US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 24) reportedly got into a heated shouting match with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy during a closed-door meeting with GOP lawmakers. The incident has once again exposed growing divisions within Trump's party over the administration's handling of the Iran conflict and the recently announced framework peace agreement.The confrontation came just hours before the White House asked Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars to fund the war, even as the administration insists diplomacy is now moving forward.<h2>What happened with Bill Cassidy?</h2>According to multiple US media reports, the exchange began when Trump questioned why several Republicans had supported a Senate resolution seeking to curb his war powers in Iran."The President was wondering why people would vote for the War Powers Act," Cassidy later told reporters. The Louisiana senator said he used the opportunity to press Trump on the Iran agreement, arguing that lawmakers and the American public still lacked basic details about what had been negotiated.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meloni-signals-truce-after-extraordinary-public-spat-with-trump-i-don-t-intend-to-keep-fuelling-this-dispute-1782265096024">Meloni signals truce after extraordinary public spat with Trump: 'I don't intend to keep fuelling this dispute'</a>"I stood and said, 'You have not told the American people what's going on. It was supposed to last four weeks; it's lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved, and I want to know what's going on,'" Cassidy said.According to CNN, Trump interrupted Cassidy repeatedly, ordered him to sit down and at one point called him a "lunatic." Cassidy reportedly refused to back down, raising his own voice during the exchange."I didn't care to be interrupted," Cassidy said. "I felt like I was trying to get answers for the American people, and I'm not going to be bullied when I'm trying to get answers."He added that fellow senators eventually urged him to sit down to calm the situation."I make no apologies for standing up to the president... I am sticking up for the American people, even if I'm speaking to the president," Cassidy said.<h2>A 'memorable' difference of opinion</h2>Several Republican senators later confirmed the confrontation. Senator Tommy Tuberville described it as "a difference of opinion on Iran," while Senator Jon Husted called the exchange "memorable." Senator John Cornyn jokingly remarked, "Quite the unity message," as he left the meeting.The clash came a day after the Senate passed a largely symbolic resolution directing Trump to end the Iran war. Cassidy was one of four Republicans who joined Democrats in backing the measure.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-accuses-big-oil-companies-of-gouging-american-customers-says-gasoline-prices-better-start-going-down-a-lot-faster-usa-ogas-price-today-1782274625910">Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster'</a><h2>Trump slams Senate vote on ending Iran war</h2>Despite the criticism, Trump later dismissed the Senate vote while speaking to reporters at the White House."Iran sees that, they go, 'What's that all about?' Now you know, it's meaningless, right?" Trump said.The political tensions unfolded as the administration formally requested nearly $70 billion in additional funding for the conflict, on top of the existing US military budget.Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue following the framework agreement reached earlier this week. The initial deal reopened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over global energy supplies and contributing to a decline in oil prices.However, major questions remain unresolved. Critics have pointed to uncertainty over sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme, future inspections, financial incentives for Tehran, and the long-term security arrangements in Lebanon.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

A closed-door meeting between Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers turned into a shouting match after Senator Bill Cassidy demanded answers about the administration's Iran strategy and peace framework. Here's what happened.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday (Jun 24) reportedly got into a heated shouting match with Republican Senator Bill Cassidy during a closed-door meeting with GOP lawmakers. The incident has once again exposed growing divisions within Trump's party over the administration's handling of the Iran conflict and the recently announced framework peace agreement. The confrontation came just hours before the White House asked Congress to approve tens of billions of dollars to fund the war, even as the administration insists diplomacy is now moving forward. What happened with Bill Cassidy? According to multiple US media reports, the exchange began when Trump questioned why several Republicans had supported a Senate resolution seeking to curb his war powers in Iran. "The President was wondering why people would vote for the War Powers Act," Cassidy later told reporters. The Louisiana senator said he used the opportunity to press Trump on the Iran agreement, arguing that lawmakers and the American public still lacked basic details about what had been negotiated. Also read | Meloni signals truce after extraordinary public spat with Trump: 'I don't intend to keep fuelling this dispute' "I stood and said, 'You have not told the American people what's going on. It was supposed to last four weeks; it's lasted four months. Our original objectives have not been achieved, and I want to know what's going on,'" Cassidy said. According to CNN, Trump interrupted Cassidy repeatedly, ordered him to sit down and at one point called him a "lunatic." Cassidy reportedly refused to back down, raising his own voice during the exchange. "I didn't care to be interrupted," Cassidy said. "I felt like I was trying to get answers for the American people, and I'm not going to be bullied when I'm trying to get answers." He added that fellow senators eventually urged him to sit down to calm the situation. "I make no apologies for standing up to the president... I am sticking up for the American people, even if I'm speaking to the president," Cassidy said. A 'memorable' difference of opinion Several Republican senators later confirmed the confrontation. Senator Tommy Tuberville described it as "a difference of opinion on Iran," while Senator Jon Husted called the exchange "memorable." Senator John Cornyn jokingly remarked, "Quite the unity message," as he left the meeting. The clash came a day after the Senate passed a largely symbolic resolution directing Trump to end the Iran war. Cassidy was one of four Republicans who joined Democrats in backing the measure. Also read | Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster' Trump slams Senate vote on ending Iran war Despite the criticism, Trump later dismissed the Senate vote while speaking to reporters at the White House. "Iran sees that, they go, 'What's that all about?' Now you know, it's meaningless, right?" Trump said. The political tensions unfolded as the administration formally requested nearly $70 billion in additional funding for the conflict, on top of the existing US military budget. Meanwhile, negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue following the framework agreement reached earlier this week. The initial deal reopened shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing fears over global energy supplies and contributing to a decline in oil prices. However, major questions remain unresolved. Critics have pointed to uncertainty over sanctions relief, Iran's nuclear programme, future inspections, financial incentives for Tehran, and the long-term security arrangements in Lebanon. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

A closed-door meeting between Donald Trump and Republican lawmakers turned into a shouting match after Senator Bill Cassidy demanded answers about the administration's Iran strategy and peace framework. Here's what happened.

'I'm not going to be bullied': Trump gets into shouting match with Republican senator over Iran war as questions grow over peace deal

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that several NATO allies had failed to support Washington during its war against Iran, telling NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that he was disappointed by their stance.&nbsp;Speaking during a meeting with Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump said, "We were let down. We didn't need help on this at all. We demolished (Iran) literally in the first week, but it would have been nice if they had said, 'We'd like to help.'"&nbsp;The US president singled out a number of alliance members for criticism, arguing that they were unwilling to contribute enough to collective security efforts.&nbsp;“Spain is a horror show. Spain is terrible. I was disappointed with Italy. I was disappointed with the UK. We were disappointed with Germany and France. We’re disappointed with most of them. They don’t want to pay anything. They think they’re in for a free ride."&nbsp;When asked what he expected from NATO partners, Trump replied, “I just want the loyalty. We don’t need their money, we don’t need anything. We have the most powerful military in the world by far."&nbsp;“But I just want loyalty. You know, we’re so loyal to them. We’re always fighting for them! We have thousands of troops all over Europe."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/powerful-7-1-magnitude-earthquake-strikes-venezuela-tremors-felt-in-colombia-1782340254687">7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Venezuela, tremors felt in Colombia</a><h2>Rutte defends NATO allies</h2>Rutte rejected the suggestion that European allies had failed to support the United States, pointing to the role of American military assets operating from bases across Europe during the conflict.&nbsp;“First of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was getting its hands on…it would have been a threat to the region and the whole world. They were very close to getting their hands on the nuclear capability. You have seen all the leaders in the G7 applauding the fact that this nuclear capability has been degraded… 4,000 to 5,000 US planes taking off from bases in Europe in the six weeks this war took place," Rutte said.&nbsp;Following the meeting, the NATO chief told reporters that Trump remains "completely committed to the NATO alliance" and said the United States would "absolutely" defend Europe if it came under attack.&nbsp;Trump's remarks come less than two weeks before leaders from NATO's 32 member states gather for a summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8.&nbsp;The United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. Trump did not consult NATO before the operation, and several European allies questioned the need for military action.<h2>Trump hints at possible F-35 breakthrough for Turkey</h2>Trump also hinted at a possible move on Turkey's access to F-35 fighter jets. The US president said his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, would be "very happy" during his visit to Ankara for next month's NATO summit, suggesting a potentially favourable decision on the issue.&nbsp;"I'm going to probably do something that's going to make him very happy," Trump said when asked whether he planned to grant Erdogan's request for the advanced fighter aircraft.&nbsp;The F-35 is a stealth combat jet developed by the United States in partnership with several NATO allies under the Joint Strike Fighter programme, which originally included Turkey.&nbsp;However, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 programme in 2019 after Ankara proceeded with the purchase of a Russian missile defence system despite US objections.

Trump said the United States expects greater loyalty from its NATO allies, arguing that Washington already provides extensive military support and maintains a large troop presence across Europe.

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that several NATO allies had failed to support Washington during its war against Iran, telling NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that he was disappointed by their stance. Speaking during a meeting with Rutte in the Oval Office, Trump said, "We were let down. We didn't need help on this at all. We demolished (Iran) literally in the first week, but it would have been nice if they had said, 'We'd like to help.'" The US president singled out a number of alliance members for criticism, arguing that they were unwilling to contribute enough to collective security efforts. “Spain is a horror show. Spain is terrible. I was disappointed with Italy. I was disappointed with the UK. We were disappointed with Germany and France. We’re disappointed with most of them. They don’t want to pay anything. They think they’re in for a free ride." When asked what he expected from NATO partners, Trump replied, “I just want the loyalty. We don’t need their money, we don’t need anything. We have the most powerful military in the world by far." “But I just want loyalty. You know, we’re so loyal to them. We’re always fighting for them! We have thousands of troops all over Europe." Also Read: 7.1 magnitude earthquake strikes Venezuela, tremors felt in Colombia Rutte defends NATO allies Rutte rejected the suggestion that European allies had failed to support the United States, pointing to the role of American military assets operating from bases across Europe during the conflict. “First of all, about the nuclear capability Iran was getting its hands on…it would have been a threat to the region and the whole world. They were very close to getting their hands on the nuclear capability. You have seen all the leaders in the G7 applauding the fact that this nuclear capability has been degraded… 4,000 to 5,000 US planes taking off from bases in Europe in the six weeks this war took place," Rutte said. Following the meeting, the NATO chief told reporters that Trump remains "completely committed to the NATO alliance" and said the United States would "absolutely" defend Europe if it came under attack. Trump's remarks come less than two weeks before leaders from NATO's 32 member states gather for a summit in Ankara on July 7 and 8. The United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on February 28. Trump did not consult NATO before the operation, and several European allies questioned the need for military action. Trump hints at possible F-35 breakthrough for Turkey Trump also hinted at a possible move on Turkey's access to F-35 fighter jets. The US president said his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, would be "very happy" during his visit to Ankara for next month's NATO summit, suggesting a potentially favourable decision on the issue. "I'm going to probably do something that's going to make him very happy," Trump said when asked whether he planned to grant Erdogan's request for the advanced fighter aircraft. The F-35 is a stealth combat jet developed by the United States in partnership with several NATO allies under the Joint Strike Fighter programme, which originally included Turkey. However, Washington removed Turkey from the F-35 programme in 2019 after Ankara proceeded with the purchase of a Russian missile defence system despite US objections.

Trump said the United States expects greater loyalty from its NATO allies, arguing that Washington already provides extensive military support and maintains a large troop presence across Europe.

'I was disappointed': Trump tells Rutte NATO allies 'let down' US during Iran war

Iran's Foreign Ministry has criticised what it described as conflicting statements from US officials regarding the memorandum of understanding that ended the imposed war, saying the remarks only reinforce long-standing distrust toward Washington.&nbsp;In a post on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, "The contradictory statements by US officials regarding the memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war will do nothing to reduce the accumulated distrust of Iranians and will merely serve as a reminder of past breaches of faith," adding that " The U.S. ruling establishment must bear in mind that the principle of "commitment for commitment" requires the fulfillment of reciprocal obligations and the avoidance of interpretations that are entirely at odds with the explicit wording of the memorandum of understanding text".&nbsp;Baghaei said Iran entered the diplomatic process in good faith despite having strong reasons to remain sceptical of the United States and ultimately signed the agreement aimed at ending the conflict.&nbsp;"The US ruling establishment has never shown any sincerity in its behaviour toward the Iranian nation. Iran, while having ample reason for this suspicion, entered the diplomatic process in good faith and signed the memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war."&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rubio-announces-next-round-of-iran-talks-vows-to-protect-gulf-allies-interests-1782334553087">Rubio announces next round of Iran talks, vows to protect Gulf allies' interests</a><h2>Disputes emerge over inspections, shipping and frozen funds</h2>Baghaei's comments come amid differing positions expressed by Washington and Tehran on several key issues, including nuclear inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, shipping charges in the Strait of Hormuz and the use of Iran's frozen assets.&nbsp;On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said Iran had "fully and completely" agreed to allow nuclear inspections. However, Tehran said there were "no plans" for IAEA inspectors to return to the enrichment facilities damaged during the conflict.&nbsp;Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that UN inspectors could return as early as this week, while Trump later stated there was "no rush" for their return.&nbsp;Differences have also surfaced over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has repeatedly said it intends to maintain control of the waterway alongside Oman and introduce what it calls maritime service fees for ships using the route.&nbsp;Trump, however, said on social media on Wednesday that Iran had informed Washington it would impose "NO TOLLS, NO INSURANCE COSTS, &amp; NO OTHER CHARGES OF ANY KIND". He did not clarify whether that arrangement would continue beyond the current 60-day negotiation period.&nbsp;Another point of disagreement concerns the release of Iran's frozen funds. Trump suggested the money would be used to purchase American goods, including food. Tehran, however, said there was no such requirement and maintained that it would be free to use the funds wherever it chooses.

Iran's remarks come as disagreements persist between US President Donald Trump and Tehran over several issues, including nuclear inspections, shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz and the handling of Iran's frozen funds.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has criticised what it described as conflicting statements from US officials regarding the memorandum of understanding that ended the imposed war, saying the remarks only reinforce long-standing distrust toward Washington. In a post on X, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said, "The contradictory statements by US officials regarding the memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war will do nothing to reduce the accumulated distrust of Iranians and will merely serve as a reminder of past breaches of faith," adding that " The U.S. ruling establishment must bear in mind that the principle of "commitment for commitment" requires the fulfillment of reciprocal obligations and the avoidance of interpretations that are entirely at odds with the explicit wording of the memorandum of understanding text". Baghaei said Iran entered the diplomatic process in good faith despite having strong reasons to remain sceptical of the United States and ultimately signed the agreement aimed at ending the conflict. "The US ruling establishment has never shown any sincerity in its behaviour toward the Iranian nation. Iran, while having ample reason for this suspicion, entered the diplomatic process in good faith and signed the memorandum of understanding to end the imposed war." Also Read: Rubio announces next round of Iran talks, vows to protect Gulf allies' interests Disputes emerge over inspections, shipping and frozen funds Baghaei's comments come amid differing positions expressed by Washington and Tehran on several key issues, including nuclear inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency, shipping charges in the Strait of Hormuz and the use of Iran's frozen assets. On Tuesday, President Donald Trump said Iran had "fully and completely" agreed to allow nuclear inspections. However, Tehran said there were "no plans" for IAEA inspectors to return to the enrichment facilities damaged during the conflict. Vice President JD Vance said on Monday that UN inspectors could return as early as this week, while Trump later stated there was "no rush" for their return. Differences have also surfaced over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has repeatedly said it intends to maintain control of the waterway alongside Oman and introduce what it calls maritime service fees for ships using the route. Trump, however, said on social media on Wednesday that Iran had informed Washington it would impose "NO TOLLS, NO INSURANCE COSTS, & NO OTHER CHARGES OF ANY KIND". He did not clarify whether that arrangement would continue beyond the current 60-day negotiation period. Another point of disagreement concerns the release of Iran's frozen funds. Trump suggested the money would be used to purchase American goods, including food. Tehran, however, said there was no such requirement and maintained that it would be free to use the funds wherever it chooses.

Iran's remarks come as disagreements persist between US President Donald Trump and Tehran over several issues, including nuclear inspections, shipping fees in the Strait of Hormuz and the handling of Iran's frozen funds.

