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ISRAEL yielded LEBANON in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. "breach" of the newly-signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Israel's ceasefire "violations" in southern Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted by Mehr as saying that the Iranian negotiating team would leave Tehran for Switzerland soon on Saturday.
According to a report by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the team will follow up on and demand the fulfillment of U.S. commitments, including forcing Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon.
Later, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the United States is "not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though."
Vance also said that U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iran, and that he himself could travel to Swit…
ISRAEL made statement LEBANON in Doueir, Mont-Liban, Lebanon
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Iran says Strait of Hormuz shut as US-Iran talks set for Sunday in Switzerland
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The Associated Press
Published June 20, 2026 at 5:02 AM CDT
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes are seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Updated June 20, 2026 at 10:26 AM CDT
TYRE, Lebanon — Iran dealt two quick blows to the interim agreement with the United States on Saturday, angered by Israel's continued attacks in Lebanon, saying it had closed the Strait of Hormuz and announcing that while its negotiators were going to Switzerland for talks, not much is likely to happen there.
Key mediator Pakistan, meanwhile, said the technical-level talks will begin on Sunday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, with Qatari mediators also participating.
In Tehran's first salvo, Iran's joint military command said the strait had been closed, citing the Israeli attacks and U.S. "bad faith" and "clear breach of its commitments" by failing to end the war. Its statement on state television warned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
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Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. "breach" of the newly-signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Israel's ceasefire "violations" in southern Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted by Mehr as saying that the Iranian negotiating team would leave Tehran for Switzerland soon on Saturday.
According to a report by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the team will follow up on and demand the fulfillment of U.S. commitments, including forcing Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon.
Later, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the United States is "not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though."
Vance also said that U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iran, and that he himself could travel to Swit…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
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MILITARY expressed intent to cooperate IRANIAN in Qalibaf, Semnan, Iran
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
ISLAMIC expressed intent to cooperate NEWS AGENCY in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
SPOKESMAN expressed intent to cooperate IRANIAN in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
PRESIDENT consulted SWITZERLAND in Zurich, ZüSZ, Switzerland
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Signs indicating planned US-Iran peace talks are displayed at the Bürgenstock Resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, in Switzerland, Friday June 19, 2026. (Anas Mallick via AP)
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
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By
Associated Press
PUBLISHED:
June 20, 2026 at 5:15 AM EDT
| UPDATED:
June 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM EDT
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By KAREEM CHE…
SWITZERLAND consulted PRESIDENT in Zurich, ZüSZ, Switzerland
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Signs indicating planned US-Iran peace talks are displayed at the Bürgenstock Resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, in Switzerland, Friday June 19, 2026. (Anas Mallick via AP)
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
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By
Associated Press
PUBLISHED:
June 20, 2026 at 5:15 AM EDT
| UPDATED:
June 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM EDT
Getting your
Trinity Audio
player ready...
By KAREEM CHE…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. However, late Friday afternoon Netanyahu posted on X that, on his orders, the army had “struck powerfully” 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants…
Now
Now
68°
Sat
78°
Sun
79°
byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
UNITED STATES disapproved in White House, District of Columbia, United States
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
IRAN expressed intent to cooperate IRAN in Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue
Associated Press
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
TYRE– Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The persistent fighting threatened aninterim agreement between the United States and Iranto end thewar in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
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Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting the military to start targeting the militant group there. The official spoke anonymously in line with regulations.
…
Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew ceasefire after conflict ... - CNN
Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew ceasefire after conflict ... - CNN
•
Lebanon ceasefire:
Israel and Hezbollah have
agreed to renew a ceasefire
, sources said, after fighting in Lebanon
jeopardized US-Iran negotiations
. The Iran-backed militant group has
expressed uncertainty
about the truce as Israel
vows to remain in southern Lebanon
. Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people Friday, according to the Lebanese government, making it the
second deadliest day
of the current conflict.
•
Talks postponed:
The first round of technical negotiations between Washington and Tehran
was delayed
Friday as Iran
sought guarantees
that hostilities in Lebanon would end. Tehran said it is
working with mediators
on reorganizing the talks. The clock is ticking on a
60-day period
to reach a final peace deal.
•
Political pressure:
Iranian
hardliners have harshly criticized
Tehran’s initial agreement with the US. Meanwhile, in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces
pressure from far-right politicians
who say he hasn’t gone far enough in Lebanon.
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A displaced family on a scooter fleeing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon drive on a highway in the …
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. "breach" of the newly-signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Israel's ceasefire "violations" in southern Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted by Mehr as saying that the Iranian negotiating team would leave Tehran for Switzerland soon on Saturday.
According to a report by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the team will follow up on and demand the fulfillment of U.S. commitments, including forcing Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon.
Later, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the United States is "not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though."
Vance also said that U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iran, and that he himself could travel to Swit…
WASHINGTON provided aid TEHRAN in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
ISRAEL engaged diplomatically MILITANT in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. However, late Friday afternoon Netanyahu posted on X that, on his orders, the army had “struck powerfully” 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants…
IRANIAN expressed intent to cooperate SPOKESMAN in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Pakistan, Qatar Announce Lebanon De-Confliction Cell After US-Iran ...
Pakistan, Qatar Announce Lebanon De-Confliction Cell After US-Iran ...
Pakistan, Qatar Announce Lebanon De-Confliction Cell After US-Iran Talks
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Published By -
Hency Thacker
June 22, 2026
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The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict concluded in Switzerland early on Monday, with both sides agreeing to establish a “de-confliction cell” focused on Lebanon. Pakistan and Qatar, which mediated the discussions, said the mechanism would also involve the Lebanese government and seek to ensure compliance with the cessation of military operations in the country.
The talks marked the beginning of a 60-day diplomatic effort, although the situation in Lebanon emerged as a major obstacle. Iran tied progress in negotiations to an end to hostilities there, while Israel maintained that it would continue occupying Lebanese territory and retain the ability to strike militants launching attacks into northern Israel.
Pakistan and Qatar Confirm New Lebanon Mechanism
Pakistan, Qatar and Iran confirmed the conclusion of the opening round of talks, while the United Sta…
THE WHITE HOUSE consulted IRAN in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed over ceasefire violations after ...
Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed over ceasefire violations after ...
