution to the growing tensions between the United States and Iran, stressing that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path to lasting peace despite the recent escalation in the conflict.

Speaking at the Foreign Office's weekly press briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained deeply concerned about the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to supporting efforts to reduce tensions. 

The remarks came as hostilities intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran and the US exchanging fresh military strikes that have further complicated efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire and advance broader peace negotiations.

“Pakistan remains deeply concerned about the situation in the region, which has been marked by recent escalation. We believe diplomacy and dialogue should guide efforts toward a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan’s leadership would continue its diplomatic outreach and mediation efforts to help bring an end to the conflict.

Responding to a question about recent US and Iranian actions, Andrabi acknowledged the challenges facing the peace process but insisted Pakistan remained committed to its role as a facilitator. 

“I don’t think that we have lost hope. As I said earlier, we remain engaged and we work with a degree of optimism,” he said. “If a mediator and facilitator loses hope, or becomes pessimistic, this does not augur well for the peace process.”

The spokesperson said periods of renewed hostilities should not be viewed as the end of diplomatic efforts. 

“Challenges of ceasefire, and cycles in an armed conflict, where you have space for peace, space for dialogue, and then you have a cycle of hostilities, are expected in all international conflicts,” Andrabi said. “Let us not draw the curtains on Pakistan’s mediation role, and let us not lose hope.”

US military says it struck tanker violating Iran port blockade

Published: June 11, 2026 | 13:10 GMT | by AFP 

US forces struck and disabled another oil tanker attempting to bypass their blockade of Iranian ports this week, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday.

A US aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the Guinea-Bissau flagged vessel "after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from US forces," CENTCOM said.

It was the third such US strike this week and the ninth since the blockade began, said CENTCOM, which oversees American forces in the Middle East.

The strikes on the ship attempting to transport oil through the Gulf of Oman happened around 11:20 pm EDT Wednesday (0320 GMT Thursday), CENTCOM said, which are the morning hours in the region.

Saudi Arabia calls for more Mideast war talks under Pakistan, Qatar mediation

Published: June 11, 2026 | 11:02 GMT | by AFP 

Saudi Arabia condemned on Thursday overnight Iranian attacks on Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait, and called for renewed negotiations under Pakistani and Qatari mediation to end the Middle East war.

In a statement, the Saudi foreign ministry called for "de-escalation and restraint, urging all parties to prioritise wisdom by returning to diplomatic efforts and resuming the constructive negotiations sponsored by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, along with the efforts of the State of Qatar".

Kremlin calls on US, Iran to 'return to negotiating table'

Published: June 11, 2026 | 10:48 GMT | by AFP 

The Kremlin called on the United States and Iran Thursday to restart peace talks and said the new strikes in their war would be bad for the world economy.

"We call on all parties in this conflict to exercise restraint and return to the negotiating table," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, when asked by AFP about fresh attacks. He added that the escalation risks more "negative consequences for the situation in the region and the global economy."

Iran maritime body says Hormuz completely closed 'until further notice'

Published: June 11, 2026 | 10:47 GMT | by AFP 

Iran's new body overseeing the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday confirmed a complete closure order for the strategic waterway until further notice, after the Revolutionary Guards announced the move overnight.

"Due to the tensions caused by the aggression of the American forces in the region and the announcement made last night by the Iranian armed forces, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice," the Persian Gulf Strait Authority said in a post on X.

"Applicants who have been granted a transit permit are asked to be patient and wait for instructions from the PGSA."

Turkey calls on Iran and US to halt attacks

Published: June 11, 2026 | 10:40 GMT | by AFP 14:40

Turkey on Thursday called on the United States and Iran to halt their new round of attacks, saying it risked an "escalation" in the Middle East war.

"The reciprocal attacks that began two days ago raise fears of an escalation," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told a press conference during a visit to Sofia. "We recommend that the parties halt their mutual attacks and resume negotiations."