'Commitment for commitment': Iran says contradictory US statements on the MoU are fuelling 'distrust'

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday, said that Iran's ballistic missile programme was not part of any discussion in the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that it was likely to be discussed in the later stages of the talks in Gulf states. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he could firmly confirm "without fear of contradiction that Iran's ballistic missile program was not a subject of discussion between the US and Iran." Sharif was making those statements in a press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following a delegation-level talks.&nbsp;US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday told the media in Washington trying to ease concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program and proxies, saying that these are likely to be discussed at a later stage of the discussion. “You can’t have the end of hostilities and conflicts in the region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq and are participating in terrorism like Hamas did and like Hezbollah did,” &nbsp;said Rubio. “So I do think it’s covered by the MOU, and it is an issue that will be gotten to at the appropriate time in these negotiations.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-student-killed-gaza-air-strike-exam-centre-raghad-ashour-1782146481162">Israeli strike kills 18-year-old Palestinian girl travelling to exam centre in Gaza</a>“It was not on the table”, said Sharif, suggesting that the preliminary US-Iran agreement made no mention of ballistic missiles."It is not possible that others have missiles and Iran does not have them." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian added, “If the missiles we have for our defence did not exist, Israel and the United States would have ploughed Iran just like Gaza.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said in an interview last week, “Our missiles do not like at all to be talked about by anyone.”&nbsp;Sharif condemned the “double standards”, suggesting that it was completely normal for sovereign nations like Iran to develop defensive missile capabilities, the same as every other country does globally. Sharif praised the "sagacious" leadership of Pezeshkian and other Iranian leaders and highlighted Pakistan's role as an "honest and sincere mediator" in the peace process. He further suggested that some countries are unhappy with the progress in diplomatic talks and improving relations among regional actors. So they are purposefully spreading misinformation to undermine the developments.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif: Some countries are unhappy and disappointed by this agreement. They are trying to sabotage it by creating confusion, doubt, and uncertainty. But our nations stand united, and we will be like an iron wall against anyone who seeks to undermine… <a href="https://t.co/aS3rWdC7EP">pic.twitter.com/aS3rWdC7EP</a>&mdash; Clash Report (@clashreport) <a href="https://x.com/clashreport/status/2069527459490415032?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🇵🇰🇮🇷 Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif: &quot;This MOU does not mention ballistic missiles. It was never on the table; it was never on the agenda.&quot; These were one of Iran’s biggest weapons in the war. Now Gulf allies are furious, while Pakistan keeps pushing the “peace” narrative.… <a href="https://t.co/m2e9PDKCYh">https://t.co/m2e9PDKCYh</a>&mdash; Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) <a href="https://x.com/MarioNawfal/status/2069457958879236296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 23, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran’s ballistic missile programme was never discussed in the recent US-Iran MoU, contradicting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks on future negotiations.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on Tuesday, said that Iran's ballistic missile programme was not part of any discussion in the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio claimed that it was likely to be discussed in the later stages of the talks in Gulf states. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that he could firmly confirm "without fear of contradiction that Iran's ballistic missile program was not a subject of discussion between the US and Iran." Sharif was making those statements in a press conference with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following a delegation-level talks. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday told the media in Washington trying to ease concerns about Iran's ballistic missile program and proxies, saying that these are likely to be discussed at a later stage of the discussion. “You can’t have the end of hostilities and conflicts in the region as long as Iranian proxies are launching missiles and drones from Iraq and are participating in terrorism like Hamas did and like Hezbollah did,” said Rubio. “So I do think it’s covered by the MOU, and it is an issue that will be gotten to at the appropriate time in these negotiations.” Also Read: Israeli strike kills 18-year-old Palestinian girl travelling to exam centre in Gaza “It was not on the table”, said Sharif, suggesting that the preliminary US-Iran agreement made no mention of ballistic missiles."It is not possible that others have missiles and Iran does not have them." Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian added, “If the missiles we have for our defence did not exist, Israel and the United States would have ploughed Iran just like Gaza.” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghei said in an interview last week, “Our missiles do not like at all to be talked about by anyone.” Sharif condemned the “double standards”, suggesting that it was completely normal for sovereign nations like Iran to develop defensive missile capabilities, the same as every other country does globally. Sharif praised the "sagacious" leadership of Pezeshkian and other Iranian leaders and highlighted Pakistan's role as an "honest and sincere mediator" in the peace process. He further suggested that some countries are unhappy with the progress in diplomatic talks and improving relations among regional actors. So they are purposefully spreading misinformation to undermine the developments.

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran’s ballistic missile programme was never discussed in the recent US-Iran MoU, contradicting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s remarks on future negotiations.

Shehbaz Sharif rejects Rubio's claim, says Iran ballistic missile program not part of US-Iran MoU

US President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Wednesday (Jun 24), announced that he has asked big oil companies to drop oil prices. Accusing major oil companies of overcharging consumers by failing to lower gasoline prices in line with the recent decline in crude oil prices, the POTUS said he had directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the matter.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-supreme-court-makes-it-easier-to-deport-green-card-holders-what-does-it-mean-for-indians-wion-horizons-1782271724642">US Supreme Court makes it easier to deport Green Card holders: What does it mean for Indians? | WION Horizons</a><h2>Can Americans expect cheaper gasoline?</h2>In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that oil prices had fallen sharply, but consumers were not seeing comparable relief at fuel stations. This, he said, meant that American customers were being "gouged" by "big Oil Companies"."The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil. Those prices are dropping like a rock!" Trump wrote."In other words, customers are being 'gouged.' I have instructed the DOJ to immediately start looking into this. Gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster than what I'm seeing!" he added, signing off with his signature ‘President DJT’.The oil industry has yet to publicly respond to Trump's allegations.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-asks-americans-if-ice-should-become-nice-in-unusual-rebranding-poll-says-media-would-go-totally-crazy-1782014525608">Trump asks Americans if ICE should become 'NICE' in unusual rebranding poll, says media would 'go totally crazy'</a><h2>Oil prices fall to lowest levels since start of Iran war</h2>Trump's remarks come as oil prices extended losses to sit around their lowest levels since the early days of the Middle East crisis. According to an AFP report, at 0230 GMT, Brent crude price fell by 0.7 per cent to $76.56 a barrel.Oil prices continue to fall as optimism persists about an eventual deal to end the war in West Asia.On Monday, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest level since the war began on February 28.Global oil markets have experienced increased volatility in recent months amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, supply disruptions, and concerns over global economic growth.&nbsp;

With oil prices falling to their lowest levels since the start of the Iran conflict, Donald Trump has accused major oil companies of overcharging consumers and ordered the DoJ to investigate whether Americans are being denied the benefits of cheaper crude. Can US citizens expect cheaper fuel?

US President Donald Trump, in a social media post on Wednesday (Jun 24), announced that he has asked big oil companies to drop oil prices. Accusing major oil companies of overcharging consumers by failing to lower gasoline prices in line with the recent decline in crude oil prices, the POTUS said he had directed the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate the matter. Also read | US Supreme Court makes it easier to deport Green Card holders: What does it mean for Indians? | WION Horizons Can Americans expect cheaper gasoline? In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump claimed that oil prices had fallen sharply, but consumers were not seeing comparable relief at fuel stations. This, he said, meant that American customers were being "gouged" by "big Oil Companies". "The big Oil Companies are not dropping their price at the pump commensurate with the sharply lower prices they are paying for Oil. Those prices are dropping like a rock!" Trump wrote. "In other words, customers are being 'gouged.' I have instructed the DOJ to immediately start looking into this. Gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster than what I'm seeing!" he added, signing off with his signature ‘President DJT’. The oil industry has yet to publicly respond to Trump's allegations. Also read | Trump asks Americans if ICE should become 'NICE' in unusual rebranding poll, says media would 'go totally crazy' Oil prices fall to lowest levels since start of Iran war Trump's remarks come as oil prices extended losses to sit around their lowest levels since the early days of the Middle East crisis. According to an AFP report, at 0230 GMT, Brent crude price fell by 0.7 per cent to $76.56 a barrel. Oil prices continue to fall as optimism persists about an eventual deal to end the war in West Asia. On Monday, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz reached its highest level since the war began on February 28. Global oil markets have experienced increased volatility in recent months amid geopolitical tensions in West Asia, supply disruptions, and concerns over global economic growth.

With oil prices falling to their lowest levels since the start of the Iran conflict, Donald Trump has accused major oil companies of overcharging consumers and ordered the DoJ to investigate whether Americans are being denied the benefits of cheaper crude. Can US citizens expect cheaper fuel?

Trump accuses big oil companies of 'gouging' American customers, says 'gasoline prices better start going down a lot faster'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 24) came down heavily on Congress for passing a resolution calling for an end to the war with Iran. Trump, in a post on Truth Social said that the resolution was "poorly timed and meaningless." Calling Iran “the number one sponsor of terror”, the US president said that the resolution provides comfort to the enemy by telling them that the US Senate does not respect the US president. He blamed that Senators for “making the job difficult” but added that he will get it done, likely referring to a final deal with Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-signs-orders-on-quantum-computers-and-cryptography-what-do-they-mean-for-your-data-privacy-1782185031522/amp">Trump signs orders on quantum computers and cryptography: What do they mean for your data privacy?</a>&nbsp;He &nbsp;wrote, “So, I have Iran on the 'ropes,' ready to go down for the fall, willing to give us practically anything, and for the first time in decades, respecting the hell out of the United States and its President, ME, and the U.S. Senate decides to have a poorly timed and meaningless War Powers Act Vote, telling the Number One Sponser of Terror in the World that the United States doesn’t like what I am doing to them, and I must stop, and by so doing has provided aid and comfort the Enemy."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-deal-iran-oman-hold-crucial-talks-as-trump-claims-nuclear-deal-progress-1782238301539/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-deal-iran-oman-hold-crucial-talks-as-trump-claims-nuclear-deal-progress-1782238301539/embed</a>&nbsp;<figure class="image"><img src="https://cdn1.wionews.com/prod/wion/images/2026/20260624/image-1782272324514.png"></figure>Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-they-re-not-behaving-trump-issues-big-warning-to-iran-amid-disagreements-on-nuclear-inspection-hormuz-1782179991681/amp">'If they’re not behaving...': Trump issues BIG warning to Iran amid disagreements on nuclear inspection, Hormuz</a><h2>Resoultion to end Iran war</h2>On June 23, the US Senate approved a symbolic resolution urging an end to President Donald Trump's military conflict with Iran. Earlier on June 3, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution ordering the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war. In what was seen as an unprecedented move, four members of Trump's Republicans also joined Democrats in backing the measure. The move marked the first time the Republican-controlled House has attempted to force Trump to end the military operations against Tehran. As the Congress pushed for War Powers Resolution, the Trump administration insisted that the war against Iran is already over, despite ongoing exchanges of fire between the two sides' forces and no peace deal. Democrats argued that Trump violated the US Constitution by launching military operations against Iran without congressional approval. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, presidents must seek authorisation from Congress within 60 days of deploying US forces into hostilities, although successive administrations have disputed how the law should be interpreted.

Trump slammed Congress for supporting measures to restrict US military action against Iran, saying the move weakens America's position during sensitive negotiations. Lawmakers argued that military operations require congressional approval

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (June 24) came down heavily on Congress for passing a resolution calling for an end to the war with Iran. Trump, in a post on Truth Social said that the resolution was "poorly timed and meaningless." Calling Iran “the number one sponsor of terror”, the US president said that the resolution provides comfort to the enemy by telling them that the US Senate does not respect the US president. He blamed that Senators for “making the job difficult” but added that he will get it done, likely referring to a final deal with Iran. Also Read: Trump signs orders on quantum computers and cryptography: What do they mean for your data privacy? He wrote, “So, I have Iran on the 'ropes,' ready to go down for the fall, willing to give us practically anything, and for the first time in decades, respecting the hell out of the United States and its President, ME, and the U.S. Senate decides to have a poorly timed and meaningless War Powers Act Vote, telling the Number One Sponser of Terror in the World that the United States doesn’t like what I am doing to them, and I must stop, and by so doing has provided aid and comfort the Enemy." https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-deal-iran-oman-hold-crucial-talks-as-trump-claims-nuclear-deal-progress-1782238301539/embed Also Read: 'If they’re not behaving...': Trump issues BIG warning to Iran amid disagreements on nuclear inspection, Hormuz Resoultion to end Iran war On June 23, the US Senate approved a symbolic resolution urging an end to President Donald Trump's military conflict with Iran. Earlier on June 3, the US House of Representatives passed a resolution ordering the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war. In what was seen as an unprecedented move, four members of Trump's Republicans also joined Democrats in backing the measure. The move marked the first time the Republican-controlled House has attempted to force Trump to end the military operations against Tehran. As the Congress pushed for War Powers Resolution, the Trump administration insisted that the war against Iran is already over, despite ongoing exchanges of fire between the two sides' forces and no peace deal. Democrats argued that Trump violated the US Constitution by launching military operations against Iran without congressional approval. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, presidents must seek authorisation from Congress within 60 days of deploying US forces into hostilities, although successive administrations have disputed how the law should be interpreted.

Trump slammed Congress for supporting measures to restrict US military action against Iran, saying the move weakens America's position during sensitive negotiations. Lawmakers argued that military operations require congressional approval

'Made my job more difficult': Trump slams US Congress for passing resolution to end Iran war - What this means for the deal

Who gained or lost more from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran will remain a topic of debate for years, but one thing is already beyond doubt: the biggest losers are the millions of Iranians who oppose the country’s iron-fisted theocratic rulers.&nbsp;The second paragraph of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding on a ceasefire in the war makes it clear that Iran’s rulers need not fear American responses to the massive human rights violations that have kept the population in fear and the mullahs in power. &nbsp;&nbsp;It says: “The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.” &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a>&nbsp;This pledge is a 180-degree reversal of President Donald Trump’s initial stance of urging Iranians to rise up in revolt against their country’s leaders and overthrow them. It is difficult to think of a more radical act of interference in a country’s internal affairs.&nbsp;Oddly, there has been little attention on the non-interference pact despite reports that thousands of Iranians had been detained after the start of the war on February 28. According to a U.N. group of experts, at least 156 people have been executed since late February, with many others tortured and denied access to lawyers.&nbsp;In January, security forces crushed mass demonstrations against the regime in one of the deadliest protest massacres in Middle Eastern history. Estimates of the death toll ranged from 3,117 by the government to 36,500 by human rights activists. Because the government shut down the internet during the crackdown and for weeks after, the precise figure will never be known. &nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-senate-rebukes-trump-with-resolution-seeking-halt-to-iran-war-1782245350784">US Senate passes resolution calling for end to Trump's war with Iran</a>&nbsp;A few days after the massacre, which prompted comparisons with the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on anti-government demonstrators at Peking’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, Trump posted on his Truth Social site: “Iranian Patriots. Keep protesting, take over your institutions. HELP IS ON ITS Way.”&nbsp;Nobody was ever held to account for the Tiananmen Square slaughter, and no one will be held to account for the slaughter in Tehran, less so after the American non-interference pledge.&nbsp;In its 2024 report on human rights around the world, the U.S. State Department noted that “the government did not take credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses.” &nbsp;&nbsp;Amnesty International’s comment on the memorandum is worth noting: “A framework agreement that temporarily halts fighting but ignores human rights risks becoming a shield behind which impunity and repression continue indefinitely.”&nbsp;At the end of the eight-minute video announcing the war, Trump told the “great, proud people of Iran that the hour of your freedom is at hand.“ &nbsp;&nbsp;That was apparently based on the assumption that the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader and many of his top aides in the first of thousands of air strikes by American and Israeli aircraft and missiles would lead to the collapse of the state. &nbsp;&nbsp;That did not happen. What Washington had dubbed Operation Epic Fury turned into Operation Epic Miscalculation of what America’s awesome military could achieve. The war caused thousands of casualties, widespread destruction of civilian and industrial facilities and long-term degradation of Iranian military capabilities.&nbsp;But enough was left for Iran to strike U.S. bases in allied Gulf States and close the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway which carries around 20 per cent of the world’s global oil supply, and about a quarter of liquefied natural gas. &nbsp;The International Energy Agency called it the largest disruption of oil supply in history. It affected the economies of countries from one end of the world to the other.&nbsp;Weeks of intense indirect mediation by Pakistan and Qatar led to agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) providing for a 60-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations on a final peace agreement ending 47 years of enmity between the two countries.&nbsp;A summit meeting in a luxury resort in Lucerne last weekend brought together leaders of the United States, Iran and the two mediating states, Pakistan and Qatar. The American team was headed by Vice President J.D. Vance who sounded pleased about the outcome and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. &nbsp;&nbsp;American officials now portray the opening of the Straits as an achievement and tend to omit mentioning that it was an international waterway open to traffic for decades – until the war prompted Iran to use it as an immensely powerful economic weapon. &nbsp;&nbsp;A formal communique after the summit in Switzerland noted that “the two sides agreed on a road map aimed at reaching final agreement within 60 days. The timeline is so short that the third paragraph of the memorandum added the words “extendable with mutual consent.”&nbsp;The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, took 20 months to negotiate. It involved the U.S., &nbsp;Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany and focused on nuclear non-proliferation and restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. &nbsp;&nbsp;Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, arguing that the Iranians were cheating and the sanctions were not harsh enough. He re-imposed sanctions so stiff that Iran resumed its nuclear programme.&nbsp;Whether the Trump-led deal now being worked out in “technical talks” will be an improvement over the JCPOA remains to be seen. Unlike the memorandum now under discussion, the JCPOA had no clause about interference in internal affairs. &nbsp;

Nobody was ever held to account for the Tiananmen Square slaughter, and no one will be held to account for the slaughter in Tehran, less so after the American non-interference pledge.