Add NBC News to Google
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz over ceasefire violations, state media reports
01:08
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June 20, 2026, 7:54 AM EDT
/
Updated
June 20, 2026, 11:06 AM EDT
By
Mithil Aggarwal
and
Dan De Luce
Iran said Saturday that the
Strait of Hormuz
is closed, citing ceasefire violations after Israel continued deadly strikes in southern Lebanon overnight.
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The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warned ships not to approach the waterway, which Iran had committed to reopening under the interim
peace deal signed this week
. It said in a statement that vessels’ safety would be at risk if they did so.
Iran’s top joint military command said the closure was the “first step” in response to what were described as breaches of commitments by the U.S. and Israel, according to Iran’s semiofficial Mehr news agency.
In a
statement on X
that did not acknowledge the apparent closure, U.S. Central Command said that 55 merchant ships transited the strait on Saturday, “movi…
Now
Now
68°
Sat
78°
Sun
79°
byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
IRANIAN expressed intent to cooperate SPOKESMAN in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
ISRAELI made statement VILLAGE in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
PRESIDENT consulted SWITZERLAND in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
Share
0 Comments
Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
IRAN engaged diplomatically MILITARY in Qalibaf, Semnan, Iran
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again after 'bad faith' Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again after 'bad faith' Israeli attacks on Lebanon
Iran's joint military command said on state TV that the Strait of Hormuz is closed, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon, which have killed more than 3,900 people since March 2
News
Eliana Nunes
News Reporter
14:33, 20 Jun 2026
Updated 15:03, 20 Jun 2026
View 3 Images
Iran has announced that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again
(Image: AP Photo/Amirhosein Khorgooi)
Iran has announced that it has closed the Strait of Hormuz again.
Tehran's joint military command cited
Israeli
attacks in Lebanon and US "bad faith" and "its clear breach of its commitments" by failing to end the war. The statement released on state TV on Saturday also warned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned".
Ships had begun transiting the strait after an interim peace agreement between the US and Iran was signed on Thursday.
View 3 Images
A municipal police officer inspects buildings damaged in Israeli strikes in Lebanon's southern port city of Tyre
(Image: AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
It comes as Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including two children. Seven p…
Israel and Hezbollah agree ceasefire after escalation threatens US-Iran ...
Israel and Hezbollah agree ceasefire after escalation threatens US-Iran ...
Israel
and
Lebanon
's Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire on Friday, after a sharp escalation in fighting threatened to unravel a fragile regional truce, a day after the
United States
and
Iran
signed an agreement to end the war.
A source familiar with Hezbollah confirmed to Middle East Eye that the ceasefire, which went into effect at 4pm local time, was reached after intensive calls and deliberations led by the US and Iran.
The source said the agreement came after Tehran threatened not to attend talks with the US in Geneva following the Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
"The ceasefire is contingent on Israel adhering to it," he said.
A senior Israeli official told Reuters that Israel and Hezbollah were in a ceasefire as long as Hezbollah does not attack Israel, adding that Israeli forces would stay in areas they have occupied in south Lebanon.
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Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters
Fighting in Lebanon intensified on Thursday night, when Hezbollah attacked Israeli forces attempting to advance near…
Now
Now
68°
Sat
78°
Sun
79°
byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
VILLAGE fought LIEUTENANT COLONEL in Bekaa Valley, Béa, Lebanon
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
ISRAEL rejected LEBANON in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RESIDENTS made statement ISRAEL in Qannarit, Liban-Sud, Lebanon
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION reduced relations THE EUROPEAN UNION in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
NEWS AGENCY expressed intent to cooperate ISLAMIC in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Details on Israel and Hezbollah’s ceasefire amid delayed U.S.-Iran talks
https://www.europesays.com/iran/168530/
Details on Israel and Hezbollah’s ceasefire amid delayed U.S.-Iran talks – CBS News W...
Details on Israel and Hezbollah’s ceasefire amid delayed U.S.-Iran talks
https://www.europesays.com/iran/168530/
Details on Israel and Hezbollah’s ceasefire amid delayed U.S.-Iran talks – CBS News Watch CBS News Israel and…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
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Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire after intensified fighting ...
Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire after intensified fighting ...
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U.S.-Iran talks postponed as JD Vance cancels trip to Switzerland
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June 19, 2026, 4:43 AM EDT
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Updated
June 19, 2026, 4:57 PM EDT
By
Yuliya Talmazan
,
Keir Simmons
,
Gabe Gutierrez
and
Dan De Luce
Israel
and militant group
Hezbollah
agreed to a ceasefire Friday, after a deadly escalation between the two in Lebanon looked set to derail
Washington-Tehran peace talks
in Switzerland.
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President Donald Trump told NBC News in a phone call Friday afternoon that he spoke with Israel and asked them to agree to a ceasefire.
“It’s a positive,” he said, adding: “It’s a little icing on the cake.” He declined to specify whether he had talked to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly.
An official Hezbollah source tells NBC News that the group will abide by the ceasefire but that the Israelis are still firing and trying to move deeper into Lebanese territory. Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, said Israel was “firml…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
PRESIDENT consulted SWITZERLAND in Zurich, ZüSZ, Switzerland
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Signs indicating planned US-Iran peace talks are displayed at the Bürgenstock Resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, in Switzerland, Friday June 19, 2026. (Anas Mallick via AP)
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
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PUBLISHED:
June 20, 2026 at 5:15 AM EDT
| UPDATED:
June 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM EDT
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
From High Level Committee to Lebanon de-conflicting cell, what covered ...
From High Level Committee to Lebanon de-conflicting cell, what covered ...
The US and Iran started negotiations in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on Sunday. The discussions mainly focused on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, and key elements of a potential nuclear deal.
According to a report by Axios, the negotiations, held in Switzerland as part of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last week, began on Sunday morning and continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
A major focus was the situation in Lebanon, with both sides addressing deconfliction mechanisms and enforcement of the ceasefire amid ongoing Israeli strikes in the south of the country.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, the first session of high-level talks under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) wrapped up in Burgenstock, Switzerland, the Lake Lucerne Summit on June 22, 2026, with representatives from Iran, the United States, and mediating countries Qatar and Pakistan.
