Key facts
- The United States and Iran are reportedly finalizing a peace deal.
- The deal includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire on all fronts.
- The Strait of Hormuz is set to reopen as part of the peace deal.
- An official signing ceremony was initially set for June 19 in Switzerland.
- Qatari negotiators are in Tehran to finalize the US-Iran peace deal.
- Iran disputes reports of an immediate signing, suggesting it will be in the 'coming days'.
- An Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs occurred amid peace talks.
- The Israeli strike killed at least three people and wounded 15.
- President Trump blamed the Israeli strike for a brief delay in the peace deal signing.
- Iran condemned the Israeli strike as a 'terrorist act' and warned of retaliation.
- Israel's military has gone on high alert for potential attacks from Iran.
- Western allies assess Iran has replenished its missile arsenal during an eight-week ceasefire.
The United States and Iran are reportedly close to finalizing a peace deal aimed at ending a 12-day war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Qatari negotiators present in Tehran to conclude the agreement. While an official signing ceremony was initially slated for June 19 in Switzerland, Iran has disputed reports of an immediate signing, suggesting it will occur in the "coming days." President Donald Trump stated the deal was "hours away" but acknowledged a recent Israeli airstrike on Beirut's southern suburbs caused a brief delay, urging de-escalation and criticizing the Israeli attack.
Iran has strongly condemned the Israeli strike, labeling it a "terrorist act" and warning that the US bears responsibility for the consequences, reserving its right to self-defense. The strike, which killed at least three people and wounded 15, has prompted Iran to signal an imminent "strong retaliatory response," leading Israel's military to go on high alert. Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, criticized the US for lacking the will or ability to fulfill commitments following the incident. Amidst these tensions, Iran's Supreme National Security Council supports pursuing dialogue, though the IRGC has stated military readiness against threats. Western allies assess that Iran has significantly replenished its missile arsenal during an eight-week ceasefire, potentially incorporating new Russian weapons, and now possesses approximately three-quarters of its pre-war munitions. Iran's Civil Aviation Authority stated flights nationwide are proceeding as scheduled, despite earlier reports of cancellations and some restrictions in western airports. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi emphasized that regional security necessitates Iran's inclusion in discussions, not exclusion.
International reactions to the potential agreement have been mixed with expressions of hope for regional stability. Leaders from Japan, Germany, and New Zealand have welcomed the prospect of a US-Iran agreement, urging swift implementation and continued momentum. However, concerns remain regarding the timeline for negotiating Iran's nuclear program, with former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman calling a 60-day timeframe "pretty short" compared to the 18 months required for the JCPOA. Iran has also threatened to strike SpaceX and Starlink facilities in the Middle East, accusing them of aiding US intelligence and military operations. The UAE has categorically denied reports of unlocking billions of dollars for Iran amid regional tensions. Protests have occurred in Mashhad, Iran, against diplomat Abbas Araghchi over the prospective US peace deal, with hardline figures opposing it. The US Central Command reported redirecting 142 commercial ships and disabling nine vessels that did not comply with its sea blockade on Iran, which began April 13.