Who gained or lost more from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran will remain a topic of debate for years, but one thing is already beyond doubt: the biggest losers are the millions of Iranians who oppose the country’s iron-fisted theocratic rulers. The second paragraph of the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding on a ceasefire in the war makes it clear that Iran’s rulers need not fear American responses to the massive human rights violations that have kept the population in fear and the mullahs in power. It says: “The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and to refrain from interfering in each other’s internal affairs.” Also read | US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes This pledge is a 180-degree reversal of President Donald Trump’s initial stance of urging Iranians to rise up in revolt against their country’s leaders and overthrow them. It is difficult to think of a more radical act of interference in a country’s internal affairs. Oddly, there has been little attention on the non-interference pact despite reports that thousands of Iranians had been detained after the start of the war on February 28. According to a U.N. group of experts, at least 156 people have been executed since late February, with many others tortured and denied access to lawyers. In January, security forces crushed mass demonstrations against the regime in one of the deadliest protest massacres in Middle Eastern history. Estimates of the death toll ranged from 3,117 by the government to 36,500 by human rights activists. Because the government shut down the internet during the crackdown and for weeks after, the precise figure will never be known. Also read | US Senate passes resolution calling for end to Trump's war with Iran A few days after the massacre, which prompted comparisons with the Chinese Communist Party’s crackdown on anti-government demonstrators at Peking’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, Trump posted on his Truth Social site: “Iranian Patriots. Keep protesting, take over your institutions. HELP IS ON ITS Way.” Nobody was ever held to account for the Tiananmen Square slaughter, and no one will be held to account for the slaughter in Tehran, less so after the American non-interference pledge. In its 2024 report on human rights around the world, the U.S. State Department noted that “the government did not take credible steps to identify and punish officials who committed human rights abuses.” Amnesty International’s comment on the memorandum is worth noting: “A framework agreement that temporarily halts fighting but ignores human rights risks becoming a shield behind which impunity and repression continue indefinitely.” At the end of the eight-minute video announcing the war, Trump told the “great, proud people of Iran that the hour of your freedom is at hand.“ That was apparently based on the assumption that the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader and many of his top aides in the first of thousands of air strikes by American and Israeli aircraft and missiles would lead to the collapse of the state. That did not happen. What Washington had dubbed Operation Epic Fury turned into Operation Epic Miscalculation of what America’s awesome military could achieve. The war caused thousands of casualties, widespread destruction of civilian and industrial facilities and long-term degradation of Iranian military capabilities. But enough was left for Iran to strike U.S. bases in allied Gulf States and close the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway which carries around 20 per cent of the world’s global oil supply, and about a quarter of liquefied natural gas. The International Energy Agency called it the largest disruption of oil supply in history. It affected the economies of countries from one end of the world to the other. Weeks of intense indirect mediation by Pakistan and Qatar led to agreement on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) providing for a 60-day ceasefire to allow for negotiations on a final peace agreement ending 47 years of enmity between the two countries. A summit meeting in a luxury resort in Lucerne last weekend brought together leaders of the United States, Iran and the two mediating states, Pakistan and Qatar. The American team was headed by Vice President J.D. Vance who sounded pleased about the outcome and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. American officials now portray the opening of the Straits as an achievement and tend to omit mentioning that it was an international waterway open to traffic for decades – until the war prompted Iran to use it as an immensely powerful economic weapon. A formal communique after the summit in Switzerland noted that “the two sides agreed on a road map aimed at reaching final agreement within 60 days. The timeline is so short that the third paragraph of the memorandum added the words “extendable with mutual consent.” The 2015 Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, took 20 months to negotiate. It involved the U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China and Germany and focused on nuclear non-proliferation and restrictions on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. Trump withdrew from the deal in 2018, arguing that the Iranians were cheating and the sanctions were not harsh enough. He re-imposed sanctions so stiff that Iran resumed its nuclear programme. Whether the Trump-led deal now being worked out in “technical talks” will be an improvement over the JCPOA remains to be seen. Unlike the memorandum now under discussion, the JCPOA had no clause about interference in internal affairs.

Nobody was ever held to account for the Tiananmen Square slaughter, and no one will be held to account for the slaughter in Tehran, less so after the American non-interference pledge.

Trump’s Iran deal betrays dissidents, ensures continued repression

The US Senate on Tuesday approved a symbolic resolution urging an end to President Donald Trump's military conflict with Iran, marking a fresh challenge to the White House as it seeks a long-term agreement with Tehran.&nbsp;The measure, which had already cleared the House of Representatives, passed the Senate by a 50 to 48 vote. It calls on Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress specifically authorises military action.&nbsp;The resolution does not have the force of law because it is a "concurrent resolution," meaning it does not require President Trump's signature and cannot directly stop military action. However, its passage is politically significant because both the House and Senate have formally expressed opposition to the conflict with Iran.&nbsp;The vote came as the Trump administration pursued a 60-day diplomatic effort to convert a preliminary agreement with Iran into a final deal covering Tehran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;The resolution had already passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives after four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting it, marking a rare break from Trump on national security and war-related issues.&nbsp;Democrats argue that Trump violated the US Constitution by launching military operations against Iran without congressional approval. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, presidents must seek authorisation from Congress within 60 days of deploying US forces into hostilities, although successive administrations have disputed how the law should be interpreted.&nbsp;The White House has defended Trump's actions, arguing that efforts to limit the president's authority in dealing with Iran are unconstitutional. It also maintains that the conflict effectively ended after a ceasefire Trump announced in April.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pm-modi-receives-call-from-qatar-emir-after-ras-laffan-gas-plant-blast-kills-12-indians-thanks-him-for-condolences-1782244208573">PM Modi receives call from Qatar Emir after Ras Laffan gas plant blast kills 12 Indians, thanks him for condolences</a> &nbsp;&nbsp;Administration officials have warned that restricting presidential powers could weaken the United States' negotiating position as talks continue over a final agreement with Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson said limiting the commander-in-chief during sensitive negotiations would be a "very dangerous prospect".&nbsp;However, Democrats and a small group of Republicans contend that the fighting continued beyond the legal deadline and note that Trump has repeatedly threatened renewed military strikes.&nbsp;The vote also highlights growing concern in Congress over the war's economic impact. Lawmakers point to disrupted trade routes, higher energy prices and increasing pressure on American voters already grappling with inflation ahead of November's midterm elections.

The resolution, which had previously been approved by the House of Representatives, cleared the Senate in a 50 to 48 vote and urges Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran unless lawmakers authorise military action.

The US Senate on Tuesday approved a symbolic resolution urging an end to President Donald Trump's military conflict with Iran, marking a fresh challenge to the White House as it seeks a long-term agreement with Tehran. The measure, which had already cleared the House of Representatives, passed the Senate by a 50 to 48 vote. It calls on Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities involving Iran unless Congress specifically authorises military action. The resolution does not have the force of law because it is a "concurrent resolution," meaning it does not require President Trump's signature and cannot directly stop military action. However, its passage is politically significant because both the House and Senate have formally expressed opposition to the conflict with Iran. The vote came as the Trump administration pursued a 60-day diplomatic effort to convert a preliminary agreement with Iran into a final deal covering Tehran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief and the future of the Strait of Hormuz. The resolution had already passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives after four Republicans joined Democrats in supporting it, marking a rare break from Trump on national security and war-related issues. Democrats argue that Trump violated the US Constitution by launching military operations against Iran without congressional approval. Under the 1973 War Powers Act, presidents must seek authorisation from Congress within 60 days of deploying US forces into hostilities, although successive administrations have disputed how the law should be interpreted. The White House has defended Trump's actions, arguing that efforts to limit the president's authority in dealing with Iran are unconstitutional. It also maintains that the conflict effectively ended after a ceasefire Trump announced in April. Also Read: PM Modi receives call from Qatar Emir after Ras Laffan gas plant blast kills 12 Indians, thanks him for condolences Administration officials have warned that restricting presidential powers could weaken the United States' negotiating position as talks continue over a final agreement with Iran. House Speaker Mike Johnson said limiting the commander-in-chief during sensitive negotiations would be a "very dangerous prospect". However, Democrats and a small group of Republicans contend that the fighting continued beyond the legal deadline and note that Trump has repeatedly threatened renewed military strikes. The vote also highlights growing concern in Congress over the war's economic impact. Lawmakers point to disrupted trade routes, higher energy prices and increasing pressure on American voters already grappling with inflation ahead of November's midterm elections.

The resolution, which had previously been approved by the House of Representatives, cleared the Senate in a 50 to 48 vote and urges Trump to withdraw US forces from hostilities with Iran unless lawmakers authorise military action.

US Senate passes resolution calling for end to Trump's war with Iran

A US F-15 pilot who ejected from his aircraft over Iran and was rescued in April has revealed the unrealistic view he saw at the moment. He shared the account with intelligence officials during a debriefing following the rescue operation. According to CNN, he saw multiple drones in the sky forming a pattern that appeared like jellyfish. “Multiple drones interconnected and moving as one with smaller drones below the bigger drones like legs," he said, according to sources who spoke to the outlet. It was "real alien sh*t," he reportedly said. The pilot's aircraft was shot down, and “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history" led to his retrieval, according to Donald Trump.&nbsp;Meanwhile, the pilot's account has left US intelligence officials stumped, who are trying to explain what he possibly saw. The F-15 airman reportedly also described the scene as a “minefield of drones". One of the officers who was part of the debriefing asked, "Are you sure you saw what you are saying you saw?" a source told CNN. Experts say that if the pilot actually saw drones moving in a pattern like jellyfish, it shows Tehran has advanced immensely in its drone capabilities. The&nbsp;US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28. Also Read: <a href="https://www">‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control</a> &nbsp;In April, an F-15 carrying two crew members - the pilot and a weapons system officer – was downed by Tehran for the first time in the conflict. The pilot was rescued within hours. The other officer escaped to the mountains and was successfully rescued later.<h2>US-Iran ceasefire deal for 60 days&nbsp;</h2>The Iran-US war is officially in a ceasefire period of 60 days. Donald Trump signed an MoU last week, as part of which the US has lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran will work to ensure the safe, charge-free passage of commercial vessels. Negotiations will be carried out for the future administration of the maritime checkpoint. Iran has also been granted sanctions relief, and frozen funds will also be released. It will also get $300 billion for reconstruction.&nbsp;

The F-15 pilot who was on the aircraft that was shot down by Israel has revealed he saw an unbelievable sight, with several drones hovering together in the form of jellyfish. It was like a “minefield of drones”, he reportedly said during a debriefing.

A US F-15 pilot who ejected from his aircraft over Iran and was rescued in April has revealed the unrealistic view he saw at the moment. He shared the account with intelligence officials during a debriefing following the rescue operation. According to CNN, he saw multiple drones in the sky forming a pattern that appeared like jellyfish. “Multiple drones interconnected and moving as one with smaller drones below the bigger drones like legs," he said, according to sources who spoke to the outlet. It was "real alien sh*t," he reportedly said. The pilot's aircraft was shot down, and “one of the most daring search and rescue operations in US history" led to his retrieval, according to Donald Trump. Meanwhile, the pilot's account has left US intelligence officials stumped, who are trying to explain what he possibly saw. The F-15 airman reportedly also described the scene as a “minefield of drones". One of the officers who was part of the debriefing asked, "Are you sure you saw what you are saying you saw?" a source told CNN. Experts say that if the pilot actually saw drones moving in a pattern like jellyfish, it shows Tehran has advanced immensely in its drone capabilities. The US and Israel launched an attack on Iran on February 28. Also Read: ‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control In April, an F-15 carrying two crew members - the pilot and a weapons system officer – was downed by Tehran for the first time in the conflict. The pilot was rescued within hours. The other officer escaped to the mountains and was successfully rescued later. US-Iran ceasefire deal for 60 days The Iran-US war is officially in a ceasefire period of 60 days. Donald Trump signed an MoU last week, as part of which the US has lifted its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran will work to ensure the safe, charge-free passage of commercial vessels. Negotiations will be carried out for the future administration of the maritime checkpoint. Iran has also been granted sanctions relief, and frozen funds will also be released. It will also get $300 billion for reconstruction.

The F-15 pilot who was on the aircraft that was shot down by Israel has revealed he saw an unbelievable sight, with several drones hovering together in the form of jellyfish. It was like a “minefield of drones”, he reportedly said during a debriefing.

'Real alien s**t': F-15 pilot downed over Iran describes bizarre 'jellyfish' pattern of drones

Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the Strait of Hormuz will be administered by Tehran, state media reported on Tuesday (Jun 23). This comes after the first round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded at the luxury Swiss resort of Burgenstock on Monday (Jun 22), with mediators Pakistan and Qatar describing the discussions as “positive and constructive”. In a video message, Ghalibaf said that the discussions produced “good achievements”.“The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions and will be administered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law,” Ghalibaf said as quoted by IRNA.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hormuz-is-not-your-personal-casino-iranian-lawmaker-slams-trump-amid-us-iran-talks-1782115138124">‘Hormuz is not your personal casino’: Iranian lawmaker slams Trump amid US-Iran talks</a>Speaking about the discussions in Switzerland, Ghalibaf said, “In my view, this trip had good achievements, especially regarding the discussion of the Strait, the Lebanon discussions, the question of oil waiver, and the matter of releasing the frozen funds.”“Of course, we believe we are still at the beginning of this work and must continue our efforts,” he added.<h2>What happened at US-Iran talks?</h2>The first round of talks following the virtual signing of the US-Iran deal to end the conflict in the Middle East at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, has concluded. After the discussions, Meditiators Pakistan and Qatar issued a joint statement on Monday (Jun 22), saying that progress was made towards ending the war.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-will-not-withdraw-katz-says-israeli-troops-will-remain-at-beaufort-in-southern-lebanon-1782111428539">‘Israel will not withdraw’: Katz says Israeli troops will remain at Beaufort in southern Lebanon</a>During the talks, the US and Iran agreed to set up communication lines to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open and end hostilities in Lebanon. The Statement added that the negotiators reached an agreement on a “roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days”. Technical talks are expected to continue for the rest of the week at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock“Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” mediators said, detailing a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” at the Strait of Hormuz.In addition, a “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to avoid the renewal of fighting.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian administration and will not return to pre-war conditions.

Iran’s chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that the Strait of Hormuz will be administered by Tehran, state media reported on Tuesday (Jun 23). This comes after the first round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded at the luxury Swiss resort of Burgenstock on Monday (Jun 22), with mediators Pakistan and Qatar describing the discussions as “positive and constructive”. In a video message, Ghalibaf said that the discussions produced “good achievements”. “The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions and will be administered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law,” Ghalibaf said as quoted by IRNA. Also read | ‘Hormuz is not your personal casino’: Iranian lawmaker slams Trump amid US-Iran talks Speaking about the discussions in Switzerland, Ghalibaf said, “In my view, this trip had good achievements, especially regarding the discussion of the Strait, the Lebanon discussions, the question of oil waiver, and the matter of releasing the frozen funds.” “Of course, we believe we are still at the beginning of this work and must continue our efforts,” he added. What happened at US-Iran talks? The first round of talks following the virtual signing of the US-Iran deal to end the conflict in the Middle East at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, has concluded. After the discussions, Meditiators Pakistan and Qatar issued a joint statement on Monday (Jun 22), saying that progress was made towards ending the war. Also read | ‘Israel will not withdraw’: Katz says Israeli troops will remain at Beaufort in southern Lebanon During the talks, the US and Iran agreed to set up communication lines to keep the vital Strait of Hormuz open and end hostilities in Lebanon. The Statement added that the negotiators reached an agreement on a “roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days”. Technical talks are expected to continue for the rest of the week at the Swiss resort of Burgenstock “Encouraging progress has been made including the creation of a mechanism for further technical talks,” mediators said, detailing a contact channel set up to “avoid incidents and miscommunication” at the Strait of Hormuz. In addition, a “de-confliction cell” between the parties and the Lebanese authorities has also been agreed upon to avoid the renewal of fighting. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iranian administration and will not return to pre-war conditions.

