LIVE: US, Iran confirm reaching peace deal; Hormuz to open on June 19

Pakistan to oversee signing of US-Iran agreement

Pakistan has announced that it will supervise the formal signing ceremony of the agreement between the United States and Iran, which is scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday.

Addressing a session of the National Assembly in Islamabad, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the significance of the breakthrough after months of diplomatic efforts. He told lawmakers that “after three months and 16 days of unparalleled trials, the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations has been announced across all fronts, including Iran, America, and Lebanon,” reported Al Jazeera.

Pakistan has played a central role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, serving as one of the key intermediaries during months of negotiations aimed at easing tensions and ending hostilities.

The planned signing ceremony in Geneva is expected to mark the formalisation of the understanding reached by the two sides, following extensive diplomatic engagement involving regional and international partners. Pakistani officials have portrayed the development as a major step toward reducing instability in the Middle East and creating conditions for broader regional peace and cooperation.

Army warns returnees of risks in Southern Lebanon

The Lebanese Armed Forces have appealed to displaced residents not to rush back to communities near the southern border despite growing optimism following the announcement that the preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran includes an immediate halt to military operations in Lebanon.

In a statement shared on social media, the army warned that security conditions in the area remain uncertain and urged citizens to act carefully before returning to towns and villages affected by the conflict.

Military officials stressed that the situation on the ground continues to require vigilance, particularly in regions that have witnessed repeated exchanges of fire and military activity in recent months.

The army also called on residents “to adhere to instructions of the deployed army units, in order to safeguard their safety from the risk of Israeli violations and attacks”.

The appeal comes as some displaced families have already begun making plans to return home following news of the agreement. However, Lebanese authorities have cautioned that the ceasefire arrangement remains in its early stages and that conditions in several border areas may still pose risks to civilians.

UAE welcomes deal, urges full compliance and stability

The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement of the Memorandum of Understanding between the parties, describing it as a positive step toward reducing tensions and strengthening regional stability.

In a statement, the UAE Foreign Ministry emphasised the need to uphold international norms and legal principles “in a manner that enhances security and stability in the region”. The ministry said the success of the agreement would depend on all sides honouring their commitments and implementing its provisions in full.

It also stressed the importance of “full compliance with the agreement’s provisions, ensuring an immediate and comprehensive cessation of hostilities in the region, respect for the sovereignty of states and the principles of good neighbourliness, strict adherence to international law, and the protection of maritime routes and freedom of international navigation, including ensuring the smooth flow of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz”.

According to the ministry, “This will enhance security, stability, and economic prosperity at both the regional and international levels.”

The UAE further praised US President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts and expressed support for continued dialogue, calling for “continued progress in negotiations to build upon this progress and achieve sustainable results”.

China, Jordan and Saudi Arabia welcome Iran deal

International support for the proposed agreement to end the conflict involving Iran continued to grow on Monday, with several governments welcoming the diplomatic breakthrough and expressing optimism about its potential impact on regional stability.

In separate statements issued by their foreign ministries, China, Jordan and Saudi Arabia endorsed the efforts that led to the understanding between the parties. The three countries specifically praised the mediation roles played by Pakistan and Qatar, crediting them with helping advance negotiations and facilitate dialogue.

The governments also expressed hope that the agreement would contribute to restoring security in the Gulf region, ensure the safe movement of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and create conditions for a more durable peace across the Middle East.

Jordan's Foreign Ministry reiterated Amman's commitment to diplomacy as the preferred path for resolving international disputes. In its statement, the kingdom reaffirmed its “steadfast position in support of resolving disputes through diplomatic means in accordance with the principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

The statements reflect a broader regional and international push for de-escalation, with governments increasingly calling for dialogue and negotiated solutions to prevent further instability in the region

Shipping firms cautious despite Hormuz reopening hopes

Despite growing optimism following the agreement between the United States and Iran, shipping industry executives have warned that commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is unlikely to return to normal immediately. Industry participants say confidence among shipowners, charterers and insurers will take time to recover, with many waiting for confirmation that the waterway is safe, including the completion of mine-clearance operations.

While major shipping companies have welcomed the diplomatic breakthrough, they remain cautious about resuming regular transit through the strategically important route. Analysts at Sentosa Ship Brokers noted that “The market is clearly pricing in a return to business as usual, but after months of disruption owners and charterers alike will likely remain cautious until ships are consistently moving freely through Hormuz once again." reported Al Jazeera. 

The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, which erupted on February 28, severely disrupted maritime traffic through the strait, a passage that carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies as well as key commodities such as aluminium and urea.

Although vessel movements remain limited, data from Kpler and LSEG showed that India's Petronet dispatched the LNG tanker Disha through the strait on Monday, making it the first visible shipment since the announcement of the agreement. The vessel had loaded cargo at Qatar's Ras Laffan terminal on March 1 and remained stranded west of the strait before resuming its journey to the Dahej LNG terminal in India.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister confirms US deal signing planned for Friday

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has confirmed that negotiations with the United States have reached their conclusion and that the agreement is scheduled to be formally signed in Switzerland on Friday.

