Middle East Roundup, June 19: US intelligence warns Israel may undermine Iran peace deal

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

• Vance says Israel must respect Iran peace process
• Pezeshkian lauds PM Sharif, CDF Munir mediation
• Qatar says US-Iran deal 'solid foundation' for next round of talks
• Trump says 'fools' who criticize Iran deal are 'jealous, bad people, or stupid'
• IAEA says ready to help formulate 'concrete steps' towards implementing US-Iran deal

Pakistan FM to attend Cairo meeting as mediators back Iran-US accord

Published: June 19, 2026 | 21:38 GMT | By Web Desk

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar will travel to Egypt on Sunday for the fourth R-4 foreign ministers meeting, bringing together Pakistan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to strengthen diplomatic coordination following the end of the Iran-US conflict.

The meeting comes as the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed by Donald Trump and Masoud Pezeshkian, which ended 110 days of conflict between Washington and Tehran and establishes a 60-day framework for negotiations.

The R-4 group first met in Islamabad in March amid growing regional tensions, with member states coordinating diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability.

Since then, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt have remained closely engaged on developments surrounding the conflict and subsequent peace efforts.

Trump praises Pakistan leadership

Published: June 19, 2026 | 20:05 GMT | By Web Desk

US President Donald Trump praised Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran.

In an interview with Axios, Trump highlighted the relationship between Pakistan's civilian and military leadership while discussing efforts that led to Islamabad MoU.

“In Pakistan, you have the field marshal, who is great, Munir, he's great. And you have the prime minister, and they just get along great,” Trump said.

The US president said he had initially expected a different dynamic between the country's political and military leadership.

“I figured, well, maybe the military guy would be, he totally respects the prime minister. It's a beautiful thing to see,” Trump added.

US intelligence warns Israel may undermine Iran peace deal

Published: June 19, 2026 | 18:02 GMT | By Web Desk

A new intelligence assessment cited by the Washington Post has reportedly warned that Israel could take steps that undermine efforts to transform the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding into a lasting agreement between the United States and Iran.

According to the American newspaper, US intelligence agencies believe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing growing domestic pressure to continue military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite the agreement's provision calling for an end to hostilities on all fronts. 

The report said Israel appears intent on maintaining military pressure in Lebanon, a development US officials reportedly fear could jeopardize the fragile diplomatic process.

The assessment comes as fighting in Lebanon continues despite the ceasefire framework outlined in the agreement. 

Israeli airstrikes on Friday killed dozens of people across southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities, while both Washington and Tehran subsequently postponed technical talks that had been expected to advance implementation of the accord.

President Donald Trump has publicly acknowledged disagreements with Netanyahu over Lebanon. Announcing the Iran-US memorandum earlier this week, Trump said he had a “little dispute over Lebanon” with the Israeli leader and urged a more restrained approach, adding: “You don’t have to knock down a building every time somebody walks into it that’s from Hezbollah.”

Vice President JD Vance has also stressed the importance of preserving the diplomatic track, saying Israel must respect the peace process with Iran and describing attacks in Beirut that kill civilians as “not acceptable.” The comments underscore growing concern in Washington that renewed escalation in Lebanon could threaten progress toward a broader settlement under the Islamabad MoU.

The Washington Post reported that US officials view Lebanon as the most immediate test of the agreement's durability, with continued hostilities risking both the next phase of Iran-US negotiations and wider regional stability.

Hormuz ship traffic climbs after war deal: Trackers

Published: June 19, 2026 | 18:10 GMT | By AFP

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz rose to its busiest in two months after a deal to halt the US-Iran war, maritime trackers said on Friday.

A total of 25 commercial vessels crossed the newly reopened strait on Thursday, the highest number since mid-April, according to data from tracking firm AXSMarine -- more than three times the average of just over seven a day since early March.

In a sign of traffic picking up in the region, empty trucks queued for up to three kilometres (two miles) outside the UAE port of Korfakkan just south of the strait, as at least four container ships unloaded there, an eyewitness told AFP.

Other ships could be seen on the hazy horizon, apparently waiting their turn to dock and unload, the eyewitness said, requesting anonymity.