‘Will never return to pre-war conditions’: Iran says Hormuz will be under Tehran control

Iran's negotiation team left Switzerland after 18 hours of intensive talks. The negotiations centred on the order in which Washington and Tehran fulfil their respective commitments under the memorandum of understanding. Meanwhile, as the meeting went on, it was briefly suspended after threatening statements by US President Donald Trump to bomb Iran. Iran’s delegation withdrew from the negotiations. Rather than talking face-to-face, the Iranian delegation remained at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland but funnelled their messages, demands, and critiques exclusively through the mediators. Despite the drama, the negotiation yielded progress.&nbsp;Qatar and Pakistan announced on Monday the creation of a new "deconfliction cell" in Lebanon, describing it as a mechanism to help enforce the Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire reached under the emerging US-Iran framework. “The parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence to the termination of military operations in Lebanon,” the joint statement reads.<h2>Who is there in the Lebanon De confliction cell?&nbsp;</h2>According to the joint statement by the international mediators Pakistan and Qatar, the Lebanon De-confliction Cell formally include “the Parties”.The United States, Iran, and the Lebanese Republic. Neither Hezbollah nor Israel are included in the cell, but the sovereign government of Lebanon is integrated as a direct participant. It was the first concrete operational measure to emerge from the talks. The effectiveness of this cell is likely to determine the effectiveness of the US-Iran peace talks in the upcoming 60 days.<h2>How is it cornering Israel?</h2>Israeli commentators argue that the events which are unfolding, including the development from Switzerland is a strategic dilemma for Israel because it changes all the rules and norms that Israel has been used to. It takes away the Israeli agency to unilaterally alter West Asia according to its whims and wishes.The earlier ceasefire with Hezbollah was managed between the US and Israel, allowing Israel freedom of action. It maintained its presence in southern Lebanon and continued to destroy Lebanese villages, killing more than 600 Lebanese people and pushing many Lebanese out of their villages. But analysts are viewing this as a different negotiation; the US seems to be struggling with what historians call a "manufactured victory" or a strategic illusion. Both Israel and the US are failing to strategically materialise the battlefield gains. Israel is kind of compelled to play along, even though it continues to deny withdrawl from Lebanon and is arranging a negotiation with the Lebanese authority next Tuesday. But the thinking, the planning, the manoeuvring in Israel centres around how much compromise Israel can make without completely losing the confidence of the Israeli public.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-new-york-times-treasonous-lawsuit-iran-war-coverage-1782111970457">Trump calls New York Times ‘treasonous’, threatens multibillion-dollar lawsuit over Iran war coverage</a><h2>Is Iran deliberately dividing the US-Israeli alliance?</h2>&nbsp;The Israeli minister of defence claims that it will remain in Beaufort Castle, which is beyond the “Yellow Line”, beyond the Litani River, and it is deeper than the 8 km that Israel seems to suggest that the United States wants Israeli troops to pull back to now. Some analysts are posing a question whether the Iranians are deliberately manipulating the situation to create further division between the US and Israel. Because if we consider just military prowess, Israel, no matter how it conducts itself, will fail to continue a multifront war while angering Washington.&nbsp;“I think Iran is using Lebanon as a tool to widen the gap between Israel and the United States - or to be more precise, between the Netanyahu government and the Trump administration,” said Wolfgang Pusztai, a prominent Austrian security, defence, and foreign policy analyst who specialises in the Middle East and North Africa. He thinks it's a great opportunity for them to split the alliance between Washington and Tel Aviv. Even though Iran wants Israel to retreat from Lebanon, it can't realistically expect Israel not to retaliate or strike back later on. It understands that Israel might fall back temporarily, but the larger project to defang Iran and its proxies appears to be a feasible endeavour until there is a US-Israeli alliance. The deal might seem very lucrative on the surface, but it poses an existential threat to either Iran or the US-Israel alliance.

A new Lebanon De-Confliction Cell involving the US, Iran and Lebanon has emerged from the Switzerland talks mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. Here's who is in the mechanism and why analysts believe it could constrain Israel's actions in Lebanon.

Iran's negotiation team left Switzerland after 18 hours of intensive talks. The negotiations centred on the order in which Washington and Tehran fulfil their respective commitments under the memorandum of understanding. Meanwhile, as the meeting went on, it was briefly suspended after threatening statements by US President Donald Trump to bomb Iran. Iran’s delegation withdrew from the negotiations. Rather than talking face-to-face, the Iranian delegation remained at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland but funnelled their messages, demands, and critiques exclusively through the mediators. Despite the drama, the negotiation yielded progress. Qatar and Pakistan announced on Monday the creation of a new "deconfliction cell" in Lebanon, describing it as a mechanism to help enforce the Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire reached under the emerging US-Iran framework. “The parties agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence to the termination of military operations in Lebanon,” the joint statement reads. Who is there in the Lebanon De confliction cell? According to the joint statement by the international mediators Pakistan and Qatar, the Lebanon De-confliction Cell formally include “the Parties”.The United States, Iran, and the Lebanese Republic. Neither Hezbollah nor Israel are included in the cell, but the sovereign government of Lebanon is integrated as a direct participant. It was the first concrete operational measure to emerge from the talks. The effectiveness of this cell is likely to determine the effectiveness of the US-Iran peace talks in the upcoming 60 days. How is it cornering Israel? Israeli commentators argue that the events which are unfolding, including the development from Switzerland is a strategic dilemma for Israel because it changes all the rules and norms that Israel has been used to. It takes away the Israeli agency to unilaterally alter West Asia according to its whims and wishes. The earlier ceasefire with Hezbollah was managed between the US and Israel, allowing Israel freedom of action. It maintained its presence in southern Lebanon and continued to destroy Lebanese villages, killing more than 600 Lebanese people and pushing many Lebanese out of their villages. But analysts are viewing this as a different negotiation; the US seems to be struggling with what historians call a "manufactured victory" or a strategic illusion. Both Israel and the US are failing to strategically materialise the battlefield gains. Israel is kind of compelled to play along, even though it continues to deny withdrawl from Lebanon and is arranging a negotiation with the Lebanese authority next Tuesday. But the thinking, the planning, the manoeuvring in Israel centres around how much compromise Israel can make without completely losing the confidence of the Israeli public. Also read: Trump calls New York Times ‘treasonous’, threatens multibillion-dollar lawsuit over Iran war coverage Is Iran deliberately dividing the US-Israeli alliance? The Israeli minister of defence claims that it will remain in Beaufort Castle, which is beyond the “Yellow Line”, beyond the Litani River, and it is deeper than the 8 km that Israel seems to suggest that the United States wants Israeli troops to pull back to now. Some analysts are posing a question whether the Iranians are deliberately manipulating the situation to create further division between the US and Israel. Because if we consider just military prowess, Israel, no matter how it conducts itself, will fail to continue a multifront war while angering Washington. “I think Iran is using Lebanon as a tool to widen the gap between Israel and the United States - or to be more precise, between the Netanyahu government and the Trump administration,” said Wolfgang Pusztai, a prominent Austrian security, defence, and foreign policy analyst who specialises in the Middle East and North Africa. He thinks it's a great opportunity for them to split the alliance between Washington and Tel Aviv. Even though Iran wants Israel to retreat from Lebanon, it can't realistically expect Israel not to retaliate or strike back later on. It understands that Israel might fall back temporarily, but the larger project to defang Iran and its proxies appears to be a feasible endeavour until there is a US-Israeli alliance. The deal might seem very lucrative on the surface, but it poses an existential threat to either Iran or the US-Israel alliance.

A new Lebanon De-Confliction Cell involving the US, Iran and Lebanon has emerged from the Switzerland talks mediated by Qatar and Pakistan. Here's who is in the mechanism and why analysts believe it could constrain Israel's actions in Lebanon.

Iran widening the US-Israel divide: Lebanon De confliction cell to push Israel to the edge

The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict has concluded in Switzerland, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar describing the discussions as "positive and constructive". After a marathon 8-hour session, negotiators shared a joint statement on what happened at the talks.While they stopped short of announcing a final breakthrough, negotiators suggested that the talks produced the clearest roadmap yet for a potential agreement. These vital talks between Washington and Tehran come after months of war, regional instability and economic disruption. WION Decodes what happened at the first round of negotiations and what will happen going forward.<h2>What happened?</h2>The negotiations took place at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the agreement reached earlier to halt hostilities and create a pathway toward a broader settlement.According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, both sides agreed to continue discussions and established several new mechanisms designed to keep negotiations moving forward.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">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 Iran Lucerne | June 22, 2026 The first… <a href="https://t.co/bLVpaR2uua">pic.twitter.com/bLVpaR2uua</a>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) <a href="https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/2068863423987778035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🔊PR No: 1️⃣5️⃣1️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣6️⃣ 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 Iran <a href="https://t.co/2G3PAf7LVY">pic.twitter.com/2G3PAf7LVY</a>&mdash; Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://x.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/2068863783637057739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The biggest outcome was the creation of a High-Level Committee that will oversee the mediation process and provide political guidance to negotiators.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-s-araghchi-says-switzerland-talks-delivered-major-progress-on-sanctions-oil-exports-1782093628417">Iran's Araghchi says Switzerland talks delivered 'major progress' on sanctions, oil exports</a><h2>Who was involved in the talks?</h2>The talks brought together delegations from the United States and Iran, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators.Here's a look at the delegates who were present for the negotiations:<h3>Iranian Delegation</h3><ul><li>Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf - Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Head of Delegation</li><li>Abbas Araghchi - Foreign Minister, Chief Diplomatic Negotiator</li><li>Esmaeil Baghaei - Foreign Ministry Spokesperson</li><li>Ali Bagheri Kani - Deputy Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council</li><li>Abdolnasser Hemmati - Head of Economic and Banking Committee</li><li>Hamid Bord - Head of Energy and Oil Committee</li></ul><h3>United States Delegation</h3><ul><li>JD Vance - Vice President of the United States, Head of Delegation</li><li>Steve Witkoff - White House Special Envoy</li><li>Jared Kushner - Senior Adviser and Special Envoy</li></ul>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-of-minab-are-watching-us-iran-s-ghalibaf-arrives-in-switzerland-for-talks-with-us-1782012769144">'Children of Minab are watching us': Iran's Ghalibaf arrives in Switzerland for talks with US</a><h3>Pakistan (mediator)</h3><ul><li>Shehbaz Sharif - Prime Minister of Pakistan</li><li>Syed Asim Munir - Field Marshal and Chief of Defence Forces</li></ul><h3>Qatar (mediator)</h3><ul><li>Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani - Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar</li><li>Senior Qatari diplomatic officials</li></ul><h3>Switzerland (host nation)</h3><ul><li>Ignazio Cassis - Swiss Foreign Minister Swiss diplomatic facilitation team</li></ul><h3>International/Technical Presence</h3><ul><li>Rafael Grossi - IAEA Director General (attending sidelines and technical consultations)</li></ul>Total known participants: Around 15-20 senior political, diplomatic, security, economic and technical officials across the delegations and mediation teams.<h2>Where do the negotiations go from here?</h2>The newly formed High-Level Committee has agreed on a roadmap aimed at reaching a final agreement within 60 days. Several working groups will now begin technical discussions on key issues, including:<ul><li>Iran's nuclear programme</li><li>Sanctions relief</li><li>Monitoring and dispute resolution mechanisms</li><li>Regional security arrangements</li></ul>Technical talks are expected to continue throughout the week in Switzerland.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a><h2>Why are these talks important?</h2>The negotiations come after months of conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. The crisis had rattled global energy markets and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil and crude prices to alarming highs.One of the most significant developments announced was the creation of a direct communication line between Washington and Tehran to "avoid incidents and miscommunication" with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.A separate de-confliction cell involving Iran, the US and Lebanon has also been established to monitor the cessation of military operations in Lebanon.<h2>How is Iran describing the outcome?</h2>Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi struck an optimistic tone following the talks.In a post on X, he claimed that Pakistani and Qatari mediation had delivered "major progress" and suggested that several economic concessions were already emerging from the process.According to Araghchi, restrictions affecting Iran's oil and petrochemical exports are being eased, some frozen Iranian assets are set to be released, and a major reconstruction and development programme for Iran is being launched.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction &amp; development plan launched for Iran. 1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell <a href="https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO">https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO</a>&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://x.com/araghchi/status/2068866564997206221?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What remains unresolved?</h2>Despite the positive language, major questions remain unanswered.Neither side has publicly detailed the scope of sanctions relief, the future of Iran's uranium enrichment activities, or the exact timeline for implementing commitments under the MoU.The next few weeks will likely determine whether the momentum generated in Switzerland can be converted into a lasting agreement or whether familiar disagreements once again restart the war. For now, both sides appear committed to diplomacy, but the hardest part of the negotiations may still lie ahead.

After an eight-hour negotiating marathon in Switzerland, the United States and Iran agreed on a roadmap for further talks and created a new High-Level Committee to oversee negotiations. Here's all you need to know about the Lake Lucerne Summit and the road ahead.

The first round of high-level talks between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict has concluded in Switzerland, with mediators Pakistan and Qatar describing the discussions as "positive and constructive". After a marathon 8-hour session, negotiators shared a joint statement on what happened at the talks. While they stopped short of announcing a final breakthrough, negotiators suggested that the talks produced the clearest roadmap yet for a potential agreement. These vital talks between Washington and Tehran come after months of war, regional instability and economic disruption. WION Decodes what happened at the first round of negotiations and what will happen going forward. What happened? The negotiations took place at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Burgenstock, Switzerland, under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the agreement reached earlier to halt hostilities and create a pathway toward a broader settlement. According to a joint statement issued by Pakistan and Qatar, both sides agreed to continue discussions and established several new mechanisms designed to keep negotiations moving forward.

After an eight-hour negotiating marathon in Switzerland, the United States and Iran agreed on a roadmap for further talks and created a new High-Level Committee to oversee negotiations. Here's all you need to know about the Lake Lucerne Summit and the road ahead.

Lake Lucerne Summit: First US-Iran talks in Switzerland end with cautious optimism. What was agreed and what comes next? | WION Decodes

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esamil Baghei, on the sidelines of the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, said that they have officially halted the broader negotiations for the final peace agreement until the first clause of their preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is fully implemented, as reported by Iranian state media, Press TV.“The start of negotiations for a final agreement is conditional on five specific clauses, including clause one of the MoU, which concerns the cessation of hostilities in all fronts, including Lebanon,” said Baghei. He continued, “We know that this clause has not been implemented and that the US has not been able to or has not wanted to. The Zionist regime keeps violating its commitment. This is the main topic of discussions in today's talks.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-acquires-retired-uk-jaguar-aircraft-spare-parts-iaf-fleet-1782035324982">India secures nine decommissioned UK Jaguars to keep strike squadrons operational</a>Iranian officials, including National Security Committee head Ebrahim Azizi, argue that Washington has failed to enforce its commitments and restrain its ally, Israel. Iran argues that the purpose of the meeting is that Iran wants to demonstrate its seriousness in following up on the other party's commitments. “We had no intention of signing a document while expecting that it would be automatically implemented by the other side,” he added. “We never forget previous experiences.”Iranian Supreme Leader's Senior Advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, has also warned against optimism, considering America's past as a "promise-breaker.' "The United States was supposed to force Iran to surrender through its 'peace through strength' strategy," he said in a post on social media platform X. He claimed that the US has failed, and now it's insisting on negotiations. It is desperate and will “exploit” at any opportunity.The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, had described the nature of the meeting as clarification of the implementation of the first phase of the negotiations and would not initiate a new phase of talks.&nbsp;

Iran says negotiations for a final peace agreement with the United States will not begin until the first clause of their preliminary MoU, including the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, is fully implemented.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esamil Baghei, on the sidelines of the US-Iran talks in Switzerland, said that they have officially halted the broader negotiations for the final peace agreement until the first clause of their preliminary Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is fully implemented, as reported by Iranian state media, Press TV. “The start of negotiations for a final agreement is conditional on five specific clauses, including clause one of the MoU, which concerns the cessation of hostilities in all fronts, including Lebanon,” said Baghei. He continued, “We know that this clause has not been implemented and that the US has not been able to or has not wanted to. The Zionist regime keeps violating its commitment. This is the main topic of discussions in today's talks.” Also Read: India secures nine decommissioned UK Jaguars to keep strike squadrons operational Iranian officials, including National Security Committee head Ebrahim Azizi, argue that Washington has failed to enforce its commitments and restrain its ally, Israel. Iran argues that the purpose of the meeting is that Iran wants to demonstrate its seriousness in following up on the other party's commitments. “We had no intention of signing a document while expecting that it would be automatically implemented by the other side,” he added. “We never forget previous experiences.” Iranian Supreme Leader's Senior Advisor, Mohsen Rezaei, has also warned against optimism, considering America's past as a "promise-breaker.' "The United States was supposed to force Iran to surrender through its 'peace through strength' strategy," he said in a post on social media platform X. He claimed that the US has failed, and now it's insisting on negotiations. It is desperate and will “exploit” at any opportunity. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, had described the nature of the meeting as clarification of the implementation of the first phase of the negotiations and would not initiate a new phase of talks.

Iran says negotiations for a final peace agreement with the United States will not begin until the first clause of their preliminary MoU, including the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, is fully implemented.

Tehran says talks in Switzerland to focus on the fulfilment of first MoU clause

US Vice President JD Vance, just before jetting off to Switzerland, said that “things are getting better”, despite recent reports of 16 deaths and 12 wounded from ongoing military strikes in the country's Nabatieh district. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews as reporters asked what the US plans to do as the fighting in Lebanon continues.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Well, Marco (Rubio) and the entire team have been actively managing what’s going on in Lebanon,” said Vance and continued, "Despite the headlines, things are actually getting better there, and things have calmed down a little bit. It’s gonna be something we’re just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that, you know, Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure."Vance used a chicken and egg analogy, implying that each side is blaming the other - “you've just got to stop the shooting for long enough to get the ceasefire to keep hold.”Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-lincoln-memorial-reflecting-pool-vandalism-algae-bloom-1781963198624">Trump claims Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalised after $14.7 million renovation</a>Iran's lead negotiator and Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that this visit to Switzerland, or the meeting that’s going to take place with the Americans, does not mean the start of the technical talks. He said that they are going to Switzerland just to remind the Americans that first they need to implement or at least initiate the implementation of the MoU, and that the technical talks are going to take place once the Americans accept that. They are set to meet special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are already in Switzerland.&nbsp;According to Lebanon's civil defence agency, overnight military strikes targeting the southern Nabatieh district resulted in 16 dead and 12 wounded. Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has expressed reservations about his country’s interim peace deal with the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance said conditions in Lebanon are improving despite reports of 16 deaths in Nabatieh. His remarks come ahead of US-Iran discussions in Switzerland involving Steve Witkoff and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

US Vice President JD Vance, just before jetting off to Switzerland, said that “things are getting better”, despite recent reports of 16 deaths and 12 wounded from ongoing military strikes in the country's Nabatieh district. He made these remarks while speaking to reporters on the tarmac at Joint Base Andrews as reporters asked what the US plans to do as the fighting in Lebanon continues. “Well, Marco (Rubio) and the entire team have been actively managing what’s going on in Lebanon,” said Vance and continued, "Despite the headlines, things are actually getting better there, and things have calmed down a little bit. It’s gonna be something we’re just going to have to continuously manage to ensure that, you know, Israel and Lebanon are both safe and secure." Vance used a chicken and egg analogy, implying that each side is blaming the other - “you've just got to stop the shooting for long enough to get the ceasefire to keep hold.” Also Read: Trump claims Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool was vandalised after $14.7 million renovation Iran's lead negotiator and Speaker of the Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, said that this visit to Switzerland, or the meeting that’s going to take place with the Americans, does not mean the start of the technical talks. He said that they are going to Switzerland just to remind the Americans that first they need to implement or at least initiate the implementation of the MoU, and that the technical talks are going to take place once the Americans accept that. They are set to meet special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who are already in Switzerland. According to Lebanon's civil defence agency, overnight military strikes targeting the southern Nabatieh district resulted in 16 dead and 12 wounded. Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has expressed reservations about his country’s interim peace deal with the United States.