The summit was described as constructive, with encouraging progress made, including the establishment of a mechanism for further technical talks, as per th…
LEBANON disapproved ISRAELI in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Now
Now
68°
Sat
78°
Sun
79°
byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
ISRAEL yielded LEBANON in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
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APTOPIX Israel Lebanon Iran War
Leo Correa - AP
Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
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TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — Iran on Saturday said that it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
because of Israel’s attacks in
Lebanon
and warned that while negotiators were going to Switzerland for talks with the United States on their
interim agreement
, not much likely will happen if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, threatened to impose U.S. tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” His social media post underscored that the agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to technical-level U.S.-Iran talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
Iran’s joint military co…
Iran says Lebanon, assets release key parts of peace deal with US
Iran says Lebanon, assets release key parts of peace deal with US
Generated by AI (4 hours ago)
Tensions in the Middle East have risen as Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to the Israeli attacks in Lebanon. This closure marks a significant escalation in the region, as the strait is a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Iran claims these attacks violate a recent ceasefire agreement made with the United States, potentially disrupting global oil markets and impacting international relations.
The recent ceasefire deal aimed at ending conflicts involving the U.S. and Iran has quickly unraveled. Tehran's decision to close the vital waterway underscores the fragile nature of peace agreements in the region. Allegations have surfaced that Israeli actions in Lebanon breached the terms of the ceasefire, prompting this swift and drastic measure by Iran.
These developments come after a memorandum of understanding was signed earlier in the week. The agreement appeared to promise a period of peace but has instead become a catalyst for further unrest. Iranian authorities maintain that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a necessary response to what they call "bad fait…
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION reduced relations THE EUROPEAN UNION in Lebanon
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
favorable to the Iranians. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a ceasefire on Friday, sources told CNN, after fighting between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed militant group again jeopardize...
favorable to the Iranians. Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a ceasefire on Friday, sources told CNN, after fighting between the Israeli military and the Iran-backed militant group again jeopardized US-Iran negotiations.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
Talks between the US and Iran called off because of fighting in Lebanon ...
Talks between the US and Iran called off because of fighting in Lebanon ...
Vice President JD Vance has postponed his trip.
JERUSALEM --Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
Israel and the militant group later agreed to renew their ceasefire, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said mediators attempted to implement a new ceasefire and that an agreement could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said the military has not received different instructions from the government. He said Isr…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Unattributed party fought LEBANON in Doueir, Mont-Liban, Lebanon
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
US-Iran Peace Deal Live: Iran dismisses US-led Bahrain security talks ...
US-Iran Peace Deal Live: Iran dismisses US-led Bahrain security talks ...
Pakistan's Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the ongoing US-Iran mediation efforts taking place in Doha, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said.
In a post on X, the ministry said the two leaders welcomed the progress made in the indirect talks between Washington and Tehran and expressed hope that negotiations would continue in the coming days.
An Israeli air strike hit the Ghandour Hospital in the southern Lebanese town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa on Thursday, according to Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA). There were no immediate reports of casualties, and the extent of the damage was not immediately clear.
Iran has dismissed a US-led regional security meeting in Bahrain as "performative posturing," accusing Washington of undermining peace efforts in West Asia.
The criticism came after senior military officials from 12 Middle Eastern countries met with the US Central Command (CENTCOM) in Bahrain to discuss regional defence cooperation and maritime security.
In a post on X, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghae…
Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue
Kareem Chehayeb And Bassem Mroue
Associated Press
Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
TYRE– Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The persistent fighting threatened aninterim agreement between the United States and Iranto end thewar in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
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Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting the military to start targeting the militant group there. The official spoke anonymously in line with regulations.
…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
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23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
By
Associated Press
|
ap@dfmdev.com
PUBLISHED:
June 19, 2026 at 8:02 AM PDT
| UPDATED:
June 19, 2026 at 9:18 AM PDT
Getting your
Trinity Audio
player ready...
By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, JON GAMBRELL and AAMER MADHANI
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
ARMY CHIEF consulted SWITZERLAND in Zurich, ZüSZ, Switzerland
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Israel and Hezbollah trade fire, as US-Iran talks begin in Switzerland
Israel and Hezbollah trade fire, as US-Iran talks begin in Switzerland
The Iranian Revolutionary Guards declared the Strait of Hormuz shut again on Saturday. Meanwhile Iranian state media says high level officials have arrived in Switzerland for peace talks starting this Sunday. And after initially cancelling his trip, US Vice President JD Vance has landed to take part. Tehran's nuclear programme and other points in the agreement are conditional on a halt in fighting in Lebanon. But the Lebanese civil defence said 20 people were killed by Israeli strikes on Saturday. Details from the ground by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Tehran and Beirut, Reza Sayah and Renée Davis.
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
THE US made statement in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
Unattributed party consulted THE ASSOCIATED PRESS in Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
By
Associated Press
|
ap@dfmdev.com
PUBLISHED:
June 19, 2026 at 8:02 AM PDT
| UPDATED:
June 19, 2026 at 9:18 AM PDT
Getting your
Trinity Audio
player ready...
By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, JON GAMBRELL and AAMER MADHANI
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but …
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Iran's military command says Strait of Hormuz is closed again
Iran's military command says Strait of Hormuz is closed again
Iran dealt two quick blows to the interim agreement with the United States on Saturday, angered by Israel's continued attacks in Lebanon, saying it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again and announcing that while its negotiators are going to Switzerland for talks, not much is likely to happen there.
First, Iran's joint military command said the strait had been closed, citing the Israeli attacks and U.S. "bad faith" and "clear breach of its commitments" by failing to end the war. Its statement on state television warned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned."
Shortly after that, the state broadcaster announced that Iran's negotiating team was heading to Switzerland "in the coming minutes," a trip that was originally planned for Friday.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bagahei, however, signaled that little might happen until Iran feels the U.S. is living up to the deal.
"This trip is therefore about demanding that the other side fulfill its obligations," he said, adding that negotiations toward a final agreement will begin only once key commitments are upheld. If they are not, he sa…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
IRAN consulted UNITED STATES in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
UNITED STATES consulted IRAN in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
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Twitter
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SMS
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
SMS
Email
Print
Copy article link
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
IRAN expressed intent to cooperate ISRAEL in White House, District of Columbia, United States
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Israel and Hezbollah agree to halt fighting, officials say | AP News
Israel and Hezbollah agree to halt fighting, officials say | AP News
Israel’s military said Friday its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area, threatening the nascent agreement between Iran and the United States to end their war. (AP Video by Malak Harb)
The Israeli military launched multiple strikes inside southern Lebanon on Friday morning as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area. Lebanon’s state-run news agency reported at least 18 people were killed.
