Middle East Roundup, June 20: Iran-US technical talks under Islamabad MoU begin Sunday

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

• Pakistan, Saudi leaders stress dialogue, vigilance
• Israel and Hezbollah agree Lebanon ceasefire: US official
• Switzerland says ‘remains ready’ to facilitate talks
• Pakistan’s name 'echoes with respect' worldwide amid mediation role: PM Sharif
• Oil prices drop as supply starts moving through Strait of Hormuz

Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill 11

Published: June 20, 2026 | 22:38 GMT | by AFP

Gaza health officials said Israeli strikes on Saturday killed at least 11 people, including four members of the same family, in the latest violence to rock the Palestinian territory despite a ceasefire.

An overnight Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City killed four members of the Al-Safadi family, including the husband, wife and their two daughters, according to the civil defense agency.

It said the strike also injured 12 others.

US VP Vance departs Washington for Iran talks in Switzerland

Published: June 20, 2026 | 20:45 GMT | by AFP

US Vice President JD Vance was traveling to Switzerland on Saturday for talks on implementing a deal to end the Middle East war, saying negotiators would discuss Iran's nuclear program and the Lebanon ceasefire.

"I can only be there for a day or two. I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. Those are the two big things that I think we're to be focused on," Vance told reporters before departing from Joint Base Andrews.

Iranian delegation in Switzerland

Published: June 20, 2026 | 20:30 GMT | by Web Desk

Switzerland on Sunday welcomed the arrival of the Iranian delegation ahead of technical-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

In a post on X, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said: “We welcome the arrival of the Iranian delegation in Switzerland.”

The ministry said the delegation was traveling to Bürgenstock “as part of the implementation of the MoU signed between the United States and Iran.”

Pakistan leaders join next negotiation phase

Published: June 20, 2026 | 19:45 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir departed Islamabad on Saturday for Switzerland to participate in technical-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, according to a statement issued by the Prime Minister's Office.

The discussions are scheduled to take place in Bürgenstock on June 21 and form part of the next phase of engagement following the signing of the Islamabad MoU between the United States and Iran earlier this week.

According to the statement, PM Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir will participate in the talks alongside a high-level Pakistani delegation. Representatives of the United States and Iran, as well as mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, are expected to take part in the discussions.

The talks are aimed at advancing understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and moving forward on issues covered under the agreement's implementation framework, according to Pakistani officials.

Israel army confirms killing of journalist in Gaza

Published: June 20, 2026 | 18:30 GMT | by Web Desk

The Israeli military said Saturday it had carried out a strike that killed Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Wishah in Gaza, saying he was a "Hamas terrorist".

"The IDF confirms it carried out a strike on Ahmed Wishah, who was a Hamas terrorist," a military spokesman told AFP.

Israeli strike kills Al Jazeera's journalist in Gaza

Published: June 20, 2026 | 17:25 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar-based Al Jazeera said on Saturday that one of its journalists was killed in an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip.

"Ahmed Wishah, a cameraman for Al Jazeera, has been killed in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a house in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza," the broadcaster said on its website.

Israel reportedly orders military to halt fire in Lebanon

Published: June 20, 2026 | 15:14 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have instructed the military to "hold its fire" in Lebanon following coordination with the United States, Israel's Channel 12 news reported.

According to the report, the decision followed consultations between Israel's political leadership and Washington amid growing international efforts to preserve the ceasefire framework linked to the Iran-US agreement.

The report said Israeli forces would not withdraw from southern Lebanon despite the instruction to halt military operations.

Earlier, the Israeli military said it remained "committed to the ceasefire agreement in accordance with the directives of the political echelon" and would continue to act against what it described as threats to Israeli forces and the state of Israel.

The development comes after renewed Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon raised concerns about the durability of the ceasefire. Lebanese media later reported additional Israeli attacks in the south despite the military's announcement, according to Channel 12.

Pakistan, Qatar join as mediators
Published: June 20, 2026 | 14:03GMT | by Web Desk

Technical-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding will be held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on June 21, Pakistan's Foreign Office announced on Saturday.

According to the Foreign Office, representatives of the United States and Iran will participate in the discussions alongside mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.

The talks are being held as a follow-up to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding earlier this week, which ended the conflict between Washington and Tehran and established a framework for negotiations on outstanding issues.

Pakistan said it would continue to facilitate the process in its capacity as a mediator.

“Pakistan will continue to facilitate the process in its role as mediator, with a view to advancing the understandings reached under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding,” the Foreign Office said in a statement.

The meeting will mark the first formal technical engagement between the two sides since the signing of the agreement by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Islamabad, Tehran discuss ties, regional developments
Published: June 20, 2026 | 13:40 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran's Foreign Ministry in Tehran on Saturday, where he was received by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement shared on Naqvi's official WhatsApp channel.

