Middle East Roundup, June 21: Qatar praises Pakistan's leadership in securing Islamabad MoU

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

• Trump praises Pakistan leadership
• UK foreign secretary terms Israeli minister's Lebanon remarks 'horrendous'
• Islamabad, Tehran discuss ties, regional developments
• Pakistan leaders join next negotiation phase
• US VP Vance departs Washington for Iran talks in Switzerland

Israeli attacks kill 9 in Gaza in past 24 hours

Published: June 21, 2026 | 23:12 GMT | by Web Desk

Israeli attacks have killed nine Palestinians in Gaza and wounded 41 others in the past 24 hours, the enclave’s Health Ministry says.

Since the “ceasefire” took effect in October, at least 1,021 people have been killed and 3,249 wounded by Israeli attacks.

Turkish FM warns of Israeli sabotage risk to US-Iran deal

Published: June 21, 2026 | 20:10 GMT | by Web Desk

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan says that technical issues remaining in the recently signed MoU may not be quickly resolved, and cautioned that Israel could try to derail the process, Al Jazeera reported. 

“These are important issues. It may not be easy to immediately resolve their technical details. We may see deadlocks from time to time. We need to be prepared for that,” Fidan told the Turkish Anadolu agency.

“Secondly, of course, there is always an Israel waiting in the corner, ready to sabotage the process as soon as it finds the opportunity.”

Iran delegation 'remains engaged' in Switzerland talks: diplomat to AFP

Published: June 21, 2026 | 19:45 GMT | by AFP

Iranian is still engaged in talks with the United States in Switzerland, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar and aimed at ending the Middle East war, a diplomat with knowledge of the negotiations told AFP late Sunday.

"The Iranian delegation remains engaged in the talks and has not indicated to the mediators any intention to leave," the diplomat told AFP on condition of anonymity to discuss the sensitive topic after Iranian media reported Tehran's negotiators had left the venue where the summit was being held.

Switzerland praises Pakistan's role

Published: June 21, 2026 | 18:00 GMT | by Web Desk

Swiss Vice President and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Sunday praised Pakistan's role in supporting implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding during a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the sidelines of talks in Bürgenstock.

In a post on X, Cassis said Switzerland valued Pakistan's contribution to the ongoing diplomatic process.

"As a country that places great importance on mediation, dialogue and Good Offices, Switzerland values Pakistan's important role in supporting continued discussions on the implementation of the agreed US-Iran MoU," he said.

Cassis added that Switzerland remained ready to support efforts aimed at de-escalation, regional stability and lasting peace.

The meeting took place as delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar continued high-level discussions in Switzerland focused on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Later, Prime Minister Sharif said he had thanked Switzerland for its support and constructive engagement following the signing of the agreement.

"We agreed that its successful implementation will contribute to regional peace, stability and global economic prosperity," Sharif wrote on X.

The prime minister said both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and that he had invited Cassis to visit Pakistan.

Qatar praises Pakistan's leadership at Switzerland summit

Published: June 21, 2026 | 17:24 GMT | by Web Desk

Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani on Sunday praised Pakistan's role in launching and advancing the diplomatic effort that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran.

Addressing the opening session of the Lucerne Lake Summit in Switzerland, Al-Thani described the agreement as a major diplomatic achievement reached after months of mediation and dialogue.

"The signing of the memorandum of understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran this week represents an achievement that mediators have worked to accomplish over several months," he said.

The Qatari premier expressed "deep appreciation" to Pakistan, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir for their role in the process.

"We express the State of Qatar's deep appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and Field Marshal Asim Munir, for their leadership in launching this operation and their continued active involvement in its various stages," Al-Thani said.

He added that working alongside Pakistan had been "a source of pride" and described the cooperation between Doha and Islamabad as "a true partnership" dedicated to supporting diplomacy and reducing tensions.

Al-Thani said the conflict had affected global trade, energy markets and economic stability, pointing specifically to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which he described as one of the world's most vital trade and energy routes.

He stressed that the signing of the memorandum marked the beginning rather than the end of the diplomatic process.

"The work does not end with the signing of a memorandum of understanding, but rather this step represents, in many ways, the beginning stage," he said.

The Qatari foreign minister said technical talks that began on Sunday would be crucial for translating commitments under the agreement into concrete outcomes and maintaining momentum toward a broader settlement.