Barber Wissam Srour, 41, holds his daughter’s bicycle recovered from his barbershop as he searches for belongings in the rubble of the shop, damaged in an Israeli strike, in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A girl looks toward what residents said was an Israeli drone flying overhead as a boy checks his family’s water storage tank in Halta, southern Lebanon, Friday, June 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Smok…
THE WHITE HOUSE disapproved UNITED STATES in White House, District of Columbia, United States
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Smoke rises to the sky in an area near Beaufort Castle following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
By
Associated Press
|
ap@dfmdev.com
PUBLISHED:
June 19, 2026 at 8:02 AM PDT
| UPDATED:
June 19, 2026 at 9:18 AM PDT
Getting your
Trinity Audio
player ready...
By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, JON GAMBRELL and AAMER MADHANI
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Now
Now
68°
Sat
78°
Sun
79°
byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under ...
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under ...
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World
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under threat
The Associated Press
June 20, 2026
/
3:02 am
Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026.
AP
TYRE, Lebanon — Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon's National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting the military to start tar…
THE US made statement in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
IRAN expressed intent to cooperate ISRAEL in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
NEWS AGENCY expressed intent to cooperate ISLAMIC in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
IRAN consulted in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Halt Fighting as Talks Between the US and ...
Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Halt Fighting as Talks Between the US and ...
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By ERIN CUNNINGHAM, JON GAMBRELL and AAMER MADHANI
Published
Jun 19, 2026, 12:34 PM EDT
Sign in to your
Military.com
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Smokes rise to the sky following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Friday, June 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Originally published by
Associated Press
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighti…
PAKISTAN reduced relations in Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
SMS
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp
SMS
Email
Print
Copy article link
Save
U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
News
News
Iran says Strait of Hormuz shut as US-Iran talks set for Sunday in Switzerland
NPR |
By
The Associated Press
Published June 20, 2026 at 5:02 AM CDT
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Hassan Ammar
/
AP
Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes are seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Updated June 20, 2026 at 10:26 AM CDT
TYRE, Lebanon — Iran dealt two quick blows to the interim agreement with the United States on Saturday, angered by Israel's continued attacks in Lebanon, saying it had closed the Strait of Hormuz and announcing that while its negotiators were going to Switzerland for talks, not much is likely to happen there.
Key mediator Pakistan, meanwhile, said the technical-level talks will begin on Sunday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, with Qatari mediators also participating.
In Tehran's first salvo, Iran's joint military command said the strait had been closed, citing the Israeli attacks and U.S. "bad faith" and "clear breach of its commitments" by failing to end the war. Its statement on state television warned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
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Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Iran Latest: Israel and Hezbollah agree to Lebanon truce, officials say ...
Iran Latest: Israel and Hezbollah agree to Lebanon truce, officials say ...
What to know about the Iran war today:
Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement Friday to end their fighting in Lebanon, three diplomats briefed on the matter told CBS News. It comes after violence flared overnight in a major test of the durability of the U.S.-Iran deal signed by President Trump just two days ago.
Lebanese state media said at least 18 civilians were killed in Israel's deadliest attacks since the U.S. and Iran finalized their agreement, while
Israel said
four soldiers were killed in an attack on a tank.
Talks between Iran and the U.S. expected to begin in Switzerland Friday
were postponed
, with the White House blaming logistical issues for the cancellation of JD Vance's trip to Geneva. Officials told The Associated Press and other outlets that Iran had suspended the talks due to the ongoing fighting in Lebanon.
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RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
UNITED STATES consulted IRAN in White House, District of Columbia, United States
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
MILITANT engaged diplomatically ISRAEL in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. However, late Friday afternoon Netanyahu posted on X that, on his orders, the army had “struck powerfully” 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Europe forced into defensive action as US-Israeli conflict with Iran ...
Europe forced into defensive action as US-Israeli conflict with Iran ...
A traveler checks departure times as many flights are cancelled at Beirut Rafik Hariri International Airport in Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, as many airlines canceled flights due to the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)
A Fighter Jet takes off from the U.K.'s RAF Akrotiri air base after it was hit by a drone strike early morning near Limassol, Cyprus, Monday, March, 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks during a media conference at EU headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, Monday, March 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
BRUSSELS (AP) — The U.S.-Israeliwar on Iranand Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Middle East are quickly dragging Europe in, forcing the continent into defensive action to protect military bases and evacuate citizens caught up in the conflict.
The Middle East is home to some of Europe’s key trading partn…
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION reduced relations THE EUROPEAN UNION in Lebanon
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under ...
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under ...
June 20, 2026 6:47 PM
Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes are seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, on Thursday. / AP
Iran's military said it has closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel's latest strikes in Lebanon, even as Iranian and U.S. negotiators prepare to meet Sunday in Switzerland for talks.
The U.S. military, meanwhile, denied the claim that the strait was closed, leaving a key piece of the freshly signed Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries up in the air.
On Saturday Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the strait closed,according to state-controlled Iranian media, citing what it called "the explicit breach of the first clause of the post-war memorandum of understanding by the United States" and the latest exchange of fire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Iran's state broadcaster Press TV reported the IRGC Navy was warning all vessels to "absolutely refrain from any movement in the Strait of Hormuz until further notice."
But U.S. Central Command…
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
IRAN consulted THE WHITE HOUSE in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
TERRORIST ORGANIZATION reduced relations THE EUROPEAN UNION in Washington, District of Columbia, United States
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Unattributed party reduced relations PAKISTAN in Qalibaf, Semnan, Iran
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
SWITZERLAND consulted PRESIDENT in Zurich, ZüSZ, Switzerland
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Signs indicating planned US-Iran peace talks are displayed at the Bürgenstock Resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, in Switzerland, Friday June 19, 2026. (Anas Mallick via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
4
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Expand
By
Associated Press
PUBLISHED:
June 20, 2026 at 5:15 AM EDT
| UPDATED:
June 20, 2026 at 4:56 PM EDT
Getting your
Trinity Audio
player ready...
By KAREEM CHE…
ASSOCIATED PRESS provided aid ISRAEL in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
ISLAMIC expressed intent to cooperate NEWS AGENCY in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
IRAN consulted UNITED STATES in White House, District of Columbia, United States
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Twitter
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
ISRAEL yielded LEBANON in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
VILLAGE fought ISRAELI in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. However, late Friday afternoon Netanyahu posted on X that, on his orders, the army had “struck powerfully” 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Unattributed party consulted IRAN in Lake Lucerne, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. "breach" of the newly-signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Israel's ceasefire "violations" in southern Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted by Mehr as saying that the Iranian negotiating team would leave Tehran for Switzerland soon on Saturday.