Iran says water supply restored to thousands cut off after US strikes

Published: June 11, 2026 | 13:25 GMT | by AFP

Water supply to villages in southern Iran have been restored after US strikes hit reservoirs, state television reported on Thursday, in what Iranian officials described as a "war crime."

Water and desalination facilities, particularly in southern Iran and across its Gulf neighbours, have been among the most critical and vulnerable infrastructure targets since the outbreak of the war between Iran, Israel and the United States on February 28.

An exchange of fire that took place overnight into Wednesday morning -- despite a ceasefire that went into effect on April 8 -- saw US strikes hit two water reservoirs in the town of Sirik, cutting off nearly 20,000 people from access to drinking water.

Qatar negotiators depart Tehran after talks on US, Iran: diplomat to AFP

Published: June 11, 2026 | 08:55 GMT | by AFP

Qatari negotiators have departed Tehran following discussions on the Middle East war, a diplomat told AFP on Thursday, as the US and Iran traded strikes once more.

"The Qatari delegation departed from Tehran this morning following talks with Iranian officials... that lasted into the early hours of this morning," the diplomat said on condition of anonymity, adding the discussions were "conducted in coordination with the United States."

China 'strongly urges' immediate halt to Mideast war operations

Published: June 11, 2026 | 08:25 GMT | by Web Desk

China on Thursday "strongly" urged an immediate halt to military operations in the Middle East, as the United States launched fresh attacks on Iran.

"China strongly urges the relevant parties to immediately cease military operations, return to dialogue and negotiation, respond to the mediation efforts of relevant countries, and achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire as soon as possible," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian told a regular press conference in response to a question about the Middle East situation.

Iran foreign ministry says US strikes render ceasefire 'practically meaningless'

Published: June 11, 2026 | 08:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran's foreign ministry condemned on Thursday the latest US strikes on the country, saying the attacks rendered the nearly two-month ceasefire "practically meaningless".

In a statement, the ministry said "the illegal and criminal attacks perpetrated by the United States in recent hours not only constitute a flagrant violation... but also render the ceasefire practically meaningless."

It added that the "responsibility for the extremely serious consequences of this criminal act lies with the leaders of the United States."

Pakistan calls for dialogue as US-Iran tensions intensify

Published: June 11, 2026 | 07:51 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan on Thursday called for a negotiated resolution to the growing tensions between the United States and Iran, stressing that diplomacy and dialogue remain the only viable path to lasting peace despite the recent escalation in the conflict.

Speaking at the Foreign Office's weekly press briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan remained deeply concerned about the evolving regional situation and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to supporting efforts to reduce tensions.

“Pakistan remains deeply concerned about the situation in the region, which has been marked by recent escalation. We believe diplomacy and dialogue should guide efforts toward a negotiated settlement of all contentious issues,” Andrabi said, adding that Pakistan’s leadership would continue its diplomatic outreach and mediation efforts to help bring an end to the conflict.

Three Indian sailors killed aboard ship hit by US off Oman: Indian shipping minister

Published: June 11, 2026 | 07:15 GMT | by AFP

Three Indian sailors on a commercial vessel hit by the United States off the coast of Oman are dead, New Delhi's shipping minister said Thursday.

"It is deeply unfortunate to learn of the tragic incident aboard the Palau-flagged MT Settebello," Sarbananda Sonowal said in a statement, referring to the strike on the vessel a day earlier.

"Sadly, three Indian seafarers initially reported missing are now confirmed dead after bodies have been located and identified".

India's foreign ministry summoned a top US diplomat in New Delhi after the US attack on Wednesday on MT Settebello to lodge "a strong protest".

Kuwait says air defenses intercept hostile targets

Published: June 11, 2026 | 04:31GMT | by Web Desk

Kuwait’s official communication center said on Thursday that the country’s air defense systems have intercepted “hostile air targets”.

Iran Guards say targeted US command centre in Jordan with missiles

Published: June 11, 2026 | 04:31GMT | by AFP

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Thursday it had fired ballistic missiles at a US command center in Jordan, according to state media.

