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
- Vance says Israel must respect Iran peace process
- Pezeshkian lauds PM Sharif, CDF Munir mediation
- Qatar says US-Iran deal 'solid foundation' for next round of talks
- Trump says 'fools' who criticize Iran deal are 'jealous, bad people, or stupid'
- IAEA says ready to help formulate 'concrete steps' towards implementing US-Iran deal
Oil prices drop on prospect of more supply via Strait of Hormuz
Published: June 19, 2026 | 02:18 GMT | by Web Desk
Crude prices are declining as the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers following the signing of the US-Iran MoU signals an influx of market supply, Al Jazeera reported
Brent crude futures dropped by 54 cents, or 0.68 percent, to $78.31 per barrel as of 01:46 GMT.
Meanwhile, US West Texas Intermediate crude (WTI) dipped 46 cents, or 0.60 percent, trading at $76.14 a barrel.
Vance not flying Thursday night to Switzerland for Iran talks: White House
Published: June 19, 2026 | 02:18 GMT | by AFP
US Vice President JD Vance has postponed a trip to Switzerland for talks that were originally slated for Friday to discuss next steps on the US-Iran agreement on ending the war in the Middle East, according to the White House.
"The logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now the Vice President is not departing tonight," a White House spokesperson said late Thursday. "We look forward to beginning technical talks as soon as possible."
Iranian president welcomes Qatar’s role in facilitating US-Iran deal
Published: June 19, 2026 | 01:33 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran’s president has praised Qatar’s role in helping the two countries reach the MoU during a phone call with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Masoud Pezeshkian said Qatar had created a “conducive environment for negotiations”, according to a statement released by his office, adding that the agreement had been made possible with the support of Qatar, Pakistan and other Islamic countries.
Sheikh Tamim also welcomed the signing of the MoU, highlighting the importance of diplomacy and dialogue in reducing tensions and boosting regional stability.
Iran’s Ghalibaf says Tehran won’t tolerate US breaches of MoU
Published: June 19, 2026 | 00:58 GMT | by Web Desk
Iran’s chief negotiator and speaker of parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, says Tehran will not tolerate breaches of the MoU by Washington.
“In the event of bad faith, breach of contract, and excessive demands by the opposing side, we have no hesitation in delivering a crushing response to the enemy,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X.
“They were once slapped during the war; if they wish to tread that path again, they will receive an even harder slap.”
Technical talks to proceed separately
Published: June 18, 2026 | 14:40 GMT | by Web Desk
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's planned visit to Switzerland has been postponed after the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran was electronically signed and entered into force, diplomatic and Prime Minister's Office sources said.
The development has reduced the need for the previously planned commemorative event in Bürgenstock, Switzerland.
Officials said the focus has now shifted from signing the agreement to implementing its provisions.
The MoU was electronically signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and subsequently endorsed by PM Sharif in his capacity as mediator.
According to diplomatic sources, the United States and Iran will now hold separate technical-level talks on multiple issues covered under the agreement.
These discussions are expected to address implementation mechanisms and the next phase of commitments agreed by both sides under the Islamabad MoU.
For earlier developments, read our June 18 live blog here.
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