According to a report by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the team will follow up on and demand the fulfillment of U.S. commitments, including forcing Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon.
Later, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the United States is "not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though."
Vance also said that U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iran, and that he himself could travel to Swit…
US-Iran talks postponed as Israeli military strikes in Lebanon - 1News
US-Iran talks postponed as Israeli military strikes in Lebanon - 1News
Israel’s military said Friday its forces struck targets throughout southern Lebanon overnight as Hezbollah reported intense fighting in the area.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported at least 16 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes.
The attacks came as planned talks in Switzerland between Iran and the United States over their efforts to
reach a permanent end
to the Iran war were delayed.
The southern town of Khiam, Lebanon, is seen through a fence near the Lebanon-Israel border, Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
(Source: Associated Press)
Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon and its continued attacks on the Iranian-backed Shiite militia Hezbollah has been a key issue in
the talks.
ADVERTISEMENT
Israel
maintains it must continue to hold the territory and have a free hand to battle Hezbollah as it has been launching attacks into northern Israel.
The
talks
being postponed trip comes after Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite channel that is politically allied with Hezbollah, reported that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over ongoing Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon.
US Vice Pr…
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
NEWS AGENCY expressed intent to cooperate ISLAMIC in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
Share
0 Comments
Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Live updates: Iran attacks US military sites in Bahrain and ... - CNN
Live updates: Iran attacks US military sites in Bahrain and ... - CNN
• Regional flare-up:
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said it targeted US military sites in neighboring countries including Kuwait and Bahrain, after the US struck Iranian sites. The exchanges of attacks are testing
the fragile US-Iran agreement
.
•
New threats:
Neither side is looking ready to de-escalate. US President Donald Trump
threatened more military action
if Iranian strikes continue, while the IRGC warned ceasefire violations would “result in the complete halt of all diplomatic processes.”
•
Strait of Hormuz:
The escalation was triggered by an
Iranian attack
on a cargo ship on Thursday in the vital Strait of Hormuz. Despite this, ships
continue to pass
through and are
increasingly
steering clear of the Iran controlled route.
• Lebanon:
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah remains another flashpoint. An Israeli soldier
was killed
while the Israeli military reportedly carried out fresh strikes in southern Lebanon. There have been
four separate agreements
on Lebanon in June alone.
Read more
All
catch up
15 Posts
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There have been four separate agreements on Lebanon in June alone.…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. "breach" of the newly-signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Israel's ceasefire "violations" in southern Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted by Mehr as saying that the Iranian negotiating team would leave Tehran for Switzerland soon on Saturday.
According to a report by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the team will follow up on and demand the fulfillment of U.S. commitments, including forcing Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon.
Later, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the United States is "not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though."
Vance also said that U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iran, and that he himself could travel to Swit…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
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Smoke billows from southern Lebanon following an Israeli strike Friday, seen from Nabatieh, Lebanon.
REUTERS
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TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. Vice President
JD Vance
left for Switzerland on Saturday as the White House looks to
get negotiations with Iran back on track.
Vance is expected to meet on Sunday with Iran’s parliamentary Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
, Foreign Minister
Abbas Araghchi
and central bank and oil officials, as well as mediators from Pakistan and Qatar dispatched to Switzerland for the talks.
The technical talks are aimed at adding key details to the preliminary accord to halt the nearly four-month war between U.S. and Iran signed earlier this week by U.S. President
Donald Trump
and Iranian President
Masoud Pezeshkian.
Vance was initially supposed to hold a first round of talks with senior Iranian officials on Friday at a mountainside resort in the tiny Swiss
village of Obbürgen, Switzerland
, but his Iranian counterparts initially canceled their plans to attend because of escalating fighting between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah…
SPOKESMAN expressed intent to cooperate IRANIAN in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew ceasefire after flareup of violence
Israel and Hezbollah agree to renew ceasefire after flareup of violence
<p>US-Iran meeting in Switzerland over implementation of deal cancelled amid clashes in southern Lebanon</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jun/19/middle-east-crisis-live-israel-strikes-targets-in-lebanon-as-us-iran-talks-in-switzerland-called-off">Middle East crisis – live updates</a></p></li></ul><p>Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday after 24 hours of intense violence that posed an early challenge to the new agreement between the US and Iran to end their conflict.</p><p>A meeting due to take place on Friday between the US and Iran in Switzerland to discuss implementation of the new deal was cancelled when <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/hezbollah">Hezbollah</a> killed four Israeli soldiers and Israel carried out a wave of retaliatory airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley that killed at least 47 people.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/19/israel-hezbollah-renew-ceasefire-lebanon-us-iran-agreement">Continue reading...</a>
ISRAELI made statement VILLAGE in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
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News
Iran says Strait of Hormuz shut as US-Iran talks set for Sunday in Switzerland
NPR |
By
The Associated Press
Published June 20, 2026 at 5:02 AM CDT
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Hassan Ammar
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AP
Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes are seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Thursday, June 18, 2026.
Updated June 20, 2026 at 10:26 AM CDT
TYRE, Lebanon — Iran dealt two quick blows to the interim agreement with the United States on Saturday, angered by Israel's continued attacks in Lebanon, saying it had closed the Strait of Hormuz and announcing that while its negotiators were going to Switzerland for talks, not much is likely to happen there.
Key mediator Pakistan, meanwhile, said the technical-level talks will begin on Sunday in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, with Qatari mediators also participating.
In Tehran's first salvo, Iran's joint military command said the strait had been closed, citing the Israeli attacks and U.S. "bad faith" and "clear breach of its commitments" by failing to end the war. Its statement on state television warned that "if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
VILLAGE fought LIEUTENANT COLONEL in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
NEWS AGENCY expressed intent to cooperate ISLAMIC in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
'All of Lebanon must burn': Israeli minister warns as ... - WION
'All of Lebanon must burn': Israeli minister warns as ... - WION
Despite the US-Iran ceasefire, Israel-Hezbollah clashes continue. Four Israeli soldiers and 18 people in Lebanon were killed. Israel's Ben Gvir warned that “all of Lebanon must burn” as US-Iran talks were postponed.
Despite the ceasefire under the US-Iran peace deal that was virtually signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday (Jun 17), Israeli attacks on Lebanon have continued. On Friday (Jun 19), the Israeli military said that four soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon as the fighting continues with Iran-backed Hezbollah. Following this, the Israeli far-right minister has threatened that “all of Lebanon must burn”.
