LIVE: Qatar pays tribute to Pakistan’s PM, CDF for playing instrumental role in diplomatic efforts

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

• Sharif signals breakthrough achieved
• 'Islamabad MoU has never been closer,' says Araghchi
• US official sees '80-85%' likelihood of Iran deal
• Araghchi says Israel looking to derail potential deal with US
• World oil prices plunge 5% on Mideast deal hopes

Pakistan, Saudi Arabia welcome imminent US-Iran peace talks signing 

Published: June 13, 2026 | 14:29 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan discussed the final stages of US-Iran negotiations in a telephone conversation Saturday.

In a post on X, the Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both countries welcomed an electronic signing ceremony scheduled for Sunday. They expressed hope the agreement will advance regional peace and stability.

The Saudi Foreign Minister acknowledged Pakistan's role in supporting mediation efforts throughout the negotiations process.

The two FMs also discussed an upcoming Regional Four Foreign Ministers meeting planned for later this month in Egypt.

Qatar pays tribute to Pakistan’s PM, CDF for playing instrumental role in diplomatic efforts

Published: June 12, 2026 | 14:02 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani sincerely appreciated Pakistan’s remarkable efforts for peace and paid tribute to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for playing an instrumental role in steering the diplomatic efforts. 

According to a press release issued by Prime Minister’s Office, PM Sharif received a telephone call from the Qatari PM. 

PM Sharif expressed “deep appreciation” for Qatar’s strong and steadfast support for Islamabad’s peace efforts throughout the crisis in the region, stating that a “peace deal was ready for signatures by the relevant parties very shortly.”

The Qatari PM assured Pakistan that Doha was proud to extend its support to Pakistan’s endeavors and hoped that this would bring lasting peace to the region.  

Israeli forces shot and injured Palestinian man with disabilities in occupied West Bank

Published: June 12, 2026 | 13:46 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli military shot a 29-year-old man with disabilities at the entrance to the village of Duma, south of Nablus, according to the Wafa news agency.

Palestinian Red Crescent Society sources told Wafa he was shot in the abdomen and leg.

US-Iran peace deal finalization expected in next 24 hours: Pakistan PM

Published: June 12, 2026 | 11:05 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said, "We are closer to a peace deal than ever before. With finalisation likely expected in the next 24 hours." 

In a post on X on Saturday, Sharif added, "Pakistan is preparing for the electronic signing of the peace deal immediately after, followed by technical level talks next week."

"We would like to thank United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran for their ongoing commitment during the negotiations, and we extend our sincere appreciation to our brothers in the region for their support. We are confident that this historic peace deal will form a strong foundation for lasting peace."

Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei to be buried July 9: State TV

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:41 GMT | by AFP

Iran's late supreme leader Ali Khamenei to be buried July 9, AFP reported, quoting state TV. 

Araghchi says nuclear issue deferred to final agreement of 'two-stage' negotiations

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:15 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s foreign minister said the nuclear issue has been postponed until the final accord, describing the talks as taking place in “two stages,” Tasnim reported.

He added that Washington’s current nuclear demands were unacceptable to Tehran and that the draft understanding has been revised through multiple rounds.

Pakistan, Swiss FMs welcome progress toward US-Iran understanding 

Published: June 13, 2026 | 10:03 GMT | by Web Desk

Foreign ministers of Pakistan and Switzerland welcomed the encouraging progress towards an understanding between the United States and Iran, said a post shared by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. 

"DPM/FM Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 spoke today with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis @IgnazioCassis."

"Welcoming the encouraging progress towards an understanding between the United States and Iran, they expressed hope that ongoing efforts would soon contribute to peace and stability in the region," the post said. 

"Both sides agreed to remain in close contact," it added.

Israeli shelling, airstrikes hit Lebanese towns of Majdal Zoun, Sajd, Qsaibeh 

Published: June 13, 2026 | 08:39 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli artillery shelling has targeted the outskirts of Majdal Zoun, while a new airstrike hit the Sajd area in Jezzine, according to state-run Lebanese National News Agency.

Meanwhile, an Israeli drone strike targeted the town of Qsaibeh in the Nabatieh district.

Lebanon reports Israeli strikes in south after Israeli warning

Published: June 13, 2026 | 07:39 GMT | by AFP

Lebanese state media reported Israeli strikes on the country's south on Saturday shortly after the Israeli army issued an evacuation warning for 20 locations including the city of Nabatieh ahead of raids there.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes in several areas covered by the evacuation warning, including the villages of Rihan and Sujud, located not far from Nabatieh.

Israel directs immediate evacuation of 20 towns, villages in southern Lebanon

Published: June 13, 2026 | 07:39 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli military has instructed people living in 20 towns and villages across Lebanon to evacuate their homes, according to Al Jazeera. 

The order affects residents of Deir al-Zahrani, al-Namirieh, al-Sharquieh, al-Dewayr, Harouf, Habboush, Kfarjoz, Zibdine (Nabatieh), Nabatieh al-Tahta, Nabatieh al-Fawqa, Kfar Rouman, Al-Mahmoudieh, Sajed (Jezzine), Reihan, Aaramta, Kfarchouba, Mlki, Al-Lawiza (Jezzine), Jarjouh, and Arab Salim. 