Vance says Switzerland talks could open 'new leaf’

Published: June 21, 2026 | 16:40 GMT | by Web Desk

US Vice President JD Vance on Sunday expressed hope that negotiations with Iran could help reshape relations in the Middle East, while acknowledging that major challenges remain despite the start of implementation talks in Switzerland.

Speaking at the opening of discussions in Bürgenstock, Vance described the meeting as historic and said negotiators had an opportunity to build on the progress achieved under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

"The question before us now is how much more can we accomplish together?" Vance said.

The vice president said the talks could determine whether the two sides move toward a more stable regional order or return to confrontation.

"Can we turn over a new leaf? Can we change relations in the Middle East permanently?" he said.

"Or do we go back to doing things the old way, which is not our preference, but it's certainly very much something that can happen."

Vance was joined by senior US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff as delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar gathered for the first high-level implementation talks since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

Ghalibaf dismisses US threats, vows Iran is ready to respond

Published: June 21, 2026 | 16:11 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Parliament Speaker and head of the Iranian delegation in Bürgenstock, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Sunday dismissed US President Donald Trump's threats, saying Tehran was prepared to respond if necessary.

"Don't they think to themselves that if their threats had any effect, they wouldn't have reached the point of desperation they are in today? We don't give a damn about the American threats," Ghalibaf wrote in a post on X.

The remarks came hours after Trump warned Iran against allowing Hezbollah to escalate tensions in Lebanon as negotiations continued in Switzerland.

"They had better watch what they say; our armed forces are ready to respond in a different manner," Ghalibaf said.

"No matter how much they talk, it is we who act."

Nuclear program not discussed in US talks: Iranian state media

Published: June 21, 2026 | 15:50 GMT | by AFP

Iranian state television reported on Sunday a pause in the US-Iran talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland, and said that the Islamic republic's nuclear programme had not been discussed.

"No negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program took place during the 80-minute first round of talks," the state broadcaster said, adding that the focus had been on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, and the situation in Lebanon.

Trump warns Iran over Hezbollah

Published: June 21, 2026 | 13:30 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump on Sunday warned Iran against allowing Hezbollah to escalate tensions in Lebanon, as senior American and Iranian officials began talks in Switzerland on implementing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran must prevent Hezbollah from carrying out actions that could undermine efforts to stabilize the region.

"Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble," Trump wrote.

The US president also threatened renewed military action if tensions escalate.

"If they don't, we'll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!" he added.

PM Sharif hails US-Iran talks as step toward global peace
Published: June 21, 2026 | 13:26 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday that the start of US-Iran technical-level talks in Switzerland under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding marked “a great day” that could promote peace and prosperity both in the region and globally.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the prime minister thanked President Donald Trump for his “very dynamic leadership,” saying it had resulted in the meeting taking place in Bürgenstock.

PM Sharif said he expected “wonderful discussion” and hoped the talks would produce “very productive results” in the future.

He also thanked US Vice President JD Vance for leading the American delegation, Qatar’s prime minister for his role in the diplomatic effort, and Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir, for his “outstanding role” marked by consistency, perseverance and patience.

“I think together all these efforts have culminated in this wonderful place,” the prime minister said.

He expressed hope that participants would leave with an agreement that would “promote peace, progress and prosperity around the globe.”

Field Marshal Munir among two most important people to me, Vance says
Published: June 21, 2026 | 13:12 GMT | by Web Desk

US Vice President JD Vance said Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir is among the two most important people in his life, crediting the Pakistani military leader's diplomacy with making recent diplomatic progress possible.

"I have joked that I have 2 very, very important people in my life: India and Pakistan," Vance said at the opening ceremony of US-Iran technical-level talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. "The Indian is my wife and the Pakistani is Field Marshall Munir."

Vance noted he has spoken with the Field Marshal more frequently than anyone else in the past three months. 

"We would not be here without his statesmanship," Vance said.

Vance also praised Pakistan's Prime Minister, calling him a "dear friend of the President's, dear friend of mine," and crediting his "leadership and his very careful skilled negotiation" for advancing the talks.

The remarks came as the United States and Iran opened technical-level negotiations in continuation of the "Islamabad MoU," with Vance saying President Trump has empowered the delegation to find a diplomatic resolution to issues affecting the American people and the world.

Found great partners in working with Pakistan, says Vance
Published: June 21, 2026 | 12:53 GMT | by Web Desk

US Vice President JD Vance said Sunday that the United States is committed to ensuring a ceasefire in Lebanon while speaking at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, at the beginning of technical negotiations between the United States and Iran.