“With all due respect to the Americans, Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not up for bargaining. All of Lebanon must burn,” Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said.
Meanwhile, Lebanon said that 18 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes. In a statement, its health ministry said, “The intensive Israeli airstrikes carried out from midnight until this morning have …
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
Xinhua20 Jun 2026, 22:15 GMT+10
TEHRAN/JERUSALEM, June 20 (Xinhua) -- Iran's main military command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced Saturday the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. "breach" of the newly-signed peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) and Israel's ceasefire "violations" in southern Lebanon, Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency reported.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei was quoted by Mehr as saying that the Iranian negotiating team would leave Tehran for Switzerland soon on Saturday.
According to a report by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, the team will follow up on and demand the fulfillment of U.S. commitments, including forcing Israel to stop its attacks on Lebanon.
Later, U.S. Vice President JD Vance told Fox News that the United States is "not seeing any evidence that the Iranians are still closing down the Strait of Hormuz. It is going to take some time to clear those mines, though."
Vance also said that U.S. presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and U.S. President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner have already arrived in Switzerland for talks with Iran, and that he himself could travel to Swit…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
WASHINGTON engaged diplomatically TEHRAN in Tehran, Tehran, Iran
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
ISRAEL expressed intent to cooperate in Tehran, Tehran, Iran
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to stop attacking each other, officials said, after talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off because of intense fighting in southern Lebanon that deepened doubts about the initial agreement toend the war in Iran.
The apparent truce emerged after a heavy exchange of fire killed at least 47 people in southern Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Word of the attempt to halt the fighting came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. It was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said. The three officials were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity.
A Hezbollah official said an agreement to stop fighting could be announced soon, but he stopped short of confirming it was in place. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment. However, late Friday afternoon Netanyahu posted on X that, on his orders, the army had “struck powerfully” 150 Hezbollah targets, killing dozens of militants…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Iran's joint military command says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, citing ...
Iran's joint military command says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, citing ...
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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran dealt two quick blows to the
interim agreement with the United States
on Saturday, angered by Israel’s continued attacks in Lebanon, saying it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again and announcing that while its negotiators are going to Switzerland for talks, not much is likely to happen there.
First, Iran’s joint military command said the strait had been closed, citing Israeli attacks and U.S. “bad faith” and “the clear breach of its commitments” by failing to end the war.
The statement on state television warned that “if the aggression continues, subsequent steps have been planned.”
Minutes later, the state broadcaster said the country’s negotiating team was heading to Switzerland, a trip that was originally planned for Friday but was canceled.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bagahei, however, signaled that little might happen until Iran feels the U.S. is living up to the deal.
“This trip is therefore about demanding that the other side fulfill its obligations,” he said, adding that negotiations towar…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
What to know as Israel and Hezbollah reach ceasefire; U.S.-Iran talks delayed
https://www.europesays.com/iran/168326/
Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement Friday to end their fighting ...
What to know as Israel and Hezbollah reach ceasefire; U.S.-Iran talks delayed
https://www.europesays.com/iran/168326/
Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement Friday to end their fighting in Lebanon, three diplomats briefed on…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Postponed as Israel and Hezbollah Agree ...
US-Iran Talks in Switzerland Postponed as Israel and Hezbollah Agree ...
Regional tensions persist as US-Iran talks stall and Lebanon ceasefire holds on paper
Highlights
We are closing this coverage now. For the latest updates,click here.
Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Friday that his country would commit to an "immediate ceasefire" in Lebanon if Hezbollah respected it, hours after a US official said the two parties had agreed a new truce.
"Israel remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire," Yechiel Leiter posted on X. "If Hezbollah honours the agreement and ceases its hostilities, they will be met with quiet," he added.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a call Friday that a comprehensive ceasefire must be secured in order for talks with Israel to progress.
The Lebanese presidency said Aoun thanked Rubio for US support but stressed "the need for Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory to cease through the achievement of a comprehensive ceasefire, which Lebanon considers a fundamental basis for advancing the Lebanese-US-Israeli negotiations scheduled to take place in Washington next week".
The State Department, m…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
Mohan Sinha21 Jun 2026, 12:39 GMT+10
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, D.C.: Israel and Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon on June 19 after a rise in fighting threatened efforts to turn a temporary deal to end the war in Iran into a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, planned for June 19, were canceled as fighting in Lebanon intensified. This created new uncertainty about when negotiations would happen—talks that are important for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to global shipping.
A senior U.S. official said shortly before 4 p.m. Lebanon time that the ceasefire would begin at that time. The official said that after earlier clashes, both Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting. U.S. and Qatari negotiators worked out the deal with help from Iran.
Two sources from Hezbollah, which is aligned with Iran, said the group had started following the ceasefire. A senior Israeli official also confirmed the ceasefire, saying that if Hezbollah does not attack, Israel will also not continue fighting.
However, the Israeli official said Israel would keep its troops in southern Lebanon, where it currently controls an area near …
Deadly fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as the US-Iran ...
Deadly fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as the US-Iran ...
AP
Smoke rises to the sky following an Israeli military strike in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel.
TYRE, Lebanon: Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon's National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
Also Read:
Israeli strikes kill 10 in Lebanon hours despite ceasefire
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting the military to start targeting the militant group there. The official spoke anonymously in line with regulations.
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On Friday,…
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as the US-Iran deal is ...
Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as the US-Iran deal is ...
Israeli
strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement. The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and
Iran
to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese
Hezbollah
group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fired more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon overnight, prompting the military to start targeting the militant group there. The official spoke anonymously in line with regulations.
On Friday, Israeli ambassador to Washington, Yechiel Leiter, said on X that Israel “remains firmly committed to an immediate ceasefire” if Hezbollah honors the agreement and ceases hostilities.
In public statements, …
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
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23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Sanctions, oversight, and Lebanon: Takeaways from US-Iran talks in ...
Sanctions, oversight, and Lebanon: Takeaways from US-Iran talks in ...
The first round of direct talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland concluded on Monday. Themediators Qatar and Pakistanhailed the negotiations as “encouraging progress” despite the talks being rattled by public threats from President Donald Trump and a temporary walkout by Iranian negotiators.
In a joint statement issued from Lucerne, Qatar and Pakistan said the talks at Burgenstock had been conducted in a “positive and constructive atmosphere” and that a mechanism had been created for further technical talks.