US Vice President JD Vance said conditions in Lebanon are improving despite reports of 16 deaths in Nabatieh. His remarks come ahead of US-Iran discussions in Switzerland involving Steve Witkoff and Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.

JD Vance says Lebanon situation is ‘getting better’ despite 16 deaths ahead of Switzerland talks

US President Donald Trump said that his foreign policy decision made it possible for Israel to exist. He claimed that Obama's JCPOA was a “road to a nuclear weapon”. Trump claimed that if the US B2 bombers did not attack the nuclear facilities in June 2025, then Iran would have “eviscerated” Israel. Speaking to Axios, Trump said that Israel has a “lot of respect” for him, but Netanyahu has to be kept “sane”.“I had to stop them because if they had a nuclear weapon, they would use it. And you want to see bedlam, let them blow up a couple of cities someplace, like they would've blown up Israel. If it weren't for me, Israel would not exist today because I terminated the Barack Hussein Obama deal, the JCPOA, which was a road to a nuclear weapon,” said Trump.He claimed that with the JCPOA, Iran would have had nuclear weapons five years ago, and they would have blown up Israel within the first week. These aggressive rhetorical statements mark an aggressive approach from Washington towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump, in his interview with Axios, repeatedly asserted Israel's dependence on US military capability. He said, asserting dominance over his ally, that Netanyahu worked well with him, but the US is the “one with guns”.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-iran-war-poll-trump-netanyahu-us-iran-talks-1781858555237">Only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won war with Iran and only 13% trust Trump</a>"All that enriched material, they were one month away. It was right there. They could have walked down. They can't do that anymore. You know, the B2 bombers did their job with those great pilots. That ceiling, the mountain collapsed on top of it. It collapsed on top of it. Had we not hit them, they would've had a nuclear weapon. They would've used it on Israel," said Trump.&nbsp;He further went on to express his shock at Iran targeting the Gulf countries, eventhough most of the military analysts have suggested that Iran would retaliate. But President Donald Trump's shock further shocked intelligence officials and diplomatic analysts, who categorically rejected Trump's assessment, saying that pre-war intelligence explicitly listed strikes on regional Gulf capitals as a highly probable outcome.Trump also bragged about assassinating Soleimani, whom he called a “mad genius” and “father of the roadside bombing”. Trump used the high-profile targeted killing to justify his current "victory" and the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding. He claimed that Iran failed to replicate the general, and it laid the groundwork for US “victory”.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Donald Trump claimed that Israel “would not exist today” without his decision to withdraw from the JCPOA. He also argued that Iran would have used a nuclear weapon against Israel if the sites had not been destroyed.

US President Donald Trump said that his foreign policy decision made it possible for Israel to exist. He claimed that Obama's JCPOA was a “road to a nuclear weapon”. Trump claimed that if the US B2 bombers did not attack the nuclear facilities in June 2025, then Iran would have “eviscerated” Israel. Speaking to Axios, Trump said that Israel has a “lot of respect” for him, but Netanyahu has to be kept “sane”. “I had to stop them because if they had a nuclear weapon, they would use it. And you want to see bedlam, let them blow up a couple of cities someplace, like they would've blown up Israel. If it weren't for me, Israel would not exist today because I terminated the Barack Hussein Obama deal, the JCPOA, which was a road to a nuclear weapon,” said Trump. He claimed that with the JCPOA, Iran would have had nuclear weapons five years ago, and they would have blown up Israel within the first week. These aggressive rhetorical statements mark an aggressive approach from Washington towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump, in his interview with Axios, repeatedly asserted Israel's dependence on US military capability. He said, asserting dominance over his ally, that Netanyahu worked well with him, but the US is the “one with guns”. Also Read: Only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won war with Iran and only 13% trust Trump "All that enriched material, they were one month away. It was right there. They could have walked down. They can't do that anymore. You know, the B2 bombers did their job with those great pilots. That ceiling, the mountain collapsed on top of it. It collapsed on top of it. Had we not hit them, they would've had a nuclear weapon. They would've used it on Israel," said Trump. He further went on to express his shock at Iran targeting the Gulf countries, eventhough most of the military analysts have suggested that Iran would retaliate. But President Donald Trump's shock further shocked intelligence officials and diplomatic analysts, who categorically rejected Trump's assessment, saying that pre-war intelligence explicitly listed strikes on regional Gulf capitals as a highly probable outcome. Trump also bragged about assassinating Soleimani, whom he called a “mad genius” and “father of the roadside bombing”. Trump used the high-profile targeted killing to justify his current "victory" and the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding. He claimed that Iran failed to replicate the general, and it laid the groundwork for US “victory”.

Donald Trump claimed that Israel “would not exist today” without his decision to withdraw from the JCPOA. He also argued that Iran would have used a nuclear weapon against Israel if the sites had not been destroyed.

Trump claims Israel ‘would not exist’ without him, says US is the 'one with guns'

US President Donald Trump on Friday denied the Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s claim that the US signed the agreement with Tehran this week “out of desperation” and said Iran is “finished” and that it would not get even ten cents from the United States.&nbsp;“We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED!” Trump said in a Truth Social post, signalling a hardline stance as diplomatic efforts continue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;The president said the US would continue with its current timeline and “play out” the 60-day negotiation period laid out in the memorandum of understanding with Iran but would not provide any financial relief to Tehran.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-and-hezbollah-agree-to-ceasefire-starting-friday-after-latest-flare-up-says-report-citing-us-official-1781877376072">Israel and Hezbollah agree to ceasefire starting Friday after latest flare-up, says report citing US official</a>&nbsp;“We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!” Trump added, claiming the war had devastated Iran’s military capabilities and left it without an air force, navy or key defence systems.Trump also dismissed criticism from political opponents and argued that the war had dramatically reduced Iran’s military strength.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astonished-meloni-rebuffs-trump-s-g7-photo-begging-story-calls-it-completely-made-up-1781874933436">‘Astonished’ Meloni rebuffs Trump’s G7 photo ‘begging’ story, calls it ‘completely made up’</a>&nbsp;“The War has diminished Iran! It doesn’t, any longer, have an Air Force, a Navy, Antiaircraft Equipment, Radar, or practically anything else,” Trump wrote.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The US president also took aim at Democrats, mocking their insinuations that Iran may be in a stronger position than it was months ago. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-s-anti-hate-legislation-comes-into-effect-will-reign-in-pro-khalistan-elements-anti-semites-1781869993056">Canada’s anti-hate legislation comes into effect, will rein in pro-Khalistan elements, anti-Semites</a> “Yet the Democrats say that Iran is better off now than it was four months ago. Can you imagine getting away with that??? How stupid can some people be???” the US president said. Trump’s comments underscore his administration’s insistence that pressure on Iran has produced results, even as critics question whether the strategy can deliver a lasting settlement.

President Donald Trump said the US would continue with its current timeline and “play out” the 60-day negotiation period laid out in the MoU but would not provide any financial relief to Tehran. He also mocked Democrats’ insinuations that Iran may be in a stronger position than before war.

US President Donald Trump on Friday denied the Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s claim that the US signed the agreement with Tehran this week “out of desperation” and said Iran is “finished” and that it would not get even ten cents from the United States. “We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED!” Trump said in a Truth Social post, signalling a hardline stance as diplomatic efforts continue.

President Donald Trump said the US would continue with its current timeline and “play out” the 60-day negotiation period laid out in the MoU but would not provide any financial relief to Tehran. He also mocked Democrats’ insinuations that Iran may be in a stronger position than before war.

‘They are finished! They get no money, not ten cents!’: Trump rejects Iran’s claim of being desperate

A poll by Israeli channel 12 shows that only 11 per cent of people believe that Israel won the war with Iran, and only 13 per cent consider that US President Donald Trump will look after Israeli interests in an agreement with Iran. It suggests that only 24 per cent of Israelis believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct helped Israel in the US-Iran negotiations.&nbsp;According to Channel 12, 52 per cent of Israelis feel that Netanyahu's conduct has not helped Israel in the US-Iran negotiations, and while 24 per cent of Israelis say it helped, and 24 per cent said they did not know. Around 43 per cent of Israelis believe that Israel lost the war, and around 41 per cent felt it remained inconclusive. Around 71 per cent did not trust President Trump to look out for Israeli interests in the agreement, a stark decrease from 62 per cent last week.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-best-strike-workers-demands-bus-services-disruption-explained-1781853776979">Mumbai BEST strike: Key demands of workers and impact on daily commuters</a>The poll follows the growing rift between the US and Israeli leadership, which launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28. The poll is a stark departure from the robust support enjoyed by the US President Donald Trump from Israeli. The relationship has soured with the US, completely excluding Israeli leadership from the peace negotiations with Iran and Israel disregarding its ally by continuing disproportionate attacks on Lebanon. US President Donald Trump has openly criticised, saying Israel needs to be "more responsible with respect to Lebanon", and recently, in a phone call, US President Donald Trump used curse words for Netanyahu and called him “crazy” for attacking Lebanon, which were targeted to derail the peace talks in Lebanon.&nbsp;These questions were part of a survey where Israelis were asked who they would vote for if the elections of October were to be held now. The poll said that the Zionist opposition parties would win more seats compared to the Netanyahu-led bloc of right-wing and religious parties, but might fall short of the 61-seat majority needed for the government. Despite the public criticism of Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump has reportedly said to KAN Broadcaster, “I’ll have to look at who’s running, but I like Bibi very much. I would be most likely to endorse him.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

A Channel 12 poll shows only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won the war with Iran, while most respondents say Benjamin Netanyahu did not help in US-Iran negotiations and distrust Donald Trump to protect Israeli interests.

A poll by Israeli channel 12 shows that only 11 per cent of people believe that Israel won the war with Iran, and only 13 per cent consider that US President Donald Trump will look after Israeli interests in an agreement with Iran. It suggests that only 24 per cent of Israelis believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct helped Israel in the US-Iran negotiations. According to Channel 12, 52 per cent of Israelis feel that Netanyahu's conduct has not helped Israel in the US-Iran negotiations, and while 24 per cent of Israelis say it helped, and 24 per cent said they did not know. Around 43 per cent of Israelis believe that Israel lost the war, and around 41 per cent felt it remained inconclusive. Around 71 per cent did not trust President Trump to look out for Israeli interests in the agreement, a stark decrease from 62 per cent last week. Also Read: Mumbai BEST strike: Key demands of workers and impact on daily commuters The poll follows the growing rift between the US and Israeli leadership, which launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28. The poll is a stark departure from the robust support enjoyed by the US President Donald Trump from Israeli. The relationship has soured with the US, completely excluding Israeli leadership from the peace negotiations with Iran and Israel disregarding its ally by continuing disproportionate attacks on Lebanon. US President Donald Trump has openly criticised, saying Israel needs to be "more responsible with respect to Lebanon", and recently, in a phone call, US President Donald Trump used curse words for Netanyahu and called him “crazy” for attacking Lebanon, which were targeted to derail the peace talks in Lebanon. These questions were part of a survey where Israelis were asked who they would vote for if the elections of October were to be held now. The poll said that the Zionist opposition parties would win more seats compared to the Netanyahu-led bloc of right-wing and religious parties, but might fall short of the 61-seat majority needed for the government. Despite the public criticism of Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump has reportedly said to KAN Broadcaster, “I’ll have to look at who’s running, but I like Bibi very much. I would be most likely to endorse him.”

A Channel 12 poll shows only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won the war with Iran, while most respondents say Benjamin Netanyahu did not help in US-Iran negotiations and distrust Donald Trump to protect Israeli interests.

Only 11% of Israelis believe Israel won war with Iran and only 13% trust Trump

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt hostilities after 108 days of war that drove up oil prices globally. On Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the truce agreement and announced "Let the oil flow" as he revealed that the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Following the announcement, in what may be the most detailed public account of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the warring nations, Iran state-affiliated Mehr News has shared the 14 conditions that form the basis of the current agreement. Among them is the condition that the US won't "interfere" in Iran's internal affairs and also withdraw its blockade that, in the past few weeks, has sought to bleed Tehran's coffers dry. Here's a breakdown of the 14-point MoU and what each condition signifies:<h2>Iran and US's 14-point MoU</h2>Citing a source close to Iran's negotiating team, Mehr News reported that the Memorandum has 14 provisions. These are:<h2>1. Permanent and immediate end to war on all fronts, including Lebanon</h2>In the past few days, Lebanon has emerged as a sticking point between the US and Iran, as Israel continued its strikes on the nation. Just a day earlier, on Sunday, Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that there was "no point" in continuing peace talks with the United States after its ally Israel attacked Beirut's southern suburbs."The Zionists' aggression against Dahieh once again showed that the United States either lacks the will to implement its commitments or lacks the ability to do so," he said in a post on X. "If you do not have the will or the ability to fulfil your commitments, then there is no point in talking about continuing down this path," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enemy-had-no-choice-but-surrender-iran-claims-victory-as-us-agrees-to-permanently-end-war-1781482980593">'Enemy had no choice but surrender': Iran claims victory as US agrees to 'permanently' end war</a><h2>2. US commitment to non-interference in Iran's internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran</h2>This provision appears to be centred on reports that the US was seeking a regime change in the Islamic Republic. Additionally, this preventive step may have been added to the MoU to avoid a situation similar to Venezuela, where, after triggering a regime change by capturing former president Nicolas Maduro, the US continued to be a party to the nation's internal affairs.<h2>3. Complete lifting of the naval blockade within 30 days</h2>Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran, Trump directed CENTCOM to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports. Subsequently, US troops blockaded all vessels entering or departing Iranian coastal areas and ports, aiming to cripple Iranian oil revenues and deter toll-collection. According to reports, this blockade cost Iran $6 billion in oil revenues.<h2>4. US commitment to withdraw its forces from around Iran</h2>According to reports, since the start of the ongoing conflict on February 28, the US has deployed between 50,000 and 57,000 troops to the Middle East. Additionally, &nbsp;three U.S. aircraft carriers—the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford, and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower—anchored the regional presence, carrying tens of thousands of personnel and specialised air wings.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/let-the-oil-flow-crude-prices-down-to-81-15-as-us-iran-announce-immediate-end-to-hostilities-truce-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-1781483972835">'Let the oil flow': Crude prices down to $81.15 as US, Iran announce 'immediate end' to hostilities</a><h2>5. Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, under Iranian arrangements</h2>Under this, Iran is expected to retain primary operational control of the strait, through which around 1/5th of the global oil supply passes.This move is expected to help stabilise the global oil markets. Notably, just after the two nations announced that they've reached an agreement to end hostilities, oil prices tumbled by more than four per cent, reaching $81.15 a barrel.<h2>6. Suspension of sanctions on oil and petrochemical product sales and derivatives, and full Iranian access to its financial resources</h2>Already, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have said that they are prepared to lift sanctions imposed on Iran and will work "with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement."<h2>7. Reconstruction plans to be presented by the US and its allies, totalling at least $300 billion</h2>This fund is expected to help Tehran repair and rebuild its crippled oil export infrastructure, industrial facilities, and public utilities which were damaged during the conflict.<h2>8. A 60-day negotiation period to reach a final agreement on the nuclear issue and the complete removal of US primary and secondary sanctions, UN Security Council resolutions, and IAEA Board of Governors resolutions</h2>Iran said on Monday that it would begin negotiations with the United States within the next two months to pursue a final agreement aimed at formally ending the war between the two countries.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ceasefire-iran-reveals-roadmap-to-final-us-agreement-and-possible-24-billion-payout-1781487819256">After ceasefire, Iran reveals roadmap to final US agreement and possible $24 billion payout</a><h2>9. Reaffirmation of Iran's NPT commitment not to produce nuclear weapons</h2>The US and Israel started the war against Iran alleging that the Islamic Republic was days away from developing a nuclear weapon. Since then, Trump has demanded that Tehran hand over its "nuclear dust".Now, Iran must explicitly recommit to never seeking, developing, or acquiring any nuclear weapons. This means that Tehran agrees to maintain its status as a non-nuclear-weapon state party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), binding its program to international law.10. During the negotiation period, the US commits not to add forces to the region and not to impose new sanctionsThe US will have to maintain its regional force presence at current levels and will be barred from deploying any additional soldiers, ships, or aircraft to the Middle East during the talks. Furthermore, Trump cannot introduce any new economic penalties, trade restrictions, or designations against Iranian entities or sectors.<h2>11. Release of $24 billion in Iran's blocked funds during the 60-day final negotiation period, with half of that amount to be made available to Iran before negotiations begin</h2>According to Mehr News, the US would release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day negotiation period. The report claims that $12 billion, half of the total amount, would be made available to Iran before formal negotiations begin.<h2>12. Establishment of a monitoring mechanism to implement the agreement</h2>The safeguard has been put in place to ensure that both sides honour their commitment. During the conflict, both the US and Iran have accused each other of flouting their commitments.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-delays-ali-khamenei-funeral-when-will-the-slain-supreme-leader-be-laid-to-rest-1781227414587">Iran again delays Ali Khamenei's funeral: Why the slain supreme leader remains unburied after 100 days</a><h2>13. The final agreement to be ratified by a UN Security Council resolution</h2>The final step to codify the MoU is its formal ratification through a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, which will elevate the bilateral deal into binding international law.<h2>14. Final negotiations will not begin until half of Iran's blocked funds are released, oil sanctions are suspended, and the naval blockade is lifted. The final agreement will address only the fate of enriched materials and enrichment, sanctions relief, and Iran's economic reconstruction programme. Talks on Iran's missile programme and its support for Resistance groups have been definitively removed from the agenda</h2>Finally, according to Mehr News, Iran would not participate in any negotiations till the US releases $12 billion of Iran's frozen funds, lifts oil sanctions and lifts its naval blockade.Notably, as per the report, these provisions are only preliminary and still require "review and finalisation by the relevant institutions in Iran."

