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

Katz says Israeli troops will stay in Lebanon indefinitely

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz has said the Israeli military will continue operating in parts of Lebanon despite a newly announced framework agreement between the United States and Israel that was brokered by Pakistani mediators. The agreement reportedly calls for an end to "military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon".

In a statement issued in Hebrew, Katz indicated that Israel has no intention of withdrawing its forces from positions it currently holds, despite what he described as "existing and expected pressures".

According to the minister, he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have agreed that the Israel Defense Forces will remain in designated "security zones" not only in Lebanon but also in Syria and Gaza, "without time limit".

Katz said the continued military presence is aimed at safeguarding Israeli territory and ensuring that "all terrorist infrastructures" are dismantled. He added that Israel has already communicated its position to US officials.

The defence minister also issued a warning to Tehran, stating: "If Iran attacks Israel due to the events in Lebanon — we will strike it with full force and clearly demonstrate the gap in power."

His remarks highlight ongoing tensions despite diplomatic efforts to reduce conflict in the region.

IMO chief welcomes deal, sees safer Strait of Hormuz

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), welcomed the recent breakthrough, describing it as a positive development for global shipping and regional stability. He said the agreement “signals a crucial return to peace, dialogue, multilateralism and diplomacy, and in particular, an important step towards restoring safety” in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

According to Dominguez, the progress could also help address the humanitarian challenges created by the disruption in the region. He noted that “The agreement also allows IMO to advance its plan to evacuate the thousands of seafarers stranded in the area” as quoted by Al Jazeera.

The IMO chief said the organisation is coordinating closely with member states and international partners to ensure the evacuation process is carried out in an orderly and secure manner. While preparations are underway, he cautioned that the operation cannot be completed immediately.

“However, its implementation will require time to ensure that all necessary safety and security guarantees are in place,” he said, emphasising that protecting seafarers remains the organisation's top priority.

US-Iran deal raises hopes but doubts persist in Lebanon

The announcement of a framework agreement between the US and Iran has raised hopes in Lebanon that the prolonged conflict involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement could finally move toward a resolution. However, many residents remain cautious after years of violence and failed ceasefire efforts.

Although conditions appeared relatively calm in southern Lebanon on Monday, where Israeli air strikes have frequently occurred, uncertainty persists. Some displaced families have begun returning to their hometowns despite official warnings that conditions remain unsafe. In one widely shared video, returning residents were reportedly confronted by an Israeli tank positioned on a village road, reported the BBC.

Iran had pushed for Lebanon to be included in any broader agreement, a move seen as important for maintaining its influence among Hezbollah supporters. The conflict has deeply affected communities aligned with the group and strengthened the significance of Tehran's role in Lebanese affairs.

At the same time, Beirut has sought to separate Lebanon's situation from wider regional tensions while attempting to weaken Hezbollah's influence and advance efforts to disarm the group.

The consequences of the war have been severe. More than 3,700 people have been killed, about 5% of Lebanese territory remains under Israeli control, dozens of southern villages have been devastated, and nearly one million people remain displaced.

Many Lebanese remain unconvinced that the latest agreement will bring lasting peace, recalling that the ceasefire ending the previous war in 2024 failed to stop continued Israeli strikes on what it described as Hezbollah positions. As a result, many fear that renewed instability could return once international attention shifts elsewhere.

Araghchi discusses US-Iran deal with regional counterparts

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has held separate discussions with his counterparts from Egypt, Iraq and Turkiye following the announcement of the agreement between Tehran and Washington, according to a statement shared on his official Telegram channel.

During the conversations, Araghchi briefed the three foreign ministers on developments surrounding the Iran-US understanding and emphasised the importance of reducing tensions across the region. He called for an immediate end to Israel’s military actions and condemned what he described as “destabilising attacks on Lebanon”.

The talks also focused on regional security and ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at preventing further escalation. According to the statement, the foreign ministers expressed support for initiatives intended to ease tensions and promote stability.

The post added that the ministers welcomed the “diplomatic efforts to achieve stability and security in the region”, reflecting broader regional backing for dialogue and negotiations as a means of addressing ongoing conflicts and strengthening peace in the Middle East.

European stocks rise as US-Iran deal lifts sentiment

European stock markets moved higher at the start of trading as investors welcomed the framework agreement between the United States and Iran, viewing it as a potential step toward reducing geopolitical tensions. Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 both gained around 1.7%, reflecting improved market sentiment across the region.