Pakistan, Saudi leaders stress dialogue, vigilance

Published: June 19, 2026 | 16:16 GMT | By Web Desk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman agreed on Friday that the next phase of negotiations between Iran and the United States must move forward through dialogue and diplomacy following the signing of the Islamabad Peace Deal, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

During a telephone conversation, PM Sharif congratulated the Saudi crown prince on the signing of the agreement and thanked him for the Kingdom's support throughout the mediation process.

The prime minister expressed “deep appreciation” for Mohammed bin Salman's “steadfast and consistent support to Pakistan's peace efforts” and said it was only with the backing of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states that the agreement was reached within months.

According to the statement, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulated PM Sharif and praised the role of Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in securing the breakthrough.

The two leaders agreed that it was now vital to ensure the next phase of negotiations progresses smoothly and that all outstanding issues are resolved through “dialogue and diplomacy.”

Both sides also stressed the need for vigilance against any attempt to derail the negotiation process as Tehran and Washington prepare for technical-level talks under the 60-day implementation framework established by the agreement.

The leaders expressed satisfaction over the state of Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations and discussed plans to finalize a comprehensive economic package between the two countries.

PM Sharif also renewed his invitation for the crown prince to visit Pakistan, while both sides agreed to maintain close coordination in the coming days, the statement said.

Pakistan wishes Iran success in next phase of negotiations

Published: June 19, 2026 | 15:00 GMT | By Web Desk

Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday, congratulating Iran on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding with the United States and expressing support for the next phase of negotiations, according to a statement issued by the Foreign Office.

Dar congratulated the Iranian leadership, government and people on what the statement described as the historic agreement.

“He also conveyed his best wishes for the commencement of the next phase of negotiations, expressing hope that the process would move smoothly and yield positive outcomes,” the Foreign Office said.

According to the statement, Araghchi expressed gratitude for Pakistan's “constructive and sustained mediation efforts” throughout the conflict.

The two foreign ministers also exchanged views on regional developments and voiced concern over what they described as Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon.

The Iranian side additionally thanked Pakistan for facilitating the repatriation of 30 Iranian nationals, including eight fishermen rescued at sea by the United Kingdom and 22 crew members recently interdicted by the United States.

The Foreign Office said transit arrangements for the individuals were currently being coordinated by Pakistan.

Both sides underscored the importance of continued engagement and agreed to remain in close contact as implementation of the agreement moves forward and preparations continue for the next phase of Iran-US negotiations.

Israeli airstrikes kill 47 in Lebanon

Published: June 19, 2026 | 14:20 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli airstrikes and bombardments killed at least 47 people and wounded 97 others across Lebanon on Friday, according to an updated toll released by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health.

The ministry said the dead included at least seven women and two children, as rescue teams continued to assess casualties from strikes reported across multiple areas of the country.

The latest figures were announced hours before a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was due to take effect under the broader regional de-escalation framework linked to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Under the interim agreement between the United States and Iran, all parties and their allies are expected to immediately and permanently cease military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

Israel and Hezbollah agree Lebanon ceasefire: US official

Published: June 19, 2026 | 13:24 GMT | by AFP

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed a ceasefire, a US official said Friday, after deadly new exchanges in Lebanon put the deal to end the Middle East war under strain.

The truce beginning immediately was brokered by US and Qatari mediators following talks with Israel and Iran, the official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

Switzerland says ‘remains ready’ to facilitate talks

Published: June 19, 2026 | 12:42 GMT | by Web Desk

The planned talks between US, Iran, Qatar, and Pakistan have been postponed, said the Swiss foreign ministry in a statement, adding that the country “remains ready to facilitate these talks.”

The statement added that “relevant preparatory” work at Bürgenstock is continuing.

“No further information can be provided at present,” it added.

Ships must apply 48 hours ahead

Published: June 19, 2026 | 10:46 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) on Friday instructed shipowners to submit transit requests at least 48 hours before arriving at the Strait of Hormuz, outlining new procedures following the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

In a notice issued after the agreement entered into force, the authority said vessels seeking passage through the strategic waterway must provide complete documentation and contact information in advance to ensure smooth processing and avoid delays.

“To avoid delays at the entrance or exit of the Strait of Hormuz, it is essential that passing requests, complete with all required information, are submitted at least 48 hours prior to arriving at the strait area,” the authority said.

The PGSA added that vessels complying with the requirements “will be cleared for passage promptly” during the 60-day implementation period of the agreement. 

