Middle East Roundup, June 12, 2026: Pakistan says final Iran-US peace deal text has been agreed

This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.

Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments

• Iran has not made a final decision on the deal: FM spokesperson
• ‘We'll probably have a signing in Europe,’ says Trump on Iran war
• Islamabad backs diplomacy, dialogue
• Three Indian sailors killed aboard ship hit by US off Oman
• Kremlin calls on US, Iran to 'return to negotiating table'

Large explosions reported in southern Lebanon

Published: June 12, 2026 | 23:20 GMT | by Web Desk

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported massive explosions over the towns of Marjayoun and Nabatieh in southern Lebanon as the Israeli military carried out what it described as a large-scale demolition operation.

The explosions are believed to have targeted sites in the vicinity of Ali al-Taher Hill near Nabatieh, NNA said.

Iran FM says draft US deal to be signed 'remotely', possibly in 'coming days'

Published: June 12, 2026 | 20:30 GMT | by AFP

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that upon finalisation, a draft deal with the United States would be signed "remotely", which could happen "in the coming days."

"As soon as the final stages of our negotiations are completed, this agreement will be signed and announced. The signing will initially take place digitally. Each side will sign remotely. After that, it will be announced that this memorandum of understanding has been signed by both parties," said Araghchi in an interview with state television.

"This could happen in the coming days. I am very hopeful."

Araghchi says Israel looking to derail potential deal with US

Published: June 12, 2026 | 19:33 GMT | by AFP

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Friday that Israel was looking to derail a potential deal with the United States currently being finalised.

"I must frankly say that this agreement has enemies, the foremost of which is the Zionist regime, who are looking for pretexts to derail it," said Araghchi in an interview on state television.

US official sees '80-85%' likelihood of Iran deal

Published: June 12, 2026 | 18:40 GMT | by AFP

The United States is "80 to 85 percent" confident of signing a peace deal with Iran in the coming days, a senior official in President Donald Trump's administration said Friday.

The deal would involve "significant" sanctions relief and the unfreezing of Iranian assets, in exchange for Iran agreeing to dismantle its nuclear program and hand over its nuclear material, the official said.

"I feel very good about the deal. I think the president has gotten to a very good spot," the senior official told reporters in a call, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"We're not quite at the finish line yet, but we are very close,"

A location and date for any deal signing had not yet been decided although Europe, which Trump had suggested, was a possibility, the US official said.

"We do expect us to be signing this agreement over the next few days. I can't give you an exact date," the official added.

"If I were to give you a confidence that we were going to be signing this agreement, I maybe would have said 75 percent this morning, it's probably more like 80-85 percent now, but it's not 100 percent."

Sharif signals breakthrough achieved

Published: June 12, 2026 | 16:23 GMT | by Web Desk

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Friday that a final text of the proposed peace agreement between the United States and Iran has been agreed upon, describing the development as the closest the sides have come to ending months of conflict.

In a statement posted on X, Sharif said Pakistan's mediation efforts were continuing despite what he described as attempts to undermine the process through misinformation. “Amid ongoing intense mediation efforts by Pakistan, we are fully aware of incessant misinformation campaign being waged by those who want to sabotage the peace deal,” he wrote.

Sharif said negotiators had now reached a breakthrough.

“Setting aside the noise, we can confirm that a final, agreed upon text of the peace deal has been reached and Pakistan is now working closely with both sides to finalize the next steps,” he said.

The prime minister expressed optimism about the prospects for a formal agreement, adding: “Peace has never been this close as it is now.”

The statement comes as US, Iranian and regional officials have increasingly signaled that negotiations are approaching their final stages following months of diplomacy facilitated by Pakistan and supported by several regional partners.

Switzerland praises Pakistan’s mediation role

Published: June 12, 2026 | 16:16 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar spoke with Swiss Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis on Thursday, with both sides welcoming progress in efforts aimed at reaching an understanding between the United States and Iran.

According to Pakistan’s Foreign Office, the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving regional situation and discussed recent diplomatic developments linked to ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

The Foreign Office said Cassis welcomed the “encouraging progress” toward an understanding between the United States and Iran and appreciated Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue during the crisis.

The Swiss foreign minister also praised Pakistan’s “leading mediating role” in supporting diplomatic engagement and its efforts to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond, according to the statement.

Both sides agreed to remain closely engaged on further developments.

Vance dismisses unverified reports

Published: June 12, 2026 | 16:00 GMT | by Web Desk

US Vice President JD Vance criticized what he described as misleading reporting surrounding negotiations with Iran, saying public debate had become driven by anonymous claims rather than verified information.

“I've noticed a couple of bizarre things in the reporting over the last few hours,” Vance said on X, referring to criticism of the proposed agreement.

He said some commentators were judging the negotiations based on “unconfirmed media reports” and “anonymously sourced social media posts,” while ignoring official information from the parties involved.

The remarks came as US and Iranian officials signaled that negotiations remain active, with both sides indicating that discussions on the final text of the agreement are continuing.