Iranian media has published details of a reported 14-point US-Iran memorandum that halted 108 days of conflict. The agreement includes sanctions relief, a $24 billion asset release, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear negotiations and a phased end to hostilities. All you need to know.

The United States and Iran have agreed to halt hostilities after 108 days of war that drove up oil prices globally. On Truth Social, US President Donald Trump confirmed the truce agreement and announced "Let the oil flow" as he revealed that the US would lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Following the announcement, in what may be the most detailed public account of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the warring nations, Iran state-affiliated Mehr News has shared the 14 conditions that form the basis of the current agreement. Among them is the condition that the US won't "interfere" in Iran's internal affairs and also withdraw its blockade that, in the past few weeks, has sought to bleed Tehran's coffers dry. Here's a breakdown of the 14-point MoU and what each condition signifies: Iran and US's 14-point MoU Citing a source close to Iran's negotiating team, Mehr News reported that the Memorandum has 14 provisions. These are: 1. Permanent and immediate end to war on all fronts, including Lebanon In the past few days, Lebanon has emerged as a sticking point between the US and Iran, as Israel continued its strikes on the nation. Just a day earlier, on Sunday, Iranian chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that there was "no point" in continuing peace talks with the United States after its ally Israel attacked Beirut's southern suburbs. "The Zionists' aggression against Dahieh once again showed that the United States either lacks the will to implement its commitments or lacks the ability to do so," he said in a post on X. "If you do not have the will or the ability to fulfil your commitments, then there is no point in talking about continuing down this path," he added. Also read | 'Enemy had no choice but surrender': Iran claims victory as US agrees to 'permanently' end war 2. US commitment to non-interference in Iran's internal affairs and respect for the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran This provision appears to be centred on reports that the US was seeking a regime change in the Islamic Republic. Additionally, this preventive step may have been added to the MoU to avoid a situation similar to Venezuela, where, after triggering a regime change by capturing former president Nicolas Maduro, the US continued to be a party to the nation's internal affairs. 3. Complete lifting of the naval blockade within 30 days Following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Tehran, Trump directed CENTCOM to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports. Subsequently, US troops blockaded all vessels entering or departing Iranian coastal areas and ports, aiming to cripple Iranian oil revenues and deter toll-collection. According to reports, this blockade cost Iran $6 billion in oil revenues. 4. US commitment to withdraw its forces from around Iran According to reports, since the start of the ongoing conflict on February 28, the US has deployed between 50,000 and 57,000 troops to the Middle East. Additionally, three U.S. aircraft carriers—the USS Abraham Lincoln, USS Gerald R. Ford, and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower—anchored the regional presence, carrying tens of thousands of personnel and specialised air wings. Also read | 'Let the oil flow': Crude prices down to $81.15 as US, Iran announce 'immediate end' to hostilities 5. Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, under Iranian arrangements Under this, Iran is expected to retain primary operational control of the strait, through which around 1/5th of the global oil supply passes. This move is expected to help stabilise the global oil markets. Notably, just after the two nations announced that they've reached an agreement to end hostilities, oil prices tumbled by more than four per cent, reaching $81.15 a barrel. 6. Suspension of sanctions on oil and petrochemical product sales and derivatives, and full Iranian access to its financial resources Already, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy have said that they are prepared to lift sanctions imposed on Iran and will work "with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement." 7. Reconstruction plans to be presented by the US and its allies, totalling at least $300 billion This fund is expected to help Tehran repair and rebuild its crippled oil export infrastructure, industrial facilities, and public utilities which were damaged during the conflict. 8. A 60-day negotiation period to reach a final agreement on the nuclear issue and the complete removal of US primary and secondary sanctions, UN Security Council resolutions, and IAEA Board of Governors resolutions Iran said on Monday that it would begin negotiations with the United States within the next two months to pursue a final agreement aimed at formally ending the war between the two countries. Also read | After ceasefire, Iran reveals roadmap to final US agreement and possible $24 billion payout 9. Reaffirmation of Iran's NPT commitment not to produce nuclear weapons The US and Israel started the war against Iran alleging that the Islamic Republic was days away from developing a nuclear weapon. Since then, Trump has demanded that Tehran hand over its "nuclear dust". Now, Iran must explicitly recommit to never seeking, developing, or acquiring any nuclear weapons. This means that Tehran agrees to maintain its status as a non-nuclear-weapon state party to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), binding its program to international law. 10. During the negotiation period, the US commits not to add forces to the region and not to impose new sanctions The US will have to maintain its regional force presence at current levels and will be barred from deploying any additional soldiers, ships, or aircraft to the Middle East during the talks. Furthermore, Trump cannot introduce any new economic penalties, trade restrictions, or designations against Iranian entities or sectors. 11. Release of $24 billion in Iran's blocked funds during the 60-day final negotiation period, with half of that amount to be made available to Iran before negotiations begin According to Mehr News, the US would release $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day negotiation period. The report claims that $12 billion, half of the total amount, would be made available to Iran before formal negotiations begin. 12. Establishment of a monitoring mechanism to implement the agreement The safeguard has been put in place to ensure that both sides honour their commitment. During the conflict, both the US and Iran have accused each other of flouting their commitments. Also read | Iran again delays Ali Khamenei's funeral: Why the slain supreme leader remains unburied after 100 days 13. The final agreement to be ratified by a UN Security Council resolution The final step to codify the MoU is its formal ratification through a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, which will elevate the bilateral deal into binding international law. 14. Final negotiations will not begin until half of Iran's blocked funds are released, oil sanctions are suspended, and the naval blockade is lifted. The final agreement will address only the fate of enriched materials and enrichment, sanctions relief, and Iran's economic reconstruction programme. Talks on Iran's missile programme and its support for Resistance groups have been definitively removed from the agenda Finally, according to Mehr News, Iran would not participate in any negotiations till the US releases $12 billion of Iran's frozen funds, lifts oil sanctions and lifts its naval blockade. Notably, as per the report, these provisions are only preliminary and still require "review and finalisation by the relevant institutions in Iran."

Iranian media has published details of a reported 14-point US-Iran memorandum that halted 108 days of conflict. The agreement includes sanctions relief, a $24 billion asset release, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear negotiations and a phased end to hostilities. All you need to know.

US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes

The current B-52H bomber requires a five-person crew, including pilots, navigators, and an electronic warfare officer. However, upcoming B-52J radar upgrades will reduce this to a four-person team to operate the USD 84 million aircraft.

The current B-52H bomber requires a five-person crew, including pilots, navigators, and an electronic warfare officer. However, upcoming B-52J radar upgrades will reduce this to a four-person team to operate the USD 84 million aircraft.

How many people does it take to operate a B-52 bomber?

Operating the B-52 bomber costs the US Air Force roughly USD 88,000 per flight hour. Burning 3,300 gallons of fuel hourly, it still remains significantly cheaper to fly than modern stealth aircraft like the B-2 Spirit or the B-1 Lancer.

Operating the B-52 bomber costs the US Air Force roughly USD 88,000 per flight hour. Burning 3,300 gallons of fuel hourly, it still remains significantly cheaper to fly than modern stealth aircraft like the B-2 Spirit or the B-1 Lancer.

How much does a B-52 bomber cost to operate per hour?

Donald Trump signed a hard copy of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran at the Palace of Versailles during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. A senior Trump administration official detailed the draft agreement on a phone call. It expands the ceasefire and agrees to open the Strait of Hormuz. But, there are certain things in the document, which is less than 800 words, that have been left unclear and are to be dealt with later.&nbsp;<ol><li>‘Allies’ undefined</li></ol>US and Iran "and their allies in the current war" agree to an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The two sides undertake "not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon." It adds that the "final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon and other provisions of this paragraph."&nbsp;The term "allies" remains undefined, as neither Israel nor Hezbollah have been clearly named. Israel has been carrying out military action in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has been a hurdle to reaching the peace deal.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-us-deal-how-much-did-the-war-cost-america-and-the-world-1781755995140">Iran-US deal: How much did the war cost America and the world?</a>&nbsp;2. Short timeline of 60 daysIt is not a final deal, and the two countries have committed "to negotiating and achieving the final deal in a maximum of 60 days, extendable with mutual consent." Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the deal on June 17. According to this, the 60-day period ends on August 16. Critics argue that this is an extremely short timeline to resolve complex issues like lifting sanctions, which involve multiple parties such as the UN, EU, and US, strict IAEA verification protocols, and billions in asset transfers.&nbsp;3. Ambiguity over Strait of Hormuz blockadeThe United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade immediately after the MoU is signed and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. The US also "undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal." What's left unclear is whether Iran will ultimately retain control over the Strait of Hormuz. Also, the point about removing US forces from around Iran might only refer to the 50,000 additional US servicemembers deployed during the war and not the troops in Gulf countries.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-does-a-u-turn-on-iranian-frozen-assets-says-not-our-money-1781757531858">Trump does a U-turn on Iranian frozen assets, says ‘not our money’</a>&nbsp;4. Strait of Hormuz will get an updated transit systemUnder the MoU, Iran has agreed to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with no charge for 60 days only. Transit capacity will be restored to pre-war levels within 30 days. However, a new transit system will be established in the future, where Iran and its Persian Gulf neighbours will establish an updated transit system aligned with international law. It practically opens the door for future transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a permanent revenue stream for Iran.&nbsp;5. Major financial wins for IranThe US and its regional partners will design a plan where $300 billion will be allotted for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This mechanism for the implementation needs to be finalised as part of the final deal. This will leave Iran with $300 billion, a lot more than its frozen assets. It has also been allowed to export its crude oil via Treasury waivers, and will also get billions of dollars back in frozen assets. Critics argue the US gave away its strongest economic leverage upfront just to get Iran to the negotiating table.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-iran-can-have-some-ballistic-missiles-1781764934512/embed&nbsp;6. Lifting of all sanctions could spell bad news&nbsp;The United States has committed to lifting all sanctions against Iran. These also include those tied to UN Security Council resolutions. Unlike the 2015 JCPOA—the Obama-era agreement that only lifted nuclear-related secondary sanctions, this new agreement is comprehensive. Notably, Trump dismantled this agreement during his first tenure. By dismantling sanctions dating back to 1979, the US will grant Iran renewed access to the international banking sector, revitalise its oil industry, and roll back restrictions tied to its sponsorship of designated terrorist organisations.&nbsp;7. Concerns over the nuclear programThe Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms in the MoU that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. "The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs." However, the agreement does not actually resolve the nuclear crisis; it merely defers it. It does not mandate the immediate dismantling or export of Iran's highly enriched uranium. The memo leaves the details to a 60-day technical negotiation window. The "minimum methodology" of down-blending material on-site keeps Iran's nuclear infrastructure intact, critics argue.

The US and Iran have signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU), which is ambiguous on several points. Iran's nuclear program is what started it all. Even though Trump claims Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon, the 60-day window will be the ultimate decider.  

Donald Trump signed a hard copy of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran at the Palace of Versailles during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. A senior Trump administration official detailed the draft agreement on a phone call. It expands the ceasefire and agrees to open the Strait of Hormuz. But, there are certain things in the document, which is less than 800 words, that have been left unclear and are to be dealt with later. ‘Allies’ undefined US and Iran "and their allies in the current war" agree to an immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The two sides undertake "not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon." It adds that the "final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon and other provisions of this paragraph." The term "allies" remains undefined, as neither Israel nor Hezbollah have been clearly named. Israel has been carrying out military action in Lebanon against Hezbollah, which has been a hurdle to reaching the peace deal. Also Read: Iran-US deal: How much did the war cost America and the world? 2. Short timeline of 60 days It is not a final deal, and the two countries have committed "to negotiating and achieving the final deal in a maximum of 60 days, extendable with mutual consent." Trump and President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the deal on June 17. According to this, the 60-day period ends on August 16. Critics argue that this is an extremely short timeline to resolve complex issues like lifting sanctions, which involve multiple parties such as the UN, EU, and US, strict IAEA verification protocols, and billions in asset transfers. 3. Ambiguity over Strait of Hormuz blockade The United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade immediately after the MoU is signed and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. The US also "undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal." What's left unclear is whether Iran will ultimately retain control over the Strait of Hormuz. Also, the point about removing US forces from around Iran might only refer to the 50,000 additional US servicemembers deployed during the war and not the troops in Gulf countries. Also Read: Trump does a U-turn on Iranian frozen assets, says ‘not our money’ 4. Strait of Hormuz will get an updated transit system Under the MoU, Iran has agreed to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz with no charge for 60 days only. Transit capacity will be restored to pre-war levels within 30 days. However, a new transit system will be established in the future, where Iran and its Persian Gulf neighbours will establish an updated transit system aligned with international law. It practically opens the door for future transit fees through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a permanent revenue stream for Iran. 5. Major financial wins for Iran The US and its regional partners will design a plan where $300 billion will be allotted for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This mechanism for the implementation needs to be finalised as part of the final deal. This will leave Iran with $300 billion, a lot more than its frozen assets. It has also been allowed to export its crude oil via Treasury waivers, and will also get billions of dollars back in frozen assets. Critics argue the US gave away its strongest economic leverage upfront just to get Iran to the negotiating table. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-war-trump-says-iran-can-have-some-ballistic-missiles-1781764934512/embed 6. Lifting of all sanctions could spell bad news The United States has committed to lifting all sanctions against Iran. These also include those tied to UN Security Council resolutions. Unlike the 2015 JCPOA—the Obama-era agreement that only lifted nuclear-related secondary sanctions, this new agreement is comprehensive. Notably, Trump dismantled this agreement during his first tenure. By dismantling sanctions dating back to 1979, the US will grant Iran renewed access to the international banking sector, revitalise its oil industry, and roll back restrictions tied to its sponsorship of designated terrorist organisations. 7. Concerns over the nuclear program The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms in the MoU that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. "The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran’s nuclear needs." However, the agreement does not actually resolve the nuclear crisis; it merely defers it. It does not mandate the immediate dismantling or export of Iran's highly enriched uranium. The memo leaves the details to a 60-day technical negotiation window. The "minimum methodology" of down-blending material on-site keeps Iran's nuclear infrastructure intact, critics argue.

