US, Iran peace deal reached, official signing on Friday in Switzerland: PM Sharif

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

• Peace deal reached as US, Iran end military operations: PM Sharif
• Trump announces to end US naval blockade
• Netanyahu has 'no judgement': Trump on Israel's onslaught of Lebanon
• Israel conducts air strikes on several towns in southern Lebanon
• UN chief condemns Israeli strikes at 'crucial moment' in peace efforts

Turkish president supports US-Iran deal, calls for peace

Published: June 15, 2026 | 01:30 GMT | by AFP

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed the announced agreement between the United States and Iran.

In a post on X, Erdogan said: “I sincerely hope that this news, which the entire world has long needed, will pave the way for the establishment of a lasting environment of peace and security in our region.”

The Turkish president called on all sides to “avoid rhetoric, provocations, and actions that could escalate tensions in the period leading up to the signing of the agreement, and to remain vigilant against possible sabotage”.

He added that an environment of peace has long been needed and said Ankara is willing to continue supporting efforts in that direction.

Oil prices down more than 4% after US-Iran deal to open Hormuz

Published: June 15, 2026 | 01:30 GMT | by AFP

Oil prices plunged more than four percent Monday after the United States and Iran announced they had reached a peace agreement to end months of a war that had roiled energy markets.

West Texas Intermediate was down 4.39 percent at $81.15 a barrel in Tokyo after mediator Pakistan said the United States and Iran agreed to a peace deal and an "immediate and permanent" end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

UK, France, Germany and Italy prepared to lift Iran sanctions: joint statement

Published: June 15, 2026 | 01:03 GMT | by AFP

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy said they were prepared to lift sanctions imposed on Iran, according to a joint statement Sunday, welcoming an agreement reached between the Washington and Tehran to end the war in the Middle East.

"We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear programme. We will work intensively with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement," the joint statement read.

"Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon. We stand ready to work with the US, Iran and the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) to this end."

US to release $12 bn in frozen assets: Iranian media

Published: June 15, 2026 | 01:03 GMT | by AFP

The United States will release $12 billion in frozen assets to Iran before the start of negotiations, Mehr news agency reported on Monday, quoting a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the two nations.

The document published by Mehr stipulated "the release of 24 billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets during the 60‑day negotiation period" that begins after the memorandum of understanding is concluded.

"Half of this amount must be made available to Iran before the start of the negotiations," the text, which has not been officially confirmed, specifies.

Qatar welcomes US-Iran deal, appreciates Pakistan’s mediator role

Published: June 15, 2026 | 00:33 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani welcomed he peace agreement between the US and Iran.

In a statement on his X account, he thanked Pakistan along with other regional parties for reaching this agreement.

"Qatar will remain a steadfast supporter of these efforts and of all endeavours aimed at strengthening security and stability at the regional and international levels through dialogue and peaceful means," he said.

Australia appreciates Pakistan, calls for long-lasting peace

Published: June 15, 2026 | 00:33 GMT | by Web Desk

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed the peace agreement between the US and Iran.

In a statement posted on his X account, Albaense thanked Pakistan and other mediating parties saying, "We commend the efforts to date of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and other mediating countries."

"We encourage all parties to to use this opportunity to pursue a durable and lasting peace through dialogue and diplomacy," the statement said.

MoU text due soon

Published: June 14, 2026 | 22:33 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran will begin announcing the immediate and permanent end of the war and military operations on multiple fronts, including Lebanon, starting Friday night, according to comments by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi reported by Iran International.

Gharibabadi said the next phase would focus on implementing the agreement reached between Tehran and Washington, adding that negotiations on a final accord would continue over a 60-day period. 

The remarks came hours after US President Donald Trump declared that the deal with Iran was complete and authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iran International, Gharibabadi said the text of the memorandum of understanding would be released shortly. 

“The text of the memorandum of understanding will be published shortly, and the public will be able to see Iran’s achievements and commitments,” he said.

He also sought to highlight Tehran’s assessment of the agreement, stating: “Our commitments are not comparable to our gains.” 

US blockade to end: Trump

Published: June 14, 2026 | 22:00 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that the agreement with Iran had been completed, declaring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and authorizing the immediate removal of the US naval blockade.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote. 

He added that he had “fully authorize[d] the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz” and, “simultaneously herewith, authorize[d] the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade.”

The announcement marks a significant step toward implementing the recently announced peace agreement between Washington and Tehran, with the Strait of Hormuz expected to resume unrestricted maritime traffic after months of disruption that rattled global energy markets and shipping routes.

Trump also signaled a return to normal commercial activity through one of the world’s most important energy corridors. 

“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he wrote, as preparations continue for the formal signing of the agreement in Switzerland later this week.

Peace deal reached as US, Iran end military operations: PM Sharif

Published: June 14, 2026 | 21:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been reached following months of negotiations, declaring an end to military operations across multiple fronts in the region.

“Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and Islamic Republic of Iran has been REACHED,” Sharif said in a post on X. 

He added that “both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

The announcement marks a major diplomatic breakthrough after more than 100 days of conflict, regional instability and sustained mediation efforts led by Pakistan in coordination with regional partners. 

The agreement follows months of negotiations aimed at ending hostilities, restoring regional stability and creating a framework for broader diplomatic engagement.

Sharif said the agreement would be formally signed during an official ceremony in Switzerland on June 19. 

“The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland,” he said, adding that mediators would facilitate a series of meetings in the coming days to prepare for implementation of the accord.

The prime minister thanked both Washington and Tehran for pursuing a diplomatic solution and acknowledged the support of regional partners throughout the mediation process. 

“We would like to thank the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran for their commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” he said. 

Sharif also expressed appreciation to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Türkiye for their contributions, saying their efforts had helped make the agreement possible.

Read our June 14 live blog for earlier developments here