Speaking to Iranian state television on Sunday, Gharibabadi said Tehran remains cautious about Washington's intentions despite the breakthrough. He stressed that Iran would closely “monitor” whether the United States fulfils its obligations under the agreement. 

The deputy foreign minister also argued that recent tensions played a role in advancing the talks. Referring to warnings issued by Iran toward Israel and the US after Israel's strike on Beirut, he claimed the threats “helped the process of finalising the text and resolving some of the issues”.

Gharibabadi said Tehran hopes the next phase of negotiations can be completed within 60 days. According to him, discussions during that period will focus on key issues, including the removal of sanctions imposed on Iran and the resolution of international measures linked to its nuclear programme.

He added that post-war economic recovery and reconstruction efforts will also form part of the negotiations, with both sides expected to address rebuilding and development priorities during the proposed 60-day timeframe.a

Araghchi, Motegi discuss US-Iran deal in phone call

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has continued his diplomatic outreach following the announcement of the agreement between Tehran and Washington, holding a separate telephone conversation with Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

According to a statement published on Araghchi’s Telegram channel, the two ministers reviewed and exchanged views on “the content of and latest developments related to” the US-Iran deal. Their discussion focused on the implications of the agreement and prospects for regional stability.

During the call, Araghchi outlined the key provisions of the accord and expressed optimism about its potential impact on bilateral ties. He said he hoped the successful implementation of the agreement would open a new phase of economic engagement and cooperation between the two countries.

The statement said Motegi welcomed the breakthrough and viewed it as an important diplomatic achievement. The Japanese foreign minister reportedly described the agreement as a significant step toward easing regional tensions and resolving the ongoing crisis.

Motegi also stressed the importance of ensuring the accord is fully and accurately carried out, underscoring the need for its precise implementation to secure lasting stability and confidence among all parties involved.

Container ship fired upon in an attempted boarding off Yemen

A container vessel came under attack off the coast of Yemen after being approached by a small armed skiff in an incident that has renewed concerns about maritime security in one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the vessel was approached and fired upon approximately 26 kilometres (14 nautical miles) south of Yemen's coastline. The incident reportedly involved an attempted boarding before the attackers withdrew. Authorities said an investigation is underway and urged ships operating in the area to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, reported Al Jazeera.

The attack comes amid continuing security concerns in waters surrounding Yemen, including the Gulf of Aden, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and routes connecting to the Red Sea. Maritime agencies and shipping companies have remained on high alert following a series of attacks, suspicious approaches and attempted boardings reported in the region over the past several years.

The UKMTO said the vessel was approached by a small craft carrying armed individuals and that the incident involved an attempted boarding. Vessels transiting the area have been advised to exercise caution while authorities gather further information.

The latest episode highlights the persistent risks facing commercial shipping near Yemen despite ongoing international efforts to secure key maritime routes used by global trade and energy markets.

Lebanon Speaker Berri backs US-Iran accord

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has welcomed the agreement reached between Iran and the United States, describing it as an important development for Lebanon and the wider region. Berri, who also heads the Amal Movement, expressed gratitude to both countries for ensuring that Lebanon's situation was addressed as part of the understanding.

In a statement published by the Amal Movement, Berri “extended his thanks and appreciation to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America and their leadership for their adherence and insistence on including in the agreed-upon memorandum a fundamental and binding provision to halt the Israeli aggression on all of Lebanon”.

He said the provision could help safeguard Lebanon's national interests and stability. According to Berri, the agreement is expected to preserve Lebanon’s “sovereignty over its entire territory … and avoids falling into the trap set by the Israeli political echelon under Netanyahu’s leadership”.

The veteran Lebanese leader also acknowledged the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. He praised their role in securing an accord that, in his view, “establishes the foundations of security and stability in the region, including Lebanon”.

Smotrich slams US-Iran deal, vows pressure on Hezbollah

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has strongly criticised the agreement reached between the United States and Iran, arguing that it undermines Israel's security interests. In a post on X, the far-right minister described the accord as “is bad for Israel and for the entire free world”.

Despite his opposition to the deal, Smotrich acknowledged the impact of recent operations against Tehran, saying, “The joint campaign had many achievements in weakening Iran, and they will not go to waste," reported Al Jazeera.

He insisted that Israel must continue efforts to counter the Iranian government, adding, “We will have to continue the campaign to topple the regime ourselves and in creative ways, and ensure that Iran will never have nuclear weapons.”

Smotrich also rejected calls to scale back military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Emphasising the importance of security in northern Israel, he stated: “This is our war, our fighters, and the immediate security of our northern residents.”

The minister further pledged to support continued military action, saying he would work to ensure the armed forces retain “full freedom of action to continue pushing Hezbollah back”, despite growing international pressure for restraint.