Live Blog Update| War on Iran
18 June 2026 06:58 BST
Good morning Middle East Eye readers,
The text of the Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran has been signed digitally by the presidents of the two countries.
While an official meeting was expected on Friday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said that talks between Tehran and Washington on Friday in Switzerland are not confirmed yet.
Here are some of the other latest developments:
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding will "enter into force with immediate effect". As a first step, he indicated that Tehran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington immediately lifts its naval blockade on the waterway.
US President Donald Trump told his advisors that no one can handle Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to The Wall Street Journal citing a source familiar with the comments. The president added that the US president indicated that Netanyahu wants to "bomb everyone".
US senators are threatening to withhold 75 percent of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget amid increasing frustration with the Pentagon's refusal to comply with congressional requests - including information updates on an investigation into the US targeting of a girls school in Iran.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Wednesday hailed an understanding reached between Tehran and Washington as a "great victory", calling it a "pivotal point" for Lebanon.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Wednesday that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for violations against children as he voiced alarm at a "staggering" rise in violations against Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank.
Read the full article at Middle East Eye →📄Source document: Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
2 reports
Middle East EyeIndependentRight2 days agoIn an interview with Axios, US President Donald Trump stated that the conflict with Iran demonstrated 'no limits' to his power, highlighting the strength of the US military and the effectiveness of the naval blockade imposed on Iran. He also reiterated that the Memorandum of Understanding with Iran likely constitutes 'unconditional surrender.'
Bias read (Right): The article presents Trump's statements without critical analysis or counterpoints, emphasizing his claims of military dominance and perceived victory over Iran. The framing highlights Trump's assertions of power and success, which aligns with a right-leaning perspective.
Middle East EyeIndependentCenter3 days ago Morning updateMiddle East Eye reports on recent developments related to the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, including digital signing by both leaders and ongoing discussions in Switzerland. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif comments on the agreement's immediate effects, such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US naval blockade. US President Donald Trump is quoted as saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'wants to bomb everyone.' Additionally, US senators threaten to cut part of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s travel budget due to frustrations over the Pentagon's lack of
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual updates without overtly biased language or framing. It includes multiple perspectives and does not show clear favoritism toward any political side.
Official sources cited
- government Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif
- government US President Donald Trump
- press release The Wall Street Journal
United Kingdom