This "punitive operation against the aggressor" targeted "Al-Azraq Air Base and its control center, using 12 ballistic missiles," the Guards said, as quoted by the Tasnim news agency, claiming to have destroyed these facilities and "a large number of fighter aircraft."

Trump says Iran asked him to stop bombing: Report

Published: June 11, 2026 | 08:44GMT | by AFP

US President Donald Trump said that Iranian leaders telephoned him directly and asked him to stop a bombing wave that was under way, Fox News reported.

Fox said that in an interview, Trump said US forces hit Iran with 49 Tomahawk missiles in the new bombing raid early Thursday, Iran time.

If Iran does not accept US terms for ending the three-month-old war, "President Trump said, quote, 'Will bomb the S out of them tomorrow night,'" said Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, who spoke to the president.

Kuwait army says air defenses engaging 'hostile' aerial targets

Published: June 11, 2026 | 03:00GMT | by AFP

Kuwait's military said its air defenses were engaging "hostile aerial targets", after the United States launched fresh attacks against Iran.

"The General Staff of the Army announces that air defense systems are currently engaging hostile aerial targets in accordance with established operational procedures," it said on X.

It urged "everyone to adhere to the security and safety instructions and guidelines issued by the relevant authorities, and to obtain information from official and reliable sources."

Stocks drop, oil rises as Iran and rate worries dog traders

Published: June 11, 2026 | 02:53GMT | by AFP

Fresh worries about the Middle East ceasefire and the prospect of a US interest rate hike hit stocks and oil prices Thursday, following a rollercoaster week for markets that has sent shivers through trading floors.

Investors took a little heart from closely watched data on Wednesday that showed May US inflation had come in around expectations but still hit a more than three-year high as fuel costs surged owing to the Iran war.

Iran strikes US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain: Report

Published: June 11, 2026 | 00:55GMT | by AFP

Iranian media reported on Thursday that Iran had attacked the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, after US strikes on its territory.

"In this wave of army drone strikes, communication antennas and radar facilities of the Patriot system of the 5th Fleet were targeted," the Mehr and Fars news agencies posted on Telegram.

An air raid alert was issued in Bahrain, and residents have been urged to "remain calm and head to the nearest safe place," the Gulf country's interior ministry said on X.

Twenty-two countries tell Iran to stop attacks 'on our soil'

Published: June 11, 2026 | 00:40GMT | by AFP

Twenty-two countries, including the United States and European nations, warned Iran to stop attacking people "on our soil."

"Attempts to kill, kidnap, harass, intimidate, or otherwise attack people on our soil undermine national sovereignty and international norms. These actions must stop immediately," they said in a joint statement.

US military denies Iran's claim that Hormuz is closed

Published: June 11, 2026 | 23:56GMT | by AFP

The US military on Wednesday denied Iran's claim that the Strait of Hormuz had been fully closed in response to the latest US strikes.

"TRUTH: Commercial ships are continuing to transit in and out of the Strait of Hormuz tonight," US Central Command, which oversees forces in the region, posted on X.

Iran says will target any vessel traffic in Strait of Hormuz

Published: June 11, 2026 | 00:32GMT | by AFP

Iran's military command said Thursday it will target any ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, after it struck two vessels attempting to pass through the strategic waterway, as talks to end the war faltered.

The United States launched a new wave of attacks against Iran on Wednesday, with President Donald Trump vowing to "hit them hard" after accusing Tehran's negotiators of "playing us for suckers".

The Khatam al-Anbiya command said Thursday, "any vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted," adding that the strait is now "completely closed to all types of vessel", according to the Tasnim news agency.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy, quoted by state television IRIB and the Mehr agency, said that "two ships attempting to illegally pass through the Strait of Hormuz were hit".

"Following repeated violations of the ceasefire by the American enemy, the Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice," it said.

"We warn that no vessel should leave its anchorage in the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman. Approaching the Strait of Hormuz will be considered cooperation with the enemy."

Iranian media reported explosions across the country's south near the Strait of Hormuz, the same area where US forces had already bombarded air defense, radar and other sites on Tuesday.

Read our June 10 live blog for earlier developments here