In the UK, the FTSE 100 posted a more modest rise of 0.6%. The benchmark lagged its European peers as shares of energy majors BP and Shell fell roughly 4% following a decline in oil prices, as reported by the BBC.

The positive mood followed a strong session in Asia, where Japan's Nikkei 225 jumped 5%. Asian markets responded particularly strongly because many economies in the region depend heavily on Middle Eastern energy supplies.

Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, said global markets were “starting the week firmly on the front foot”. He noted that the agreement had “given investors a clear reason to dial back some of the geopolitical risk premium that has hung over markets”, helping boost confidence among traders worldwide.

Kuwait welcomes US-Iran deal, urges constructive talks

Kuwait has welcomed the memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran, describing the agreement as a positive step toward easing regional tensions.

In a statement posted by the Foreign Ministry on X, Kuwait expressed its “warm welcome” for the deal and praised the diplomatic efforts of Pakistan and Qatar. The ministry commended both countries for contributing “to bridging viewpoints and creating the conditions for reaching this important understanding”.

Kuwait said it hopes the agreement will pave the way for greater regional stability and cooperation. According to the statement, the deal should promote “mutual respect and the strengthening of trust, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, refraining from the use of force … ceasing support for proxies … and ensuring the continued freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.”

The ministry also encouraged continued diplomatic engagement, stating: “The ministry calls on all parties to engage in the forthcoming negotiations with a positive and constructive spirit.”

The statement reflects growing regional support for dialogue aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening security in the Gulf.

Hormuz reopening may take months despite Trump's claim

While US President Donald Trump has suggested that the Strait of Hormuz could reopen as soon as Friday, military experts have warned that restoring normal shipping through the vital waterway may take significantly longer.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the strait would be opened once the proposed agreement between Washington and Tehran is signed, adding that it would initially reopen "for purposes of mine removal".

However, retired US Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery cautioned that clearing the strategic route could take "weeks to months". Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Montgomery said naval forces would first need to locate and remove all mines before commercial traffic could resume safely.

The aim, he said, is to ensure "so that you can have unrestricted transit without US military, or allied military vessels around, looking out for mines and doing constant cue route clearances".

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global oil shipments, was effectively closed after Iran responded to US-Israeli strikes on its territory on February 28. Even after maritime traffic resumes, Montgomery said the impact on global energy markets may not ease immediately.

According to the former admiral, some "obvious relief" in oil supplies and prices could be felt within a week of reopening. However, he estimated that it could take up to two months before consumers and markets experience "full relief" from the disruption to oil exports.

Iranian military claim success following Tehran-Washington deal

Following the announcement of an agreement between Tehran and Washington, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters released a statement highlighting what it described as the country's resilience during the confrontation.

According to Iran's official IRNA news agency, the statement commended the “resilient and proud people of Iran, and their brave and courageous sons in the country’s powerful armed forces” for their role throughout the crisis.

The military leadership portrayed the outcome as a demonstration of Iran's strength and determination. In its statement, it asserted that the armed forces “proved with strength that the humiliated American and Zionist enemies have no choice but to accept defeat and surrender”.

The remarks reflected the military's interpretation of recent developments, emphasizing national unity and the performance of Iran's security forces. The statement was issued shortly after details of the agreement emerged, with Iranian officials presenting the development as evidence of the country's ability to withstand external pressure while safeguarding its interests.

UK PM Starmer welcomes US-Iran breakthrough, backs lasting peace

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the diplomatic breakthrough announced between the United States and Iran, describing it as an important step toward reducing tensions in the region. Speaking to reporters, he began by saying, "Before I start on social media, I want first to welcome the breakthrough reached last night between the US and Iran."

Starmer also praised those involved in securing the agreement, stating, "I congratulate President Trump, the mediators from Pakistan and Qatar, and all those involved."

Highlighting the significance of the development, the Prime Minister said, "This is a hugely significant moment." He stressed that the UK had consistently advocated for de-escalation and added that it was essential for all sides to seize the opportunity to promote regional stability and restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Starmer, the agreement could "ease the economic pressures" felt by people in Britain and elsewhere. He added that the UK would work "closely with our partners to support this agreement and to ensure that it turns into a durable, lasting peace".

PM Modi welcomes peace deal

PM Narendra Modi posted on X that "India hopes that the implementation of this understanding will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce."