Middle East roundup, June 4: Pakistan rejects Rubio-Iran intelligence claim

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

• Won't lose hope despite obstacles in peace process: Pakistan FO spokesperson 
• Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem to speak today after ceasefire announcement
• Iran's Khamenei says US, Israel aim to sow 'division' after war defeat
• UN force says peacekeeper killed in south Lebanon
• US lawmaker demands release of American citizen arrested by Israeli army

‘We could get it right now’ Trump on Iran’s enriched uranium

Published: June 4, 2026 | 00:05 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump has told reporters that the US could seize Iran’s enriched uranium, but there was “no reason to”.

“We could get it right now. I don’t think they could stop us if we want it. But there’s no reason to.”

Trump says ‘progress made’ in Lebanon

Published: June 4, 2026 | 23:52 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump said he spoke to Israeli PM Netanyahu and Hezbollah leadership about the situation, saying that “I think progress is made.”

“It would be really nice if Lebanon could have some peace,” Trump told reporters at the White House.

Israeli strikes in south and east Lebanon kill eight

Published: June 4, 2026 | 23:02 GMT | by AFP

An Israeli strike in eastern Lebanon killed five people on Thursday, while another attack near the southern city of Tyre killed three more, the Lebanese health ministry said.

The strikes also left eight wounded, including three children and two women. They came a day after the Lebanese and Israeli governments agreed a ceasefire plan for Israel's war with Hezbollah, which the group has rejected.

Israeli military says soldier killed in southern Lebanon

Published: June 4, 2026 | 22:31 GMT | by AFP

The Israeli military said on Thursday that one of its soldiers was killed in southern Lebanon, the first fatality since the announcement of a new ceasefire plan.

Captain Eitan Shmuel Lemberg, 21, "fell in combat" the military said in a brief statement. A military source told AFP that he was killed by a missile fired by the Hezbollah militant group at an Israeli tank.

UN chief condemns killing of Serbian peacekeeper in Lebanon

Published: June 4, 2026 | 20:27 GMT | by AFP

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the latest killing of a peacekeeper in southern Lebanon and demanded those responsible be brought to justice, his spokesman said Thursday.

The Serbian peacekeeper, who died from wounds sustained Wednesday from mortar fire at his base, is the seventh person from the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) killed since Lebanon was drawn into the broader Middle East war in early March.

Two other peacekeepers were wounded in the shelling.

"The secretary-general again urges all actors to respect the cessation of hostilities announced on 16 April 2026," said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman.

Rubio condemns Iran's 'outrageous' attacks on Kuwait

Published: June 4, 2026 | 19:35 GMT | by AFP

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday condemned Iran's "outrageous" attack this week on a Kuwait airport that killed one person and wounded dozens.

Meeting Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in Washington, Rubio "condemned Iran's outrageous and unacceptable attacks targeting Kuwait International Airport and other parts of the country and expressed condolences for those killed and injured in that attack," according to a State Department readout.

Iranian oil leaves Gulf despite US blockade: Monitor

Published: June 4, 2026 | 16:31 GMT | by AFP

Four Iranian-flagged oil tankers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, a first since April 15 and the US blockade of Iranian ports, according to maritime tracking firm Kpler.

In data published on Thursday, the firm detected the passage of the Hilda I, the Amber, the Silvia 1, and the Happiness I, which were carrying a total of seven million barrels of oil.

Lebanon PM says army to start deploying in 'pilot zones' in south

Published: June 4, 2026 | 15:09 GMT | by AFP

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the army would begin deploying in "pilot zones" in the country's south, a day after Israel and Lebanon agreed in Washington to implement a ceasefire.

"The next step is practical and tangible: the deployment of the Lebanese army in pilot zones as a first phase," Salam said, according to remarks read out by Information Minister Paul Morcos after a cabinet meeting, adding that "this does not prejudice our right to a full (Israeli) withdrawal, but brings us closer to it".

According to a joint statement released after the Washington talks that Hezbollah has rejected, Israel and Lebanon agreed to create "pilot zones" in south Lebanon where the Lebanese army forces "will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors."

Hezbollah chief demands 'comprehensive' ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon

Published: June 4, 2026 | 14:03 GMT | by AFP

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Thursday demanded a comprehensive ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanon, urging authorities to abandon direct talks with Israel after a truce agreement was announced.

"The ceasefire must be comprehensive... without the Israeli enemy having the freedom to kill," Qassem said in a televised message, urging the government to halt "the farce and humiliation called direct talks" with Israel.

He also vowed that "as long as our villages are unsafe -- being bombed, destroyed and our people killed -- the settlements (north Israel) are unsafe".

Trump slams 'unpatriotic' US House vote to end Iran war

Published: June 4, 2026 | 13:06 GMT | by AFP

President Donald Trump slammed a vote in the US House seeking to order the withdrawal of American troops from the Iran war, suggesting the "unpatriotic" move disrupted negotiations with Tehran.