Naqvi later held talks with Araghchi, during which the two sides discussed Pakistan-Iran relations and the regional situation following the agreement between the United States and Iran.

According to the statement, the meeting focused on bilateral cooperation as well as developments in the region after the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran.

Hezbollah says confronted Israeli forces' 'infiltration attempt' in south
Published: June 20, 2026 | 12:32 GMT | by AFP

Hezbollah on Saturday said its fighters confronted overnight Israeli forces as they tried to infiltrate towards strategic hills that overlook the southern city of Nabatieh.

"Again, under the cover of the ceasefire, the enemy last night carried out an infiltration attempt towards the Ali Taher hills," the group said in a statement, adding that fighters ambushed the Israeli troops and "confronted them with appropriate weapons".

Hezbollah "declares that while it is committed to the ceasefire, it will not be lenient in confronting any enemy attempt.... to expand its occupation," the statement added.

Lebanese state media says Israeli strike on south kills seven

Published: June 20, 2026 | 11:51 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese official media said an Israeli strike on a village near the southern city of Sidon killed at least seven people on Saturday, as Israel presses strikes despite a ceasefire with Hezbollah announced a day earlier.

The strike on Qannarit killed "seven people and wounded 13 others, in a preliminary toll", the state-run National News Agency (NNA) said.

Gaza health officials say Israeli strikes kill five including four of a family

Published: June 20, 2026 | 10:07 GMT | By AFP

Gaza health officials said Israeli strikes on Saturday killed five people, including four members of the same family, in the latest violence to rock the Palestinian territory despite a ceasefire.

An overnight Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City killed four members of the al-Safadi family, including the husband, wife and their two daughters, said the civil defense agency.

It said the strike also injured 12 others. Gaza City's Al-Shifa hospital confirmed receiving the bodies of four members of the al-Safadi family, including two children.

The hospital also said it had received another body following a separate Israeli drone strike near an intersection in the north of Gaza City.

When asked by AFP about the two incidents, the Israeli military did not offer an immediate response.

Colombia president says supports US-Iran peace agreement 

Published: June 20, 2026 | 09:55 GMT | By Web Desk

President of Colombia Gustavo Petro, in a social media post on Saturday, said that he supported the US-Iran peace agreement. 

"The President of the United States, Donald Trump, made a peace agreement with the Islamic Republic of Iran, and as President of the Republic of Colombia, which today holds the presidency of the United Nations Security Council, I support that agreement and respect it, because it means more Life for the world," Petro said in his post on X.

Naqvi in Iran 
Published: June 20, 2026 | 9:54 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi arrived in Tehran on Saturday, where he was received at the airport by his Iranian counterpart, Eskandar Momeni, according to a statement shared on Naqvi's official WhatsApp channel.

According to the statement, the two interior ministers later held a meeting and exchanged views on the regional situation.

Both ministers described the agreement between the United States and Iran as a positive step toward achieving lasting peace in the region.

“Both interior ministers termed the US-Iran agreement a positive step toward durable peace in the region,” the statement said.

Uzbekistan president congratulates Iranian counterpart on peace deal 

Published: June 20, 2026 | 09:47 GMT | By Web Desk

The president of Uzbekistan has congratulated his Iranian counterpart on the signing of memorandum of understanding with the US, according to Iranian state-run IRNA news agency. 

A post on X shared by IRNA stated, "In a message to President @drpezeshkian, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev offered his congratulations on the signing of the MOU by Iran and the US that brings an end to the war."

Lebanese civil defense says Israeli strikes kill 16 in southern Nabatieh region

Published: June 20, 2026 | 09:31 GMT | By AFP

Lebanon's civil defense agency said ongoing Israeli strikes on the Nabatieh district in the country's south on Saturday had killed 16 people, a day after the latest Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire announcement.

Civil defense personnel have transported "16 dead and 12 wounded" to hospital, a statement said, adding that the personnel were working "since the early morning hours" in the Nabatieh district in response to "ongoing attacks targeting the area".

Lebanese army says soldier killed in Israeli strike on south

Published: June 20, 2026 | 09:13 GMT | By AFP

The Lebanese army said an Israeli strike killed one of its soldiers in the country's south on Saturday, despite a new ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah reached a day earlier.

"An Israeli enemy strike targeted an army soldier on the Kfar Rumman-Nabatieh road, leading to his martyrdom," an army statement said, charging that "the continuation of brutal Israeli attacks aims to obstruct any solution that would allow for restoring stability in Lebanon".

Uzbek foreign minister felicitates Pakistan counterpart on Islamabad MoU signing 

Published: June 20, 2026 | 08:03 GMT | By Web Desk

Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov felicitated his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar on the signing of Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, said a post shared on X by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday.  

The post said, "Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqDar50 received a telephone call from the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, Bakhtiyor Saidov @FM_Saidov."