The US and Iran have signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU), which is ambiguous on several points. Iran's nuclear program is what started it all. Even though Trump claims Iran has agreed to never have a nuclear weapon, the 60-day window will be the ultimate decider. &nbsp;

Analysis: 7 major flaws in the US-Iran 14-point peace plan

The US-Iran war is officially over after the countries signed a 14-point agreement, known as a Memorandum of Understanding. As part of it, the ceasefire stands extended, and the pivotal Strait of Hormuz will be reopened. It states that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Iran also benefits greatly financially, as it will be given $300 billion for "reconstruction and economic development" of the country. Sanctions on Iran selling its oil to the world will be lifted, and it could also potentially gain access to billions in frozen assets. "The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in a maximum of 60 days, extendable with mutual consent," the MoU states.<h2>How many people died in the US-Iran war?</h2> According to official figures, 13 US service members lost their lives in the months-long operation. More than 3,300 Iranians died, according to state media. In Lebanon, 3,826 were killed, while nearly 60 died in Israel and many more across Gulf states, according to data from those countries.<h2>How much did the Iran war cost the US?</h2> According to Moody's Analytics, the war has cost US consumers and taxpayers about $132 billion so far, with the economic repercussions set to be felt for a long time to come. According to Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst, operational costs of the Iran war stood at $29 billion on May 12, $4 billion higher than the figure presented by the Trump administration in April. It is also expected to ask for supplemental appropriation to cover the war costs.&nbsp;<h2>Oil prices</h2>The biggest fallout of the war has been in the form of the rise in oil prices. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to a major fuel crisis across the world. America waged a war on Iran, and its people paid the price. The American Automobile Association (AAA) said that the gas prices stood at just under $3 a gallon when the war began. They went as high as $4.56 a gallon after crude oil got blocked at the Strait.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hormuz-to-reopen-and-us-blockade-to-be-lifted-immediately-as-us-iran-mou-takes-effect-1781744403816">Hormuz to reopen and US blockade to be lifted immediately as US-Iran MoU takes effect</a>&nbsp;Americans use 360 million to 380 million gallons of gas every day. This means that after the price rise, they were shelling out more than half a billion dollars extra each day. This number has dropped slightly, and the wartime surcharge means that Americans are still paying more than $360 million a day in higher gasoline costs. Diesel prices went from $3.76 a gallon to a peak of $5.69 in early April. This set off a chain reaction where the people were paying more for everything.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war</a>&nbsp;Besides oil, fertiliser is another essential commodity that passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade led to a 47 per cent rise in prices, according to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Wartime uncertainty also impacted mortgage rates, which saw a spike.&nbsp;https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-deal-iran-days-its-time-to-test-the-implementation-of-agreement-1781754141709/embed<h2>Impact of Iran War on global economy</h2> The war's global impact is equally disturbing. The World Bank cut its 2026 global economic growth forecast to 2.5 per cent, the lowest since COVID-19. Inflation has hit many countries, while economic growth has slowed down. In India, cooking gas shortages impacted households and businesses. Commercial LPG prices rose sharply. Gas prices have risen significantly in the past few weeks. The GDP of Middle Eastern countries are estimated to expand by just 1.3 per cent this year, down from 4.5 per cent in 2025, the World Bank said. The body has no new forecast for Iran, because of "exceptionally high uncertainty."&nbsp;

The US-Iran war is officially over with the signing of the 14-point peace plan on June 17. The war started on February 28 and has wreaked havoc on the world economy. American taxpayers shelled out billions and continue to suffer the repercussions.

The US-Iran war is officially over after the countries signed a 14-point agreement, known as a Memorandum of Understanding. As part of it, the ceasefire stands extended, and the pivotal Strait of Hormuz will be reopened. It states that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Iran also benefits greatly financially, as it will be given $300 billion for "reconstruction and economic development" of the country. Sanctions on Iran selling its oil to the world will be lifted, and it could also potentially gain access to billions in frozen assets. "The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in a maximum of 60 days, extendable with mutual consent," the MoU states. How many people died in the US-Iran war? According to official figures, 13 US service members lost their lives in the months-long operation. More than 3,300 Iranians died, according to state media. In Lebanon, 3,826 were killed, while nearly 60 died in Israel and many more across Gulf states, according to data from those countries. How much did the Iran war cost the US? According to Moody's Analytics, the war has cost US consumers and taxpayers about $132 billion so far, with the economic repercussions set to be felt for a long time to come. According to Pentagon comptroller Jules Hurst, operational costs of the Iran war stood at $29 billion on May 12, $4 billion higher than the figure presented by the Trump administration in April. It is also expected to ask for supplemental appropriation to cover the war costs. Oil prices The biggest fallout of the war has been in the form of the rise in oil prices. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz led to a major fuel crisis across the world. America waged a war on Iran, and its people paid the price. The American Automobile Association (AAA) said that the gas prices stood at just under $3 a gallon when the war began. They went as high as $4.56 a gallon after crude oil got blocked at the Strait. Also Read: Hormuz to reopen and US blockade to be lifted immediately as US-Iran MoU takes effect Americans use 360 million to 380 million gallons of gas every day. This means that after the price rise, they were shelling out more than half a billion dollars extra each day. This number has dropped slightly, and the wartime surcharge means that Americans are still paying more than $360 million a day in higher gasoline costs. Diesel prices went from $3.76 a gallon to a peak of $5.69 in early April. This set off a chain reaction where the people were paying more for everything. Also Read: US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war Besides oil, fertiliser is another essential commodity that passes through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade led to a 47 per cent rise in prices, according to a survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation. Wartime uncertainty also impacted mortgage rates, which saw a spike. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-iran-peace-deal-iran-days-its-time-to-test-the-implementation-of-agreement-1781754141709/embed Impact of Iran War on global economy The war's global impact is equally disturbing. The World Bank cut its 2026 global economic growth forecast to 2.5 per cent, the lowest since COVID-19. Inflation has hit many countries, while economic growth has slowed down. In India, cooking gas shortages impacted households and businesses. Commercial LPG prices rose sharply. Gas prices have risen significantly in the past few weeks. The GDP of Middle Eastern countries are estimated to expand by just 1.3 per cent this year, down from 4.5 per cent in 2025, the World Bank said. The body has no new forecast for Iran, because of "exceptionally high uncertainty."

The US-Iran war is officially over with the signing of the 14-point peace plan on June 17. The war started on February 28 and has wreaked havoc on the world economy. American taxpayers shelled out billions and continue to suffer the repercussions.

Iran-US deal: How much did the war cost America and the world?

Following the formal signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to end the 110-day U.S.-Iran conflict, tensions remain high as both nations shift to the implementation phase. Tehran has emphasized that the success of this peace agreement which includes the lifting of U.S. naval blockades, oil export waivers, and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz will depend entirely on the U.S. fulfilling its commitments.

US-Iran Peace Deal: Iran Days Its Time to Test The Implementation of Agreement

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday aimed at ending months of conflict between Washington and Tehran and easing tensions across the Middle East.&nbsp;Speaking to reporters after the signing, Trump confirmed the development."Just signed it," Trump said as he emerged from the palace.&nbsp;According to US and Iranian officials, both presidents formally signed the document on Wednesday after it was initially endorsed electronically on Sunday by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The agreement took effect immediately, replacing plans for a formal signing ceremony in Switzerland.&nbsp;Iran also confirmed the signing. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by state news agency IRNA, said the document "was finalized with the signatures of the presidents."&nbsp;The agreement seeks to end a conflict that began on February 28 and later spread across the region through missile and drone attacks. The fighting also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important trade routes.&nbsp;"Now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement," Baqaei said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-charge-ships-crossing-strait-of-hormuz-after-60-days-calls-deal-record-of-us-failure-1781735548918">Iran to charge ships crossing Strait of Hormuz after 60 days; calls deal 'record of US failure'</a>&nbsp;Under the agreement, the United States will immediately remove oil sanctions that have placed significant pressure on Iran's economy.&nbsp;The document also provides that once a final understanding is reached on Iran's nuclear programme, Washington will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by regional countries.&nbsp;A two month negotiation period will now begin, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz expected to be one of the first steps.&nbsp;According to the text released by US officials, Iran will dilute its enriched uranium stockpile, potentially through "down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA", the United Nations nuclear watchdog.&nbsp;The measure is expected to pave the way for wider economic support for Tehran. A US official, however, said Washington would not be required to provide direct financial assistance.&nbsp;However, the continued violence in Lebanon could complicate the implementation of the agreement and risk reigniting regional tensions. Iran had earlier come close to withdrawing from negotiations following Israeli strikes on Beirut.

Iran confirmed it has officially signed the memorandum of understanding with the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, confirming the agreement has been endorsed by both sides.

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday aimed at ending months of conflict between Washington and Tehran and easing tensions across the Middle East. Speaking to reporters after the signing, Trump confirmed the development. "Just signed it," Trump said as he emerged from the palace. According to US and Iranian officials, both presidents formally signed the document on Wednesday after it was initially endorsed electronically on Sunday by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. The agreement took effect immediately, replacing plans for a formal signing ceremony in Switzerland. Iran also confirmed the signing. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, quoted by state news agency IRNA, said the document "was finalized with the signatures of the presidents." The agreement seeks to end a conflict that began on February 28 and later spread across the region through missile and drone attacks. The fighting also disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important trade routes. "Now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement," Baqaei said. Also Read: Iran to charge ships crossing Strait of Hormuz after 60 days; calls deal 'record of US failure' Under the agreement, the United States will immediately remove oil sanctions that have placed significant pressure on Iran's economy. The document also provides that once a final understanding is reached on Iran's nuclear programme, Washington will facilitate the release of a $300 billion reconstruction fund backed by regional countries. A two month negotiation period will now begin, with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz expected to be one of the first steps. According to the text released by US officials, Iran will dilute its enriched uranium stockpile, potentially through "down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA", the United Nations nuclear watchdog. The measure is expected to pave the way for wider economic support for Tehran. A US official, however, said Washington would not be required to provide direct financial assistance. However, the continued violence in Lebanon could complicate the implementation of the agreement and risk reigniting regional tensions. Iran had earlier come close to withdrawing from negotiations following Israeli strikes on Beirut.

Iran confirmed it has officially signed the memorandum of understanding with the United States, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, confirming the agreement has been endorsed by both sides.

Trump, Pezeshkian digitally sign US-Iran peace deal; MoU comes into force

Iran announced that the funeral procession for the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pass through Iraq before his burial in the country, an Iranian official said on Wednesday. Khamenei was killed after the US-Israeli forces launched a missile attack in February this year. In a video of state media, Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani stated that the farewell ceremonies and funeral procession for Khamenei would be held from July 4 to 9. "On July 8, 2026, they will take place in Iraq, and on July 9, 2026, God willing, in Mashhad" in Iran, where Khamenei will be buried, he added. Like neighbouring Iran, Iraq boasts a predominantly Shiite Muslim population and serves as the custodian of the most revered historical sites in Shiite Islam. These include the holy shrines of Imam Hussein in Karbala and Imam Ali in Najaf. By routing the procession through these territories, Tehran aims to underscore transnational religious solidarity amid ongoing regional conflict.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/keir-starmer-russian-warning-shots-british-yacht-channel-incident-1781701228395">Keir Starmer calls Russian warning shots near British yacht ‘deeply concerning’</a><h3>Locations in Iraq not specified&nbsp;</h3>However, Zakani did not specify which locations in Iraq would host the scheduled funeral processions for Ali Khamenei. Iraq officials also did not immediately respond to the announcement. Zakani further said preparations were underway for funeral ceremonies in Tehran, where officials anticipate a turnout of nearly 20 million people. According to him, the Iranian capital has never witnessed a gathering of such magnitude before. When Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, died in 1989, state media reported that close to 10 million mourners attended his funeral.&nbsp;Previously, when Iran’s ultimate revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, passed away in 1989, state registries reported that approximately 10 million mourners flooded the streets. Doubling that figure presents staggering logistical and security challenges for a capital city already under heightened alert following the military escalations of early 2026.

Iran has announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession will pass through Iraq on July 8 before his burial in Mashhad, Iran, on July 9. Tehran expects nearly 20 million mourners for the ceremonies, though Iraqi venues have not yet been disclosed.

Iran announced that the funeral procession for the late supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei will pass through Iraq before his burial in the country, an Iranian official said on Wednesday. Khamenei was killed after the US-Israeli forces launched a missile attack in February this year. In a video of state media, Tehran mayor Alireza Zakani stated that the farewell ceremonies and funeral procession for Khamenei would be held from July 4 to 9. "On July 8, 2026, they will take place in Iraq, and on July 9, 2026, God willing, in Mashhad" in Iran, where Khamenei will be buried, he added. Like neighbouring Iran, Iraq boasts a predominantly Shiite Muslim population and serves as the custodian of the most revered historical sites in Shiite Islam. These include the holy shrines of Imam Hussein in Karbala and Imam Ali in Najaf. By routing the procession through these territories, Tehran aims to underscore transnational religious solidarity amid ongoing regional conflict. Also read: Keir Starmer calls Russian warning shots near British yacht ‘deeply concerning’ Locations in Iraq not specified However, Zakani did not specify which locations in Iraq would host the scheduled funeral processions for Ali Khamenei. Iraq officials also did not immediately respond to the announcement. Zakani further said preparations were underway for funeral ceremonies in Tehran, where officials anticipate a turnout of nearly 20 million people. According to him, the Iranian capital has never witnessed a gathering of such magnitude before. When Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ruhollah Khomeini, died in 1989, state media reported that close to 10 million mourners attended his funeral. Previously, when Iran’s ultimate revolutionary leader, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, passed away in 1989, state registries reported that approximately 10 million mourners flooded the streets. Doubling that figure presents staggering logistical and security challenges for a capital city already under heightened alert following the military escalations of early 2026.

Iran has announced that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral procession will pass through Iraq on July 8 before his burial in Mashhad, Iran, on July 9. Tehran expects nearly 20 million mourners for the ceremonies, though Iraqi venues have not yet been disclosed.

Iran says late Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral procession will pass through Iraq before burial

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday tried to dismiss speculation that the Trump administration wanted regime change in Iran and wanted to install the Shah Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late Iranian monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In an interview with the conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly, he said that Trump just said that the Iranian people had the right to resist their government.“The president of the United States never said that his goal was to install Reza Pahlavi to become the new leader of Iran,” said Vance, "What he said is, if the Iranian people want to rise up... great; that's their business… that's between them and their government."Vance added that the US goal was the cessation of the Iranian nuclear programme, and the US would have achieved it, "either through diplomatic means or through military means, as he ultimately went down that pathway."Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-g7-ukraine-support-zelensky-russia-policy-shift-1781690542114">Trump says 'I'm the boss' as G7 leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine after Zelensky meeting</a>Vance characterised the deal as a regional peace agreement, extending beyond Iran. He rejected the comparison of US economic incentives to Iran to the Marshall Plan, emphasising that the economic benefits would materialise if Tehran follows up on the commitments. "The idea is that if the Iranians comply, then we're going to have a true transformative deal for the Middle East, and if not, they don't get any economic benefits," Vance explained.&nbsp;While discussing about Iran's enriched Uranium, Trump said, "If they want the benefits of the bargain, enrichment is going to be on the table, and more importantly, verification and inspections are going to be on the table," US President Donald Trump while speaking at the G7 summit at France vowed to read the the full text “word by word” at an upcoming press conference. The formal signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.&nbsp;

US Vice President JD Vance denied claims that the Trump administration sought regime change in Iran or plans to install Reza Pahlavi. He said Washington's goal remains to limit Iran's nuclear programme through diplomacy and verification.

US Vice President JD Vance on Tuesday tried to dismiss speculation that the Trump administration wanted regime change in Iran and wanted to install the Shah Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the late Iranian monarch Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. In an interview with the conservative podcaster Megyn Kelly, he said that Trump just said that the Iranian people had the right to resist their government. “The president of the United States never said that his goal was to install Reza Pahlavi to become the new leader of Iran,” said Vance, "What he said is, if the Iranian people want to rise up... great; that's their business… that's between them and their government." Vance added that the US goal was the cessation of the Iranian nuclear programme, and the US would have achieved it, "either through diplomatic means or through military means, as he ultimately went down that pathway." Also Read: Trump says 'I'm the boss' as G7 leaders reaffirm support for Ukraine after Zelensky meeting Vance characterised the deal as a regional peace agreement, extending beyond Iran. He rejected the comparison of US economic incentives to Iran to the Marshall Plan, emphasising that the economic benefits would materialise if Tehran follows up on the commitments. "The idea is that if the Iranians comply, then we're going to have a true transformative deal for the Middle East, and if not, they don't get any economic benefits," Vance explained. While discussing about Iran's enriched Uranium, Trump said, "If they want the benefits of the bargain, enrichment is going to be on the table, and more importantly, verification and inspections are going to be on the table," US President Donald Trump while speaking at the G7 summit at France vowed to read the the full text “word by word” at an upcoming press conference. The formal signing ceremony is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.

US Vice President JD Vance denied claims that the Trump administration sought regime change in Iran or plans to install Reza Pahlavi. He said Washington's goal remains to limit Iran's nuclear programme through diplomacy and verification.

Vance says US never wanted regime change and install Reza Pahlavi in Iran

Diplomatic efforts to end the 2026 Iran-United States conflict have reached a pivotal moment. With the official signing of the "Islamabad Memorandum" scheduled for Friday, June 19, 2026, at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland, a leaked 14-point draft memorandum is shedding light on the complex framework of this peace agreement.