"We are here to ensure that the ceasefire will hold in Lebanon," Vance told reporters. "President Trump sent us to make a lasting ceasefire."

The US vice president credited international cooperation in the diplomatic efforts, saying the US "found great partners in working with Qataris and Pakistan."

He stated that the US was "committed to peace, not just with US and Iran but in the region overall."

Vance noted that the technical negotiations "will not resolve every disagreement." However, he said that "first time in history," the two sides will "sit down and resolve issues."

R-4 ministers praise Pakistan role, back next phase of talks
Published: June 21, 2026 | 12:21 GMT | by Web Desk

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Egypt on Sunday welcomed progress under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and called for continued diplomacy to advance the next phase of negotiations between the United States and Iran.

Meeting in Cairo, the ministers described the agreement as "a constructive step towards de-escalation" and toward ending a conflict that had threatened regional security, energy markets, international shipping routes and global trade, according to a joint statement issued after the meeting.

"The Ministers lauded the instrumental efforts of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan in reaching this historic outcome, along with the support extended by the State of Qatar to bring about a successful conclusion to the negotiations on the MoU," the statement said.

The ministers also stressed the importance of achieving "a swift and successful conclusion to the subsequent phase of negotiations" as high-level implementation talks got underway in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, involving delegations from the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar.

Qatar confirms launch of US-Iran talks in Switzerland

Published: June 21, 2026 | 12:18 GMT | by AFP

Qatar on Sunday confirmed the start of talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland aimed at a permanent end to the Middle East war.

In a statement, Qatar's foreign ministry announced "the launch of the Lake Lucerne Summit and the first meeting of the high-level committee with the participation of representatives from the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the two mediating states, the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan".

The gas-rich emirate added it hoped the meetings would "lead to a comprehensive and lasting agreement addressing all aspects covered by the Memorandum of Understanding", referring to an accord signed by the US and Iran earlier this week.

Pakistan PM Sharif meets with Iran's Speaker Parliament Ghalibaf

Published: June 21, 2026 | 11:21 GMT | by Web Desk 

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with Iran's Speaker Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf at Burgenstock, Switzerland before technical-level talks between Tehran and Washington.

The meeting also included CDF Asim Munir, Minister of Interior Mohsin Naqvi, and Iran's FM Abbas Araghchi among other top officials from both sides.

Pakistan PM holds meeting with US Vice President Vance 

Published: June 21, 2026 | 10:21 GMT | by Web Desk 

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held a meeting with Vice President of the United States JD Vance on the sidelines of US-Iran technical level talks as a follow-up of Islamabad MoU, being held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, said a post shared by Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office on Sunday.

Iran says can't enter final US deal talks without end to Lebanon war

Published: June 21, 2026 | 10:21 GMT | by AFP

Iran says on Sunday that it would not enter into talks on a broader agreement with the United States unless the war in Lebanon comes to an end.

"Without the implementation of these provisions, especially paragraph 1 (termination of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon), entry into the negotiation phase for the final agreement is not possible," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on X, referring to a provision in the initial deal between Tehran and Washington.

Iran says not seeking nuclear weapon or relinquishing enrichment rights

Published: June 21, 2026 | 09:43 GMT | by AFP

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated on Sunday that Tehran was willing to provide assurances that the country was not seeking a nuclear weapon, while insisting that Iran would not relinquish its right to enrich uranium.

"What the United States demands is that Iran not build an atomic bomb. This is nothing new, and we can also state in writing that we have no intention of building a bomb," the president's website quoted him as saying.

"However, we will not relinquish our right to enrichment, and the other side will have no choice but to accept this right," he added, before Iranian and US negotiators were set to meet for talks in Switzerland later on Sunday.

Iran says will discuss frozen funds, sale of its oil in US talks

Published: June 21, 2026 | 08:57 GMT | by AFP

Iran said on Sunday that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah will top the agenda in talks with the United States in Switzerland, as well as issues such as frozen Iranian funds and the sale of the country's oil.

"The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon, this issue will be the main topic of discussion in today's talks," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said in a video shared by IRNA state news agency.

"The issue of making available Iran's frozen or restricted assets, as well as the discussion related to issuing the necessary licenses for the sale of Iranian oil," will also be on the agenda, he added.