Araghchi urges media restraint

Published: June 12, 2026 | 15:52 GMT | by Web Desk

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that negotiations on the proposed Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had reached their most advanced stage yet, while cautioning against speculation about the contents of the agreement.

“The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding has never been closer,” Araghchi said in a post on X, referring to the framework under negotiation to formalize understandings reached during months of diplomacy aimed at ending the Middle East conflict.

He said the agreement remained pending finalization and urged caution in media coverage.

“Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content,” he wrote.

Araghchi said details of the proposed agreement would be released after negotiations are finalized. “In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course,” he wrote. 

The remarks drew attention in Washington, with Trump later reposting a screenshot of Araghchi’s statement on his Truth Social.

Iran agrees to dismantle nuclear program under deal: White House official

Published: June 12, 2026 | 15:38 GMT | by AFP

Iran has agreed to dismantle its nuclear program and destroy nuclear material under a deal with the United States, a White House official told AFP Friday, as the two sides gave clashing accounts of the agreement.

Tehran also agreed to open the Strait of Hormuz and will not receive any frozen funds until they honor their commitments under the "performance-based deal," the senior administration official said.

Trump accuses Iran of misrepresenting deal, issues fresh warning

Published: June 12, 2026 | 14:40 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump on Friday accused Iran of publicly misrepresenting the terms of the proposed agreement under negotiation, saying statements attributed to Tehran did not reflect what had been agreed between the parties.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing.” He added that Iran's public characterization of the negotiations “bears no relation to the truth.”

Trump also questioned Tehran's commitment to the diplomatic process, describing Iranian officials as “very dishonorable people to deal with” and claiming that “there is no such thing as dealing in good faith.”

The US president further condemned what he described as a failed Iranian drone attack targeting Indian ships departing the Strait of Hormuz.

Calling the incident “TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE,” Trump warned that Iran “better get their act together, and FAST,” as negotiations continue over a proposed agreement aimed at ending the conflict and reopening regional shipping routes.

Iran state media says Tehran would not cede control of Hormuz under draft US deal

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:49 GMT | by AFP

Iran's state media said on Friday that under a draft agreement with the United States, Tehran would not give up control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran makes no commitment in this text to cede the management of the strait or the restoration of conditions that existed prior to the American and Israeli military aggression," according to the official IRNA news agency, which referred to "the broad outlines of the current text" being finalized.

Traffic through Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, has come under Iranian control since the outbreak of war with the United States and Israel on Feb. 28.

Iran state media says Tehran would keep right to enrich uranium under any US deal

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:41 GMT | by AFP

Iran's state media said on Friday that the Islamic republic would maintain the right to enrich uranium under any final agreement with the United States following 60 days of negotiations.

"Iran will negotiate on the nuclear program solely within the framework of the Islamic Republic's fundamental principles, and issues such as Iran's right to enrich uranium and the retention of enriched material... will be emphasized with a view to their inclusion in the final agreement," according to the official IRNA news agency.

Pakistan FM, EU foreign policy chief welcome progress in US-Iran understanding

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:33 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas welcomed progress in US-Iran understanding. 

A post shared on X on Friday by Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar @MIshaqdar50 spoke today with EU High Representative/Vice President Kaja Kallas @kajakallas on recent developments regarding United States–Iran understanding.”

“Both sides welcomed the progress achieved through sustained diplomatic engagement and expressed hope that these efforts will soon lead to a durable understanding and peaceful resolution.”

“They reaffirmed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable means to resolve conflicts and advance lasting peace and stability,” the post added.

One injured in latest Israeli attack on southern Lebanon

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:17 GMT | by Web Desk

An Israeli airstrike on the village of al-Bayyad, located in Lebanon’s Tyre district, wounded one person as military attacks persist despite a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

The strike hit the village’s main road near the Ali Kamal Suleiman Volunteer Center, a facility linked to the al-Risala Health Ambulance Association, Al Jazeera reported, quoting Lebanon’s National News Agency. 

The injured individual was taken to a hospital to receive medical care.

Hanan Ashrawi calls out Israel's 'culture of unbridled violence'

Published: June 12, 2026 | 10:01 GMT | by Web Desk

Palestinian politician Hanan Ashrawi has called out Israel's "culture of unbridled violence". 

In a post on X on Thursday, she said, "Israel’s culture of hate, supremacy & unbridled violence gave rise to genocide, ethnic cleansing & pogroms."

"Time to call things by their name & to call out the perpetrators. Accountability now!," Ashrawi said.

Iran media says possible US accord sets 60-day negotiation for nuclear deal

Published: June 12, 2026 | 09:17 GMT | by AFP

Iran's Mehr news agency said on Friday that a draft accord with the United States had set 60-day negotiation period to reach a deal over Tehran's nuclear program.

The agency, citing a source close to Iran's negotiating team, said it stipulates "60 days of negotiations to reach an agreement on nuclear issues and the complete lifting of US primary and secondary sanctions."

The agency said the memorandum of understanding would include a "permanent and immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon".

The agency, citing a source close to Iran's negotiating team, said an accord would allow for the "release of $24 billion of Iran's blocked funds during the 60-day final negotiation period."