According to the military directive, residents must leave immediately and relocate to areas north of the Zahrani River.

Pakistan, Egyptian FMs welcome 'positive momentum in ongoing diplomatic efforts' 

Published: June 13, 2026 | 06:18 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty discussed the latest developments in the regional situation and welcomed the positive momentum in ongoing diplomatic efforts, said a post shared by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry on Saturday. 

The post said, Ishaq Dar "spoke late last night with the Foreign Minister of Egypt, Badr Abdelatty."

"The two leaders discussed the latest developments in the regional situation and welcomed the positive momentum in ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting regional peace and stability."

The two leaders "expressed hope that an early and constructive outcome in the ongoing engagement between the United States and Iran would be reached, contributing to lasting peace and stability in the region."

The two countries "also agreed to remain in close contact and continue consultations on matters of mutual interest."

Israeli military kills one person in Lebanon

Published: June 13, 2026 | 06:11 GMT | by Web Desk

One person was killed by the Israeli military in the municipality of Maarakeh, in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s National News Agency.

UNSC condemns UNIFIL peacekeeper's killing in Lebanon

Published: June 13, 2026 | 06:07 GMT | by Web Desk

The United Nations Security Council have issued a statement condemning the killing of a Serbian peacekeeper from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on June 4, according to Al Jazeera.

“The peacekeeper died from critical injuries sustained when mortar shells struck his position,” the statement said.

The council “paid tribute to the dedication and service of all United Nations peacekeepers who risk their lives in service of international peace and security and expressed their deep appreciation to UNIFIL’s troop-contributing countries”.

American forces maintain regional presence: CENTCOM

Published: June 13, 2026 | 06:01 GMT | by Web Desk

US CENTCOM in a post on X on Saturday said that US forces maintain regional presence and vigilance.

"A US Air Force F-16 fighter jet patrols the skies above the Middle East as American forces maintain regional presence and vigilance," the post said.

Commitments made must be commitments kept: Iranian Speaker Ghalibaf 

Published: June 13, 2026 | 05:21 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that “commitments made must be commitments kept”.

“No ifs, no buts, no excuses. For the close deal ahead, there is no other way. You reap what you sow,” he wrote in a post on X on Saturday.

US says 'downed' multiple Iranian drones targeting commercial ships in Hormuz

Published: June 13, 2026 | 02:28 GMT | by Web Desk

US forces have "downed" several Iranian drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, the military said late Friday.

"Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz," US Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the region, posted on X.

CENTCOM insisted that the strait "remains open for transit."

UAE denies transfer of funds to Iran 

Published: June 13, 2026 | 01:34 GMT | by Web Desk

The United Arab Emirates' foreign ministry categorically denied transferring any funds to Iran in an official statement carried on X.

According to the ministry's statement, media reports were circulating alleging that the Emirates transferred USD 3 billion to Tehran. 

"No frozen Iranian assets have been released, transferred, or faciliated through the UAE," the statement said.

Switzerland offers to host signing of US-Iran peace deal

Published: June 13, 2026 | 00:43 GMT | by AFP

Switzerland offered to host the possible signing of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, the Swiss foreign ministry told AFP on Friday.

"Switzerland is fully engaged. We are in close contact with the United States and Iran," the ministry said in a brief message sent to AFP.

In addition, the ministry said it "has proposed Switzerland as the venue for a possible signing, should the parties agree to it".

Iran FM says draft US deal to be signed 'remotely', possibly in 'coming days'

Published: June 12, 2026 | 20:30 GMT | by AFP

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that upon finalisation, a draft deal with the United States would be signed "remotely", which could happen "in the coming days."

"As soon as the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced. The signing will initially take place digitally. Each side will sign remotely. After that, it will be announced that both parties have signed this memorandum of understanding," said Araghchi in an interview with state television.

"This could happen in the coming days. I am very hopeful."

Sharif signals breakthrough achieved

Published: June 12, 2026 | 16:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Friday that a final text of the proposed peace agreement between the United States and Iran has been agreed upon, describing the development as the closest the sides have come to ending months of conflict.

In a statement posted on X, Sharif said Pakistan's mediation efforts were continuing despite what he described as attempts to undermine the process through misinformation. “Amid ongoing intense mediation efforts by Pakistan, we are fully aware of incessant misinformation campaign being waged by those who want to sabotage the peace deal,” he wrote.

Sharif said negotiators had now reached a breakthrough.

“Setting aside the noise, we can confirm that a final, agreed-upon text of the peace deal has been reached and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps,” he said.

The prime minister expressed optimism about the prospects for a formal agreement, adding: “Peace has never been this close as it is now.”

The statement comes as US, Iranian and regional officials have increasingly signaled that negotiations are approaching their final stages following months of diplomacy facilitated by Pakistan and supported by several regional partners.

Read our June 12 live blog for earlier developments here