"FM Saidov felicitated, on behalf of his President and himself, DPM/FM on the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and commended the leadership of Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence Forces Syed Asim Munir for the constructive role in facilitating the process," it said.

"He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts as a mediator and acknowledged its significant contribution to advancing international peace efforts, as well as promoting regional peace and stability," the post added.

Situation in Nabatiyeh resembles 'a death trap', says Doctors Without Borders

Published: June 20, 2026 | 07:43 GMT | By Web Desk

Doctors Without Borders has said that the ongoing situation in southern Lebanese town of Nabatiyeh as "devastating" and that it resembles "a death trap.

"The ongoing situation in Nabatiyeh is devastating. What our teams are describing resembles a death trap," it said in a post on X.

UK advisory maintains Hormuz threat assessment at 'moderate'

Published: June 20, 2026 | 06:49 GMT | By Web Desk

The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre has left its threat assessment for the Strait of Hormuz unchanged at “moderate,” down from “substantial” two days ago.

Lebanon state media says five dead in fresh Israeli strikes on south

Published: June 20, 2026 | 06:39 GMT | By AFP

Lebanese official media said fresh Israeli strikes on the country's south on Saturday killed five people, despite a new ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah announced a day earlier.

The state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported Israeli airstrikes on more than a dozen south Lebanon locations after midnight and into Saturday morning, many in and around the Nabatieh area.

It also reported Israeli artillery shelling on Nabatieh city and its outskirts, a region where fighting has been focused in recent days.

The NNA said three people were killed in airstrikes on the town of Arab Salim, while one person was killed in Deir Zahrani, and another after "an enemy drone launched a strike on a motorbike" at the entrance of the town of Dweir.

US envoy Witkoff headed to Switzerland for talks: Media

Published: June 20, 2026 | 06:01 GMT | By AFP

US envoy Steve Witkoff was headed to Switzerland for talks, American media outlets reported Friday, after scheduled negotiations due to take place there between the United States and Iran were postponed.

Witkoff was on his way to the alpine nation on Friday, Axios said, citing an unnamed US official.

His trip comes as Washington and Iran work to get technical talks following up on an initial peace deal "back on track," CNN said.

Trump's envoy Jared Kushner was also expected to be in Switzerland for talks, CNN said, citing a US official. Axios said he was already there.

It was not immediately clear whether Witkoff would hold meetings with any Iranian officials.

Vice President JD Vance had initially been expected to travel but postponed his trip, the White House announced late Thursday.

UK foreign secretary terms Israeli minister's Lebanon remarks 'horrendous' 

Published: June 20, 2026 | 04:47 GMT | By Web Desk

UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has termed the Israeli minister's remarks on Lebanon "abhorrent".

Cooper, in a post on X, stated: "Calling for "all of Lebanon to burn" is a horrendous and abhorrent statement from an Israeli Minister who has rightly been sanctioned by the UK Government."

"We call on both Israel and Hezballah to comply with the agreed ceasefire, and ensure that all civilians are protected," she added.

Qatari, Swiss FMs discuss latest regional developments 

Published: June 20, 2026 | 04:21 GMT | By Web Desk

Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Meets Swiss Foreign Minister in talks on Friday at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland, according to a statement released by Qatari Foreign Ministry. 

A post on X by Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held talks on Friday with HE Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, Ignazio Cassis, at the Burgenstock Resort in Switzerland."

"They discussed bilateral relations and ways to support and strengthen cooperation, as well as the latest regional developments, particularly diplomatic efforts aimed at promoting security and stability in the region, following a memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran," it said.

"HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed Doha's support for launching negotiations between the US and Iran to reach sustainable solutions to outstanding issues through dialogue and peaceful means," the post added.

"His Excellency said such efforts would enhance regional security, open new horizons for cooperation, development, and prosperity, and serve the common interests of peoples in the region and the world," it concluded.

Woman killed, several injured in Israeli strike on Gaza City apartment

Published: June 20, 2026 | 03:08 GMT | By Web Desk

Israeli air strike killed Palestinian woman targeting a residential apartment in central Gaza City, AL Jazeera reported.

The local ambulance and emergency services said several other people sustained injuries in the strike, according to AL Jazeera.

“We’ll bring you more on this as soon as we can.”

Israeli settlers vandalize Palestinian home in the West Bank

Published: June 20, 2026 | 00:59 GMT | By Web Desk

Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian home in the al-Hara’iq area of the occupied West Bank, south of Nablus, AL Jazeera reported.

Elsewhere, Israeli forces assaulted a young man in the Bir Qouza area in Beita. He was transferred to a local medical facility, according to AL Jazeera.

Israeli settlers also destroyed olive trees belonging to Palestinians in the village of Kisan, east of Bethlehem,.

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.

For earlier developments, read our June 19 live blog here