Joint Statement by the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Regarding The Conclusion of Lake Lucerne Summit, First High-Level Committee Meeting with Participation of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of IranLucerne | June 22, 2026The first…pic.twitter.com/bLVpaR2uua
What was agreed
The most concrete outcome of the first session was the establishment of a High-Level Committee to provide political oversight of the negotiations. Under the agreed framework, chief negotiators from both sides would report regularly to this committee and lead dedicated workin…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Unattributed party consulted DIPLOMAT in Tehran, Tehran, Iran
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
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Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
Facebook
X (Twitter)
LinkedIn
Email
Share
22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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X (Twitter)
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire After Clashes Strain Iran Deal ...
Israel and Hezbollah Agree to Ceasefire After Clashes Strain Iran Deal ...
By
Brendan Cole
,
Toby Meyjes
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Steve Mollman
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Deadly clashes between Israel and Hezbollah put a fragile United States-Iran deal at risk on Friday, before both sides agreed to a ceasefire in Lebanon.
Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire later in the day after a surge in fighting, with U.S. and Qatari mediators working to contain the escalation. A senior U.S. official told Reuters the ceasefire took effect around 4 p.m. local time (9 a.m. ET) following earlier exchanges of fire, with U.S. and Qatari negotiators working out the deal with assistance from Iran.
Israel said it carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets overnight into Friday after four Israeli soldiers were killed in southern Lebanon, while Lebanon’s health ministry reported at least 18 deaths and dozens wounded in some of the heaviest bombardments in weeks.
The latest round of fighting made Lebanon the first major test of the U.S.-Iran framework, which seeks to halt fight…
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
Fighting continues in Lebanon despite ceasefire as US-Iran deal under threat
By PA News Agency
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Buildings damaged by Israeli strikes seen through shattered glass from the Jabal Amel Hospital in the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon (Hassan Ammar/AP)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today,
and has been written by our American colleagues.
It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.
Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
The persistent fighting threatened an interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end the war in the Middle East.
Lebanon’s National News Agency said the strikes hit the southern town of Nabatiyeh and nearby villages. At least seven people remained trapped under the rubble, it said.
Mediators were scrambling to halt the fighting between Israel and the militant Lebanese Hezbollah group, after a heavy exchange on Friday killed at least 47 people in Lebanon and four Israeli soldiers.
An Israeli military official said Hezbollah had fire…
Unattributed party fought VILLAGE in Doueir, Mont-Liban, Lebanon
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
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Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
RESIDENTS made statement THE ASSOCIATED PRESS in Metula, Ha?afon, Israel
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — Iran on Saturday said that it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that while negotiators were going to Switzerland for talks with the United States on theirinterim agreement, not much likely will happen if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, threatened to impose U.S. tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” His social media post underscored that the agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to technical-level U.S.-Iran talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
Iran’s joint military command said the strait was closed because of the U.S. “clear breach of its commitments” by failing to endthe war. The interim deal is meant to stop fighting on all fronts.
Shortly after that, Iran's state broadcaster said that the negotiating team was leaving for Switzerland, a trip delayed from Friday. State media said that the team includes parliamentary …
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed building that was hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
Relatives of missed victims weep, as they gather at the site of destroyed buildings that were hit in an Israeli airstrike in Qannarit village, southern Lebanon, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Mohammed Zaatari)
In this photo, released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, right, meets Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, June 20, 2026. (Iran’s Foreign Ministry, via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, center, arrives at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, left, and Speaker of the Islamic Parliament of Iran Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, right, confer at the Buergenstock resort in Obbuergen, near Lucerne, Switzerland, early Sunday, June 21, 2026. (Urs Flueeler/Keystone, Pool via AP)
Show Caption
1
of
5
Rescue workers search for victims under the rubble of a destroyed bu…
SWITZERLAND consulted ARMY CHIEF in Zurich, ZüSZ, Switzerland
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
Now
Now
68°
Sat
78°
Sun
79°
byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
IRAN expressed intent to cooperate ISRAEL in Jerusalem, Israel (general), Israel
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
PRESIDENT consulted SWITZERLAND in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
ANI22 Jun 2026, 04:59 GMT+10
Burgenstock [Switzerland], June 22 (ANI): Discussions on maintaining the ceasefire in Lebanon, ensuring the continued opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing key aspects of a potential nuclear agreement dominated the first round of technical talks as part of the 14 point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran in Switzerland, Axios reported, citing a US diplomat familiar with the negotiations.
According to Axios, the talks that began on Sunday morning continued throughout the day in multiple formats.
The report said one of the key issues discussed during the negotiations was the situation in Lebanon aimed at 'deconfliction mechanisms' and 'enforcing the ceasefire' amid Israeli strikes on the southern side of the country, Axios reported.
The discussions also addressed concerns surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important global shipping route, amid recent Iranian statements suggesting the possibility of its closure.
'We made clear we want to ensure it remains fully open. We made good progress on that front,' the US diplomat told Axios.
Axios further reported that the negotiations covered 'all elements' of th…
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
TYRE, Lebanon (AP) — U.S. and Iranian negotiators headed to a Swiss venue Saturday for talks on adding key details to theirinterim agreementto haltthe war, hours after Tehran said it closed theStrait of Hormuzbecause of Israel’s attacks inLebanonand warned that little might be achieved if the fighting doesn’t stop.
U.S. President Donald Trump, in response, unleashed a new threat to impose American tolls in the crucial waterway if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days, saying the money would be for “services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East.” The agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days.
The announcements indicated a rough start to the technical-level talks that key mediator Pakistan said will begin Sunday, with Qatari mediators also participating.
U.S. Vice PresidentJD Vanceleft for Switzerland on Saturday evening, just as Iranian state TV posted video showing Iran’s negotiators arriving there. They are led by parliamentary SpeakerMohammad Bagher Qalibafand include Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and central bank and oil officials, among others. The deal calls for billions of dollars of Iran’s assets to be unfrozen.
Pakistan’s…
ISLAMIC expressed intent to cooperate NEWS AGENCY in Burgenstock, Switzerland (general), Switzerland
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
Copy link
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
Unattributed party consulted IRANIAN in Qalibaf, Semnan, Iran
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
ISLAMIC expressed intent to cooperate NEWS AGENCY in Isfahan, Esfahan, Iran
RFE21 Jun 2026, 12:31 GMT+10
New posts
23:55
There was no official word out of the four-party talks as midnight approached in Burgenstock, Switzerland, where US and Iranian delegations were joined by Pakistani and Qatari mediators seeking to convert a fragile memorandum of understanding into a broader political settlement.