US-Iran Peace Plan: Another Leaked Draft Emerges Days Before Deal Signing in Geneva

Fresh differences have emerged between Washington and Tehran over the future of Iran's nuclear programme, even as both sides prepare for negotiations aimed at turning their newly announced ceasefire into a broader peace agreement. US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jun 15) in a Truth Social post insisted that Iran "has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon!" while dismissing reports that the United States would provide Tehran with hundreds of billions of dollars in economic assistance.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-strait-of-hormuz-will-be-toll-free-iran-says-ships-will-pay-maritime-service-fees-what-s-really-in-the-peace-deal-1781573888112">US claims Strait of Hormuz will be toll-free. Iran says ships will pay maritime service fees. What's really in the peace deal?</a><h2>Iran's nuclear future: According to the US</h2>"Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon!" Trump wrote on social media, while also rejecting claims that Washington would pay Iran $300 billion under the deal.The comments came as Vice President JD Vance on NBC claimed that American and international nuclear inspectors would be allowed to return to Iran and oversee the dismantling of the country's stockpiles of enriched uranium.In a separate statement, Trump also told The New York Times that negotiations were continuing over how long Iran would suspend uranium enrichment, suggesting a potential arrangement lasting between 15 and 20 years.Tehran, however, signalled that the issue remains unresolved.<h2>Tehran rejects Trump's claims on Iran's nuclear future</h2>Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected Trump's claims on the recent peace agreement and pushed back against suggestions that Iran had already accepted limits on its uranium stockpiles.According to Baghaei, the memorandum of understanding signed this week serves only as a framework for future negotiations and does not contain detailed provisions on Iran's nuclear programme.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-ceasefire-iran-reveals-roadmap-to-final-us-agreement-and-possible-24-billion-payout-1781487819256">After ceasefire, Iran reveals roadmap to final US agreement and possible $24 billion payout</a>He said discussions over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment and the fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium reserves would take place during the 60 days of technical talks that is now set to begin.Baghaei also referred to what he described as a failed US operation during the war to seize Iranian uranium stockpiles, arguing that Washington would be unwise to attempt a similar action again.<h2>France wants Iran's enriched uranium gone</h2>French President Emmanuel Macron in a statement said Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles should ultimately be neutralised and placed under international supervision.Speaking after the announcement of the US-Iran deal, Macron said the material should either be removed from Iran or diluted, before being monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We will ensure that the enriched uranium capabilities that remain are properly neutralised," Macron said.&nbsp;

A day after announcing a ceasefire, Washington and Tehran are already at odds over Iran's nuclear future. Donald Trump says Iran has agreed never to build a nuclear weapon, while Tehran insists uranium enrichment and stockpile issues remain subject to future negotiations. All you need to know

Fresh differences have emerged between Washington and Tehran over the future of Iran's nuclear programme, even as both sides prepare for negotiations aimed at turning their newly announced ceasefire into a broader peace agreement. US President Donald Trump on Monday (Jun 15) in a Truth Social post insisted that Iran "has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon!" while dismissing reports that the United States would provide Tehran with hundreds of billions of dollars in economic assistance. Also read | US claims Strait of Hormuz will be toll-free. Iran says ships will pay maritime service fees. What's really in the peace deal? Iran's nuclear future: According to the US "Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon!" Trump wrote on social media, while also rejecting claims that Washington would pay Iran $300 billion under the deal. The comments came as Vice President JD Vance on NBC claimed that American and international nuclear inspectors would be allowed to return to Iran and oversee the dismantling of the country's stockpiles of enriched uranium. In a separate statement, Trump also told The New York Times that negotiations were continuing over how long Iran would suspend uranium enrichment, suggesting a potential arrangement lasting between 15 and 20 years. Tehran, however, signalled that the issue remains unresolved. Tehran rejects Trump's claims on Iran's nuclear future Speaking at a regular press briefing on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei rejected Trump's claims on the recent peace agreement and pushed back against suggestions that Iran had already accepted limits on its uranium stockpiles. According to Baghaei, the memorandum of understanding signed this week serves only as a framework for future negotiations and does not contain detailed provisions on Iran's nuclear programme. Also read | After ceasefire, Iran reveals roadmap to final US agreement and possible $24 billion payout He said discussions over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment and the fate of Iran's highly enriched uranium reserves would take place during the 60 days of technical talks that is now set to begin. Baghaei also referred to what he described as a failed US operation during the war to seize Iranian uranium stockpiles, arguing that Washington would be unwise to attempt a similar action again. France wants Iran's enriched uranium gone French President Emmanuel Macron in a statement said Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles should ultimately be neutralised and placed under international supervision. Speaking after the announcement of the US-Iran deal, Macron said the material should either be removed from Iran or diluted, before being monitored by the International Atomic Energy Agency. "We will ensure that the enriched uranium capabilities that remain are properly neutralised," Macron said.

A day after announcing a ceasefire, Washington and Tehran are already at odds over Iran's nuclear future. Donald Trump says Iran has agreed never to build a nuclear weapon, while Tehran insists uranium enrichment and stockpile issues remain subject to future negotiations. All you need to know

Did Iran agree to 'never have a Nuclear Weapon'? Trump's claim and Tehran's counterclaim spark fresh confusion after truce announcement

In an effort to navigate the erratic behaviour of the US President Donald Trump, Iran incorporated senior psychologists to assess the mental situation so that they could develop an effective message that they could pass on to the mediators. According to Iranian officials who spoke to Drop Site News on the condition of anonymity, two senior psychologists were added to the advisory circle of the Iranian negotiator following the Islamabad talks in April, as the two sides began exchanging proposed terms for a potential MoU.“We added two senior psychologists to the negotiations’ advisory circle so that we can shape messages intended for President Trump from the perspective of managing what we regard as a psychopathic behaviour pattern,” said the Iranian official to Dropsite News. According to the officials, following the inclusion of psychologists in the negotiations, Trump's behaviour has reportedly improved.&nbsp;“Because the exchanged texts will ultimately become part of the historical record, we conduct our negotiations in a manner that ensures the relative weight and sophistication of each party’s negotiating techniques will be evident should these communications be made public in the years ahead,” the official added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-says-some-in-israel-like-us-iran-deal-quite-a-bit-1781532065689">JD Vance says some in Israel like US-Iran deal 'quite a bit' despite backlash</a>According to Investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill, said that Iranian officials believed that Trump was operating from a position of “mental deficiency”. He asserted that the Iranian officials were not attributing the mental illness to Trump to downplay his credibility, but as a matter of fact, they almost “clinically began to see results”.Trump, for his part, has threatened on numerous occasions to bomb Iranian civilisation to the “Stone Age” as the two sides tried to negotiate peace. Now, most recently, Trump had a newfound respect for Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and claimed to have met him. Last week The Washington Post reported that Trump was treated by 22 specialists for his routine checkup, which was the largest by any President in history, even for US President Donald Trump, compared to his first term in office.&nbsp;

Iran reportedly brought senior psychologists into US-Iran negotiations to assess Donald Trump's behaviour and tailor messages during the MoU talks.

In an effort to navigate the erratic behaviour of the US President Donald Trump, Iran incorporated senior psychologists to assess the mental situation so that they could develop an effective message that they could pass on to the mediators. According to Iranian officials who spoke to Drop Site News on the condition of anonymity, two senior psychologists were added to the advisory circle of the Iranian negotiator following the Islamabad talks in April, as the two sides began exchanging proposed terms for a potential MoU. “We added two senior psychologists to the negotiations’ advisory circle so that we can shape messages intended for President Trump from the perspective of managing what we regard as a psychopathic behaviour pattern,” said the Iranian official to Dropsite News. According to the officials, following the inclusion of psychologists in the negotiations, Trump's behaviour has reportedly improved. “Because the exchanged texts will ultimately become part of the historical record, we conduct our negotiations in a manner that ensures the relative weight and sophistication of each party’s negotiating techniques will be evident should these communications be made public in the years ahead,” the official added. Also Read: JD Vance says some in Israel like US-Iran deal 'quite a bit' despite backlash According to Investigative reporter Jeremy Scahill, said that Iranian officials believed that Trump was operating from a position of “mental deficiency”. He asserted that the Iranian officials were not attributing the mental illness to Trump to downplay his credibility, but as a matter of fact, they almost “clinically began to see results”. Trump, for his part, has threatened on numerous occasions to bomb Iranian civilisation to the “Stone Age” as the two sides tried to negotiate peace. Now, most recently, Trump had a newfound respect for Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and claimed to have met him. Last week The Washington Post reported that Trump was treated by 22 specialists for his routine checkup, which was the largest by any President in history, even for US President Donald Trump, compared to his first term in office.

Iran reportedly brought senior psychologists into US-Iran negotiations to assess Donald Trump's behaviour and tailor messages during the MoU talks.

Trump seen as ‘mentally deficient’? Iran reportedly added psychologists for negotiations

A day after the United States and Iran announced a peace agreement to end the hostilities that have already lasted over 100 days, fresh questions have emerged over the terms. On one hand, Washington insists that ships would pass through the Strait of Hormuz toll-free; on the other, Iranian media reported that Tehran had secured the right to charge maritime service fees. What's happening in Hormuz? Here's what we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-iran-peace-deal-inside-the-14-point-mou-that-ended-over-108-days-of-war-wion-decodes-donald-trump-mojtaba-khamenei-benjamin-netanyahu-lebanon-1781513800001">US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes</a><h2>Terms of US-Iran peace agreement unclear</h2>The disagreement highlights the lack of clarity surrounding the memorandum of understanding signed electronically on Sunday by US President Donald Trump, US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.The Monday (Jun 15) agreement brought an immediate halt to nearly four months of conflict and opened a 60-day window for negotiations aimed at reaching a broader peace settlement.<h2>US insists toll-free passage will happen</h2>Speaking to reporters, senior Trump administration officials said the deal guarantees toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes.Vance also said that there was an understanding with Iran that the strait would remain open "in a toll-free way for the long term." However, he added that this was the "sort of thing that we're going to figure out in these technical negotiations."Meanwhile, according to an AFP report, US officials have expressed confidence that shipping traffic could return to pre-war levels within weeks. Iran, however, has offered a different interpretation.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/enemy-had-no-choice-but-surrender-iran-claims-victory-as-us-agrees-to-permanently-end-war-1781482980593">'Enemy had no choice but surrender': Iran claims victory as US agrees to 'permanently' end war</a><h2>Iran silently adds Hormuz maritime fees in final hours before deal</h2>According to Iran's Fars News Agency, negotiators amended the memorandum at the last moment to explicitly recognise Iranian and Omani sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Citing an unnamed source, the agency reported that Tehran would be permitted to charge maritime service fees to vessels using the route."The use of the term 'maritime services' means that the United States has accepted that fees will be paid to Iran," the source told Fars.The apparent contradiction is only one of several unresolved questions surrounding the agreement. Details of the memorandum have not yet been released publicly, with both sides suggesting that the text could be published later this week.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the US-Iran peace agreement after Washington said passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain toll-free, while Iranian media reported that Tehran secured the right to charge maritime service fees. All we know.

A day after the United States and Iran announced a peace agreement to end the hostilities that have already lasted over 100 days, fresh questions have emerged over the terms. On one hand, Washington insists that ships would pass through the Strait of Hormuz toll-free; on the other, Iranian media reported that Tehran had secured the right to charge maritime service fees. What's happening in Hormuz? Here's what we know. Also read | US-Iran peace deal: Inside the 14-point MoU that ended over 108 days of war | WION Decodes Terms of US-Iran peace agreement unclear The disagreement highlights the lack of clarity surrounding the memorandum of understanding signed electronically on Sunday by US President Donald Trump, US Vice President JD Vance and Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. The Monday (Jun 15) agreement brought an immediate halt to nearly four months of conflict and opened a 60-day window for negotiations aimed at reaching a broader peace settlement. US insists toll-free passage will happen Speaking to reporters, senior Trump administration officials said the deal guarantees toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes. Vance also said that there was an understanding with Iran that the strait would remain open "in a toll-free way for the long term." However, he added that this was the "sort of thing that we're going to figure out in these technical negotiations." Meanwhile, according to an AFP report, US officials have expressed confidence that shipping traffic could return to pre-war levels within weeks. Iran, however, has offered a different interpretation. Also read | 'Enemy had no choice but surrender': Iran claims victory as US agrees to 'permanently' end war Iran silently adds Hormuz maritime fees in final hours before deal According to Iran's Fars News Agency, negotiators amended the memorandum at the last moment to explicitly recognise Iranian and Omani sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Citing an unnamed source, the agency reported that Tehran would be permitted to charge maritime service fees to vessels using the route. "The use of the term 'maritime services' means that the United States has accepted that fees will be paid to Iran," the source told Fars. The apparent contradiction is only one of several unresolved questions surrounding the agreement. Details of the memorandum have not yet been released publicly, with both sides suggesting that the text could be published later this week. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Fresh uncertainty has emerged over the US-Iran peace agreement after Washington said passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain toll-free, while Iranian media reported that Tehran secured the right to charge maritime service fees. All we know.

US claims Strait of Hormuz will be toll-free. Iran says ships will pay maritime service fees. What's really in the peace deal?

The Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran has not been physically signed yet, and contradicting reports are emerging about a text being finalised. While Iran's Supreme National Security Council and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the text on television, Professor Mohammad Marandi, who is a member of the Iranian negotiating team, has publicly pushed back against the narrative of the agreed text. This further shows the divide in Iranian political leadership.&nbsp;<h2>No Birthday Gift for Trump&nbsp;</h2>US President Donald Trump on Saturday insisted that a deal will be signed between the US and Iran on Sunday, June 14. "The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL." But Tehran pushed back, with its Fars News Agency denying that anything would be signed on Sunday and instead dismissing “Trump’s strange insistence” for that day. However, the signing is scheduled for this coming Friday, June 19, 2026, in Switzerland.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on June 14 with a UFC event at the White House. Signing the deal on Sunday would have seemed like a birthday gift for Trump, who is facing domestic turmoil ahead of the midterms in November. This seems less substantial to Iranian but could be a reason for the delay, according to various analysts. “They don’t want to give Trump a birthday gift! (Seriously, this is being discussed as an important factor among Iranian commentators),” said Hamidreza Azizi, an analyst at SWP Berlin.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-threatens-retaliation-after-israeli-strike-on-beirut-blames-us-1781358760931">'Launchers are getting ready': Iran issues warning after Israeli strike in Lebanon</a><h2>What about the Israeli attack on Beirut? Is Lebanon part of the deal?</h2>The June 14, 2026, Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs has pushed the US-Iran MoU into doubt. Donald Trump has criticised Israel for launching an attack on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, asking them “not to blow it”. There had been friction within Israeli leadership. Israel was completely sidelined from the Islamabad negotiations. Benjamin Netanyahu is in an uncomfortable position between his hardline cabinet and an aggressive Trump administration. His strategy to decouple Lebanon from US-Iran peace talks has failed. When Katz and Netanyahu jointly ordered a strike on Beirut, it was an attempt to sabotage the agreement. They are caught between domestic political survival and the need to avoid a total blowout with Washington. Meanwhile, Iran said that the US “either lacks the will to fulfil its commitments or the ability to do so”. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, threatened that a “strong response is coming”. Israel insists that Lebanon is not part of any deal, and Iran considers Lebanon a “red line” not to be crossed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed on June 19 instead of Trump's birthday. Israel's strike on Beirut has raised doubts over the agreement, with Tehran warning that Lebanon is a red line.

The Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran has not been physically signed yet, and contradicting reports are emerging about a text being finalised. While Iran's Supreme National Security Council and Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the text on television, Professor Mohammad Marandi, who is a member of the Iranian negotiating team, has publicly pushed back against the narrative of the agreed text. This further shows the divide in Iranian political leadership. No Birthday Gift for Trump US President Donald Trump on Saturday insisted that a deal will be signed between the US and Iran on Sunday, June 14. "The Deal is scheduled to get signed tomorrow, and immediately after it is signed, the Hormuz Strait is OPEN TO ALL." But Tehran pushed back, with its Fars News Agency denying that anything would be signed on Sunday and instead dismissing “Trump’s strange insistence” for that day. However, the signing is scheduled for this coming Friday, June 19, 2026, in Switzerland. US President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday on June 14 with a UFC event at the White House. Signing the deal on Sunday would have seemed like a birthday gift for Trump, who is facing domestic turmoil ahead of the midterms in November. This seems less substantial to Iranian but could be a reason for the delay, according to various analysts. “They don’t want to give Trump a birthday gift! (Seriously, this is being discussed as an important factor among Iranian commentators),” said Hamidreza Azizi, an analyst at SWP Berlin. Also Read: 'Launchers are getting ready': Iran issues warning after Israeli strike in Lebanon What about the Israeli attack on Beirut? Is Lebanon part of the deal? The June 14, 2026, Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs has pushed the US-Iran MoU into doubt. Donald Trump has criticised Israel for launching an attack on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, asking them “not to blow it”. There had been friction within Israeli leadership. Israel was completely sidelined from the Islamabad negotiations. Benjamin Netanyahu is in an uncomfortable position between his hardline cabinet and an aggressive Trump administration. His strategy to decouple Lebanon from US-Iran peace talks has failed. When Katz and Netanyahu jointly ordered a strike on Beirut, it was an attempt to sabotage the agreement. They are caught between domestic political survival and the need to avoid a total blowout with Washington. Meanwhile, Iran said that the US “either lacks the will to fulfil its commitments or the ability to do so”. Meanwhile, Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, threatened that a “strong response is coming”. Israel insists that Lebanon is not part of any deal, and Iran considers Lebanon a “red line” not to be crossed.

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding is expected to be signed on June 19 instead of Trump's birthday. Israel's strike on Beirut has raised doubts over the agreement, with Tehran warning that Lebanon is a red line.

No birthday gift for Trump: US-Iran MoU to be signed on Friday as Israel tries to jeopardise agreement

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