In a separate post on X, the authority said: “Following the Islamabad MoU and official directives, vessels that submit compliant transit requests will be permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz during the announced period.”

The authority also said Iran would waive tariffs for security, safety and environmental services during the implementation period, while warning that ships must coordinate designated routes and passage schedules because of mine-affected areas and navigational safety concerns in and around the strait.

Pakistan’s name 'echoes with respect' worldwide amid mediation role: PM Sharif

Published: June 19, 2026 | 07:29 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif told the National Assembly that Pakistan’s mediation in the US‑Iran conflict has elevated the country’s international standing.

He said the nation has been granted great esteem, adding that “from Japan to Saudi Arabia, from Kuala Lumpur to Casablanca, and from Mexico to India, if any country’s name is echoing around the world with respect and dignity, it is Pakistan’s.”

France urges Israel to 'respect' US-Iran deal ceasefire

Published: June 19, 2026 | 07:26 GMT | by AFP

France on Friday urged Israel to "respect" a deal signed between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East war, the French foreign minister said after overnight Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon.

"This agreement provides for a cessation of hostilities; the Israeli government must respect it, and the United States in particular must exert all the necessary pressure on the Israeli government to ensure that this is the case," Jean-Noel Barrot said on FranceInfo radio.

Israel says four soldiers killed in Lebanon, first since peace deal

Published: June 19, 2026 | 06:44 GMT | by AFP

Israel says four soldiers killed in Lebanon, first since peace deal

Israeli strikes kill at least 16 in southern Lebanon’s Nabatieh district

Published: June 19, 2026 | 05:10 GMT | by Web Desk

Fresh Israeli air strikes and artillery shelling have killed at least 16 people and left several others injured or missing across the Nabatieh district in southern Lebanon, the Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) said in a statement.

The agency described the overnight bombardment as one of the most intense Israeli assaults on the area, with multiple homes targeted after midnight.

Oil prices drop as supply starts moving through Strait of Hormuz

Published: June 19, 2026 | 02:18 GMT | by Web Desk

Crude prices are declining as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers following the signing of the US-Iran MoU signals an influx of market supply, Al Jazeera reported

Brent crude futures dropped by 54 cents, or 0.68%, to $78.31 per barrel as of 01:46 GMT.

Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) dipped 46 cents, or 0.60%, trading at $76.14 a barrel.

Vance delays Switzerland visit for Iran talks: White House

Published: June 19, 2026 | 02:18 GMT | by AFP

US Vice President JD Vance has postponed a trip to Switzerland for talks that were originally slated for Friday to discuss next steps on the US-Iran agreement on ending the war in the Middle East, according to the White House.

"The logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now, the Vice President is not departing tonight," a White House spokesperson said late Thursday. "We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible."

Iranian president welcomes Qatar’s role in facilitating US-Iran deal

Published: June 19, 2026 | 01:33 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s president has praised Qatar’s role in helping the two countries reach the MoU during a phone call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Masoud Pezeshkian said Qatar had created a “conducive environment for negotiations”, according to a statement released by his office, adding that the agreement had been made possible with the support of Qatar, Pakistan and other Islamic countries.

Sheikh Tamim also welcomed the signing of the MoU, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in reducing tensions and boosting regional stability.

Iran’s Ghalibaf says Tehran won’t tolerate US breaches of MoU

Published: June 19, 2026 | 00:58 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s chief negotiator and speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says Tehran will not tolerate breaches of the MoU by Washington.

“In the event of bad faith, breach of contract, and excessive demands by the opposing side, we have no hesitation in delivering a crushing response to the enemy,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X.

“They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to tread that path again, they will receive an even harder slap.”

Technical talks to proceed separately

Published: June 18, 2026 | 14:40 GMT | by Web Desk 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's planned visit to Switzerland has been postponed after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran was electronically signed and entered into force, diplomatic and Prime Minister's Office sources said.

The development has reduced the need for the previously planned commemorative event in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.

Officials said the focus has now shifted from signing the agreement to implementing its provisions. 

The MoU was electronically signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and subsequently endorsed by PM Sharif in his capacity as mediator.

According to diplomatic sources, the United States and Iran will now hold separate technical-level talks on multiple issues covered under the agreement. 

These discussions are expected to address implementation mechanisms and the next phase of commitments agreed by both sides under the Islamabad MoU.

For earlier developments, read our June 18 live blog here.