The largely symbolic vote came "right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

"Who would do such an unpatriotic thing. They know where the negotiations stand."

Lebanon president says deal announced in Washington 'last chance' for comprehensive Israel truce 

Published: June 4, 2026 | 11:03 GMT | by AFP

Lebanon president says deal announced in Washington "last chance" for comprehensive Israel truce, AFP reports.

Iran's Guards say Israel must withdraw to pre-war positions in Lebanon

Published: June 4, 2026 | 11:03 GMT | by AFP

The head of the Quds Force, the foreign arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards, said Thursday that Israel must pull back from its current front lines in Lebanon, where it is fighting Hezbollah.

"Supporting the resistance in Lebanon is the duty of all of us, and removing Israel from the region is an attainable goal for Muslims," Esmail Qaani said in a post on a domestic social media platform. 

"The minimum demand of the resistance is the withdrawal of the usurping regime (Israel) to the position it held before the start of the 40-day war."

Pakistan rejects Rubio-Iran intelligence claim, vows support for peace talks

Published: June 4, 2026 | 10:27 GMT | by Web Desk

Pakistan on Thursday rejected reports alleging that Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar shared intelligence on Iran during his recent meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, describing the claims as baseless and harmful to ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Speaking at the Foreign Office's weekly briefing, spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said Pakistan “categorically and unequivocally” rejected the assertion, which had appeared in sections of the media following Dar’s talks with Rubio in Washington.

“These claims are entirely baseless, speculative, and appear to be aimed at undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts and the broader process of dialogue and engagement,” Andrabi said.

The clarification came after former CIA analyst Larry Johnson alleged that Dar had conveyed messages about Iran’s nuclear intentions to US officials. However, Rubio also dismissed the claim during a congressional hearing, saying he was unaware of any such message. 

When asked whether Dar had relayed information suggesting Iran was prepared to demonstrate a nuclear weapon, Rubio replied: “I have not seen that reporting and I am not aware of any such message.” 

He added that he would have known if such information had been conveyed.

Pakistan has emerged as a key diplomatic facilitator in recent months, hosting negotiations and maintaining contact with Washington, Tehran and regional stakeholders as efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire and move toward a broader agreement.

Andrabi, during the weekly briefing in Islamabad, said discussions between Dar and Rubio focused on “regional peace, stability, and the importance of pursuing diplomatic solutions” to ongoing challenges. 

“No intelligence was shared during the course of this dialogue,” he added.

The spokesperson also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the peace process despite recent setbacks, including renewed exchanges between Iran and the United States that have complicated negotiations.

“We will not lose hope despite the obstacles in the peace process,” Andrabi said. “The situation, especially after the recent attacks, is still very delicate, but we remain part of the peace process.”

He said Pakistan would continue to play its role as a facilitator and mediator, expressing confidence that ongoing diplomatic efforts would ultimately help move the parties toward a lasting agreement.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem to speak today after ceasefire announcement

Published: June 4, 2026 | 10:25 GMT | by Web Desk

The Lebanese group, Hezbollah's chief Naim Qassem, will deliver a speech today at 3pm local time, 1200GMT, according to Al Jazeera.

Iran's Khamenei says US, Israel aim to sow 'division' after war defeat

Published: June 4, 2026 | 09:01 GMT | by AFP

Iran's supreme leader on Thursday accused the US and Israel of trying to sow "division" among Iranians after suffering a "decisive blow" during the Middle East war.

In a written message, Mojtaba Khamenei said the enemy was seeking to "plant the seeds of doubt, despair, fear, mistrust and division" among the public.

"In confronting these ill intentions, everyone must, through steadfastness, insight, preserving unity and cohesion... neutralize their sinister plot," his message said.

UN force says peacekeeper killed in south Lebanon

Published: June 4, 2026 | 08:29 GMT | by Web Desk

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said Thursday that a peacekeeper was killed and two others wounded when shelling hit their base in the country's south the previous night.

"A UNIFIL peacekeeper died early this morning from critical injuries sustained when mortar shells struck his position," a statement from the force said, adding that an investigation had been launched.

US lawmaker demands release of American citizen arrested by Israeli army

Published: June 4, 2026 | 08:17 GMT | by Web Desk

US Senator Chris Van Hollen has urged the release of 20-year-old US citizen Sama Safi, who is one of four students detained by the Israeli army at Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank.

“Israeli security forces came to her home at 3am in the morning and just took her without explanation. She told them she was an American citizen. They didn’t care,” Van Hollen said in a video posted on X.

Israel defense minister says military to strike Beirut if Hezbollah attacks

Published: June 4, 2026 | 07:43 GMT | by AFP

Israel's defense minister said Thursday that a ceasefire agreement with Lebanon grants the military the "freedom" to strike Beirut if Hezbollah attacks Israeli communities, adding that operations in southern Lebanon would continue.

