Summary
A surprise US-Iran peace deal is sending shockwaves through the Middle East, with leaders scrambling to react. The agreement, set to be signed in Geneva, aims to end 108 days of hostilities and includes a binding clause for Israel to halt operations in Lebanon. But not everyone’s celebrating—Israel’s government is pushing back hard, calling the deal a threat to regional security.
Key Stories
US and Iran strike historic peace deal after 108 days of conflict — The US and Iran confirmed a peace accord that ends over three months of direct hostilities. The deal, slated for signing in Geneva on June 19, includes terms requiring Israel to pause military operations across Lebanon. Lebanon’s Speaker Nabih Berri praised the agreement, crediting Iran, the US, and several Arab nations for brokering it.
Israel rejects deal, vows to continue anti-Iran campaign — Israeli officials are pushing back against the US-Iran agreement, calling it a danger to Israel and the free world. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said Israel would continue efforts to topple Iran’s regime through creative means, insisting the deal won’t stop their long-term goals. Meanwhile, Israel’s defense minister declared the IDF will maintain a permanent presence in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza.
G7 leaders to debate Iran deal, Ukraine war, and AI at summit — World leaders are gathering in France for the G7 summit, where the US-Iran deal, Ukraine’s ongoing war, and AI regulation will top the agenda. UK leader Keir Starmer called the Iran agreement significant after discussing it with Trump, while global reactions remain mixed as the deal’s details unfold.
Russia launches massive missile and drone strike on Kyiv — Russia unleashed a massive aerial assault on Ukraine, firing 70 missiles and 611 drones at Kyiv in the last 12 hours. Ukraine’s air force reported intercepting most of the attacks, including hypersonic Zircon missiles, but the strikes still caused damage, including to a historic monastery in Kyiv. Russia denies hitting the site, blaming a US-made Patriot missile instead.
Middle East nations react as Iran and US prepare to sign deal — Kuwait and other Gulf nations are backing the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, hoping it will secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Iran is conducting military exercises near the Persian Gulf, raising tensions just days before the deal’s signing.