Swiss Foreign Ministry welcomes arrival of Pakistani delegation

Published: June 21, 2026 | 07:49 GMT | by Web Desk

Foreign Ministry of Switzerland welcomed the arrival of Pakistani delegation in a post on X on Sunday.

"We welcome the arrival of the Pakistani delegation in #Switzerland," the post said.

"As one of the mediators of the MoU signed between the #UnitedStates and #Iran, the Pakistani delegation is on its way to the Bürgenstock for the next phase of discussions," it added.

Swiss Foreign Ministry welcomes arrival of US delegation

Published: June 21, 2026 | 07:35 GMT | by Web Desk

Foreign Ministry of Switzerland welcomed the arrival of US delegation in a post on X on Sunday. 

"We welcome the arrival of the United States delegation in #Switzerland," the post said.

"The United States delegation is on its way to the Bürgenstock as part of the implementation of the MoU signed between the #UnitedStates and #Iran," it added.

Pakistan's Interior Minister Naqvi holds meeting with Iran's President Pezeshkian

Published: June 21, 2026 | 07:15 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi held a meeting with the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, said a post shared on Naqvi's WhatsApp channel along with a video and pictures. 

Pakistan PM Sharif arrive in Zurich to participate in high-level talks 

Published: June 21, 2026 | 06:35 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Zurich to participate in high-level talks, said a statement issued by Prime Minister's Office on Sunday.

"Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has arrived in Zurich along with his delegation. Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will participate in the High-Level Talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," the statement said.

Iran speaker remembers 'innocent children of Minab' 

Published: June 21, 2026 | 05:35 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Speaker Bagher Ghalibaf in a post on X on Sunday remembered the "innocent children of Minab". 

"I consider the innocent children of Minab and all the martyrs of dear Iran to be watching over my every action and behavior at every moment," he said in his post.

"They see us and expect things of us," it added.

US forces continue to routinely patrol skies: CENTCOM

Published: June 21, 2026 | 04:45 GMT | by Web Desk

US CENTCOM in a post on X on Sunday stated that the US forces continue to routinely patrol the skies. "A U.S. Air Force F-35 stealth fighter jet is refueled over the Middle East by a KC-135 Stratotanker."

"US forces continue to routinely patrol the skies," the post said.

US VP Vance arrives in Switzerland for Iran talks

Published: June 21, 2026 | 04:31 GMT | by AFP

US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland on Sunday for talks on implementing a deal to end the Middle East war.

Vance arrived at Emmen Air Base at 5:59 am (0359 GMT), according to his spokesperson.

Pakistan PM to hold meetings with Iran, US, Qatar delegations

Published: June 21, 2026 | 04:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, left for Bürgenstock, Switzerland to participate in the High-Level talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, said a statement released by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

The high-level delegations from Iran, Qatar and the United States will be part of these talks.

These talks mark the first formal engagement after the signing of the Islamabad MoU on 17 June 2026.

Pakistan will continue to support and advance the implementation of the understandings reached between Iran and the United States, the statement said.

On the sidelines of the talks, the prime minister is also expected to hold bilateral interactions with the participating delegations from Iran, Qatar, Switzerland and the United States, to reaffirm Pakistan's enduring commitment to dialogue and durable peace in the region.

Pakistan's facilitative role underscores its principled, balanced, and constructive approach throughout the crisis, including hosting earlier rounds of US–Iran talks and sustained diplomatic contacts that culminated in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, the statement said.

Technical negotiations set to begin

Published: June 21, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defense Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir departed for Switzerland on Sunday ahead of technical-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, as efforts to implement the Iran-US agreement move into a new phase.

The development came as Switzerland welcomed the arrival of the Iranian delegation in Bürgenstock. In a post on X, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said: “We welcome the arrival of the Iranian delegation in Switzerland,” adding that the delegation was traveling to Bürgenstock “as part of the implementation of the MoU signed between the United States and Iran.”

US Vice President JD Vance also departed Washington for the talks, signaling the importance Washington attaches to the negotiations. Speaking to reporters before leaving Joint Base Andrews, Vance said he hoped the discussions would make progress on “the nuclear issue” and “the Lebanon ceasefire issue,” describing them as the two main priorities for the next stage of negotiations.

The talks, scheduled for June 21, will bring together representatives of the United States and Iran, alongside mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, marking the first formal technical engagement since the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The discussions are expected to focus on implementing commitments under the agreement's 60-day framework as negotiators seek to advance the next phase of the peace process.

For earlier developments, read our June 20 live blog here