Iran's Press TV said the talks had concluded for the night at about 10 p.m. on June 21, although there was no official confirmation from any participating party.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to Iran's hard-line Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), said Tehran's delegation walked out of the meeting in protest to US President Donald Trump's latest threats of military action.
But, citing "informed sources," Tasnim added that messages continued to be exchanged through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
US officials did not comment or confirm that talks had concluded for the first round of negotiations.
In the past, direct negotiations have at times broken up but exchanges of messages continued for hours at the talks through mediators.
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22:41
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa denied tha…
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byALEXX ALTMAN-DEVILBISS | The National News Desk
(TNND) —Israel carried out strikes in Lebanon overnight into Friday, briefly threatening anewly signed agreement between Iran and the United Statesaimed at ending their war, before mediators secured a renewed ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
The new truce was brokered by Qatar, the U.S and Iran, three officials said. The officials, who were not authorized to speak publicly, said Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah later agreed to halt hostilities after clashes raised concerns about the stability of the broader Iran-U.S. agreement.
The fighting nevertheless disrupted diplomatic efforts. Iranian officials and U.S. Vice President JD Vancepostponed planned trips to Switzerlandfor talks that were expected to focus on curbing Iran's nuclear program, the central issue that triggered the conflict between Iran, Israel and the U.S.
A Hezbollah official said mediators had worked to implement a new ceasefire and that an announcement could come soon, but stopped short of confirming the agreement was already in effect. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office did not immediately comment.
Thememora…
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
JERUSALEM — Israel and the Hezbollah militant group agreed Friday to renew their ceasefire after fighting postponed Iran-U.S. talks in Switzerland, three officials said.
Word of the ceasefire came from two regional officials and a U.S. official. The truce was mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Iran, the regional officials said.
Israel and Hezbollah did not immediately comment.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.
JERUSALEM (AP) — Talks between the U.S. and Iran were called off Friday after intense fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, officials said, raising questions about an initial agreement to
end the war in Iran
.
Iranian officials didn't travel as planned to Switzerland, insisting that the fighting in Lebanon must stop before the talks can take place, according to three regional officials and a fourth person familiar with the matter who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive conversations behind the scenes. U.S. Vice President JD Vance
also postponed his trip
.
Israel’s military struck targets in southern and eastern Lebanon overnight, and Hezbollah reported intense fighting. Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least …
Unattributed party reduced relations PAKISTAN in Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
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U.S. and Iranian negotiators were in Switzerland on Sunday
for talks on their interim agreement
to end the
Iran war
. Pakistani and Qatari mediators also were there for the technical-level discussions on resolving the conflict that the U.S. and Israel began in late February.
The U.S. team is led by Vice President
JD Vance
and includes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. They are meeting with Iranian negotiators led by Parliament Speaker
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf
and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
On the eve of talks, Tehran said it closed the
Strait of Hormuz
again over Israel’s ongoing
military campaign in Lebanon
. The
interim deal
is meant to stop fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon.
U.S. President
Donald Trump
has threatened to impose American tolls in the strait if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days. The interim agreement calls for toll-free travel for 60 days in the waterway that is vital for the world’s supply of oil, natural gas and related goods like fertilizer.
Here is the latest:
Iranian TV says Iran is talking with Qatar after direct talks
Iranian state t…
Corroboration
No verdict, no pronouncement. The model extracts atomic factual claims with verbatim quotes; every quote is validated against the source text and corroboration is computed by counting how many editorially-opposed blocs assert each fact. 10 fabricated/unverifiable quotes were rejected by the cite-or-die gate.
The spine · 2 facts corroborated across ≥2 opposed blocs
2×broadly confirmedIsraeli strikes killed at least 47 people Friday, according to the Lebanese government
otherwestern
guardian“Israel carried out a wave of retaliatory airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa valley that killed at least 47 people.”
cnn.com“Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people Friday, according to the Lebanese government, making it the second deadliest day of the current conflict.”
1×cross-perspective · 2Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement on Friday to end fighting in Lebanon
western
bluesky“Israel and Hezbollah reached a ceasefire agreement Friday to end their fighting in Lebanon, three diplomats briefed on…”
guardian“Israel and Hezbollah agreed to renew a fragile ceasefire in Lebanon on Friday after 24 hours of intense violence that posed an early challenge to the new agreement between the US and Iran to end their conflict.”
Contested · 2 — sources conflict; shown, not resolved
⚔ different reported death tolls from Israeli strikes
A western Lebanese civil defence said 20 people were killed by Israeli strikes on Saturday
B otherwestern Israeli strikes killed at least 47 people Friday, according to the Lebanese government
⚔ conflict over whether US‑Iran meeting in Switzerland proceeded or was cancelled
A western A meeting due to take place on Friday between the US and Iran in Switzerland was cancelled
B western U.S. and Iranian officials were in Switzerland for talks on the agreement
Single-source · 9 — reported by one bloc only (uncorroborated)
Lebanese civil defence said 20 people were killed by Israeli strikes on Saturday
france24
A meeting due to take place on Friday between the US and Iran in Switzerland was cancelled
guardian
U.S. and Iranian officials were in Switzerland for talks on the agreement
france24
U.S. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Switzerland for the talks
france24
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz
france24
Points in the US‑Iran agreement are conditional on a halt in fighting in Lebanon
france24
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose American tolls in the Strait of Hormuz if a final deal with Iran isn’t reached in 60 days
gdelt
Iran sought guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon would end before the first round of technical negotiations
cnn.com
Tehran is working with mediators on reorganizing the talks
cnn.com
Framing · 3 — loaded language surfaced (spin shown, not adopted)
guardian
“fragile ceasefire”
→ fragile
cnn.com
“second deadliest day”
→ second deadliest day
gdelt
“unleashed a new threat”
→ unleashed a new threat
Entities
United Statesplace
Iranplace
Israelplace
Lebanonplace
Washington, District of Columbiaplace
Israelorg
The White Houseplace
Switzerlandplace
Jerusalemplace
VILLAGEplace
three officialsperson
Bekaa Valleyplace
Lieutenant Colonelperson
Hezbollah militant grouporg
Béaplace