"The IDF will, at this stage, continue its fire and ground operations, remain in the security zone in Lebanon up to the Yellow Line -- including in the Beaufort area -- and without the return of the population, while continuing to dismantle terrorist infrastructure on the ground," Israel Katz said in a statement, as he hailed the ceasefire deal reached on Wednesday.

He said Israeli forces retained the "freedom of action, with American backing, to strike in Beirut in response to fire on Israeli communities and territory".

Lebanon reports Israeli strikes after truce announcement

Published: June 4, 2026 | 07:37 GMT | by AFP

Lebanese official media reported Israeli airstrikes in the country's south on Thursday, hours after an announcement that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to implement a conditional ceasefire following talks in Washington.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported drone strikes along roads at several southern locations, saying at least one caused casualties.

Israel far-right minister slams ceasefire with Lebanon as 'serious mistake'

Published: June 4, 2026 | 07:33 GMT | by AFP

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized on Thursday a ceasefire deal with Lebanon brokered by Washington, calling it a "serious mistake".

"The ceasefire with Lebanon is a serious mistake and the pipe dreams of advisers are dragging the prime minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) to wrong decisions," the minister wrote on X.

Israel and Lebanon agreed Wednesday to implement a ceasefire but said it would require a "complete cessation" of fire by Hezbollah, according to a joint statement after US-led talks in Washington.

"Hezbollah has not left the area south of the Litani, and the Lebanese army has no way to enforce its evacuation. The state of Lebanon is a partner of Hezbollah," the hawkish minister wrote.

Trump tells aides won't resume all-out war with Iran unless troops killed

Published: June 4, 2026 | 07:09 GMT | by Web Desk

US President Donald Trump has privately told advisers that he would consider ending the ceasefire with Iran if Tehran kills US troops, according to American officials, who also said the weeks-long halt in airstrikes is still holding despite ongoing violent clashes, Wall Street Journal reported.

The president’s hesitation to restart the conflict indicates he may be prepared to tolerate smaller escalations for weeks or even months in order to avoid a wider war in the Middle East.

Indonesian rupiah falls to record low against US dollar

Published: June 4, 2026 | 05:53 GMT | by AFP

Indonesia's rupiah hit more than 18,000 per dollar for the first time Thursday as the country is stung by surging energy costs, while lawmakers passed a bill expanding oversight of the central bank that raised concerns over its independence.

Bank Indonesia has in recent weeks taken several measures to try and bolster the currency by hiking interest rates, which has been hammered this year amid mounting concerns about the state of Southeast Asia's biggest economy.

But on Thursday morning, the unit broke the psychological 18,000 barrier to hit 18,047 against the greenback. The country's stock market sank nearly four percent and has lost a third of its value in 2026.

Satellite imagery shows Israel building more military posts in Gaza

Published: June 4, 2026 | 05:43 GMT | by Web Desk

 Establishment of 40 separate Israeli military outposts inside Gaza has been documented, according to an investigation conducted by Al Jazeera’s Open Source Unit.

Under the ceasefire agreement reached in October, Israel was expected to withdraw all of its troops from Gaza. 

However, rather than leaving the territory, Israeli forces appear to be expanding a network of permanent, fortified military posts throughout the enclave, according to Al Jazeera’s assessment of satellite imagery.

Using satellite data available through May 2026, Al Jazeera’s Open Source Unit identified 40 Israeli military outposts across Gaza. 

The investigation found that eight of these outposts were built from the ground up after the October 2025 ceasefire took effect, and that construction work is still ongoing at one of the sites.

Oil prices ease as report of Israel-Lebanon ceasefire sparks hope

Published: June 4, 2026 | 02:31 GMT | by AFP

Oil prices have fallen as news of the strengthening of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon fuelled optimism for a wider diplomatic breakthrough to end the US-Israel war on Iran.

Brent crude futures slipped 67 cents, or 0.69%, to trade at $97.14 per barrel as of 00:15 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures declined by 62 cents, or 0.65%, to $95.40 per barrel.

Death toll in Israeli strike on Gaza apartments rises to 9, including 4 children

Published: June 4, 2026 | 01:24 GMT | by AFP

The death toll from four Israeli air strikes on residential apartments across Gaza City overnight has risen to nine, including four children, Al Jazeera Arabic reported.

Israel and Lebanon agree to implement a ceasefire

Published: June 3, 2026 | 23:23GMT | by AFP

Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire but said it would require a "complete cessation" of fire by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement after US-led talks in Washington.

The two sides, which do not have formal diplomatic relations, also agreed to create "pilot zones" in which the Lebanese armed forces "will take exclusive control of the territory to the exclusion of all non-state actors."

The statement added that the two sides agreed to reconvene for more talks on "political and security tracks  the week of  June 22, with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement."

Read our June 3 live blog for earlier developments here