It added that half of that sum would be "made available to Iran before the start of negotiations."

World oil prices plunge 5% on Mideast deal hopes

Published: June 12, 2026 | 08:37 GMT | by AFP

Global oil prices slid 5% Friday on optimism over negotiations aimed at reopening the key Strait of Hormuz and ending the Middle East war.

International benchmark, Brent North Sea crude, shed 5.0% to $85.86 a barrel, on hopes of unblocking the waterway through which large amounts of the world's oil and gas are shipped.

The main US contract, West Texas Intermediate, lost 5.0% to $83.32 a barrel.

UK economy shrinks in April as Middle East war hits

Published: June 12, 2026 | 06:57 GMT | by AFP

Britain's economy contracted in April as the Middle East war hit growth, official data showed Friday, dealing a setback to Prime Minister Keir Starmer as he grapples with a political crisis.

Gross domestic product fell 0.1% in April following growth of 0.3% in March, the Office for National Statistics said in a statement.

The reading matched analysts' expectations and followed a stronger-than-expected performance in the first quarter.

Surging energy prices triggered by the war, which began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, have reignited inflationary pressures and threatened to derail growth.

"Before the conflict in the Middle East, growth was higher than expected and inflation was falling," Finance Minister Rachel Reeves said in response to the figures.

"This is not a war we wanted or joined, but one that will have an impact at home," she said.

Israeli drone targets Lebanon’s Jibchit town

Published: June 12, 2026 | 05:49 GMT | by Web Desk

An Israeli drone attack targeted the southern Lebanese town of Jibchit in the Nabatieh district, according to Al Jazeera.

The scale of the damage and any resulting casualties were not immediately clear.

Egypt urges US, Iran to seize 'available opportunity' for deal after Trump cancels strikes

Published: June 12, 2026 | 03:49 GMT | by AFP

Egypt urged the United States and Iran to seize what it called an "available opportunity" for a deal to end the war, after President Donald Trump withdrew his threat to carry out further strikes on Tehran.

Cairo's foreign ministry said in a statement late Thursday it hoped "the available opportunity will be seized to reach a deal on the various outstanding issues and to prepare the atmosphere for reaching an end to the war and beginning a new phase of regional stability".

Trump says ‘we ended the war with Iran today’

Published: June 12, 2026 | 02:45 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump, during a tele-rally in support of Senate candidate Barry Moore, claimed that the war is now over, according to local media outlets.

“I don’t know if you heard, but we ended the war with Iran today, and they have agreed never to have a nuclear weapon, something that we, we insisted on,” Trump said in the audio clip.

Japan, S. Korea markets jump after Trump cancels Iran strikes

Published: June 12, 2026 | 01:59 GMT | by AFP

Japan's Nikkei share index soared more than three percent Friday after US President Donald Trump withdrew his threat of further strikes against Iran and said a deal to end the war could be signed in coming days.

At around 0015 GMT the Nikkei 225 was up 3.5 percent, while South Korea's benchmark Kospi index jumped 7.59 percent.

Iran’s FM spokesman condemns US attacks on Indian vessels

Published: June 11, 2026 | 23:40 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei condemned the US attacks on Indian commercial vessels, which killed at least three Indian nationals.

In a post on X, he said that these attacks "stand as clear evidence of America’s ongoing policy of armed robbery and State piracy."

Iran has not made a final decision on the deal: FM spokesperson

Published: June 11, 2026 | 21:55 GMT | by Web Desk

Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran has not made a final decision about a deal, according to Iran’s official news agency IRNA.

"Once the relevant authorities reach a conclusion on the details of the draft text of an agreement, Iran’s government will make a formal announcement," he said.

‘We'll probably have a signing in Europe,’ says Trump on Iran war

Published: June 11, 2026 | 20:05 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said a deal to end the Middle East war was nearing completion, describing it as a “great settlement” and indicating that a formal signing could take place in Europe within days once the remaining documents are finalized.

“We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. 

“Subject to finalization of documents, which should get done over the next few days, we'll probably have a signing, maybe in Europe.” 

He added that the agreement would ensure “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” calling it the central objective of months of negotiations and conflict.

Trump also said he believed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had approved the proposed arrangement. 

Asked whether Khamenei had personally given the green light, Trump replied: “I understand the answer is yes.” He described the agreement as “a very strong memorandum of understanding.”

The US president said he had spoken with leaders from across the region, including Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, as diplomatic efforts intensified ahead of a possible signing ceremony. 

Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once the agreement is finalized and argued that the deal had already boosted market confidence, pointing to rising stock markets and falling oil prices.

Trump also singled out Pakistan for its role in the diplomatic process, praising both Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir. 

“Pakistan was fantastic,” he said. Referring to Munir, Trump added: “He's a great, great general. He's so great that he's actually a field marshal.” 

Pakistan has played a central mediation role in recent months, hosting talks and maintaining engagement with Washington, Tehran and regional partners in support of a negotiated settlement.

Read our June 11 live blog for earlier developments here