US President Donald Trump has launched an extraordinary public rebuke of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Washington prepares for high-stakes talks with Iran aimed at securing a permanent end to the Middle East conflict. Trump criticised Israel's conduct in its war against Hezbollah, saying too many civilians had been killed, while fresh threats from Tehran, plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and renewed diplomatic efforts have added urgency to an increasingly fragile regional landscape.08:46 PM, 17 June 2026Trump says US 'did send a copy' of Iran accord to IsraelUS President Donald Trump on Wednesday said Washington "did send a copy" of its accord with Iran to end the Middle East war, following reports of tensions with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.Insisting he maintains a good relationship with Netanyahu, Trump reaffirmed his criticism at the G7 summit of Israel's campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying "they (Israel) could do a much better job".08:28 PM, 17 June 2026Trump says Iran accord to be signed 'shortly', 'maybe' Thursday or FridayUS President Donald Trump on Wednesday said he expected the accord with Iran ending the Middle East war to be signed "shortly" but added uncertainty over the date."The deal we reached with Iran on Sunday will be signed shortly, tomorrow (Thursday), maybe the next day (Friday)," Trump said at the G7 summit, after previous announcements that it would be signed Friday in Switzerland."We are going to most likely sign a deal," he added.08:23 PM, 17 June 2026Hezbollah chief hails Iran's 'great victory' after deal with USHezbollah chief Naim Qassem said Wednesday that an understanding reached between Tehran and Washington to end the regional war was a "great victory", and urged Lebanon to seize the moment to expel Israeli forces."We congratulate the Iranian people, the resistance and the countries and peoples of the region and the world who yearn for independence and freedom on this great victory," Qassem said in a televised address, urging Lebanon to "benefit from this pivotal point".08:04 PM, 17 June 2026Modi asks Trump to ensure Indian seafarers' safety under Iran dealIndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged US President Donald Trump on Wednesday to ensure the safety of Indian seafarers as part of the implementation of the Iran deal.His comments come days after three Indians were killed in a US strike on a commercial vessel off Oman.Speaking after bilateral talks with Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian in France, Modi said keeping the Strait of Hormuz open was vital for the global economy and that freedom of navigation must be safeguarded.Read more here.07:49 PM, 17 June 2026China tells Iran 'all parties' must adhere to deal to end war China's top diplomat told his Iranian counterpart on Wednesday it was "key" for all sides to "genuinely implement" their commitments after Tehran and Washington reached a memorandum of understanding to end their war, Beijing's foreign ministry said."The dawn of peace has already emerged, the key part of the next step is for all parties to genuinely implement their commitments and eliminate interference from various sides," Wang Yi told Abbas Araghchi in a phone call."China has consistently supported Iran's reasonable and legitimate claims and Iran's efforts in safeguarding its own sovereignty and security," Wang added.The Chinese foreign minister also called for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to be "properly handled, responding prudently to the widespread concerns of the international community".China is a net importer of oil and one of several major Asian economies that depend on the key waterway for energy, with Beijing repeatedly calling for safe passage there since the war began in late February.In a phone call on Tuesday with his his counterpart from Pakistan - a key mediator between the United States and Iran - Wang warned the following stage of negotiations would be "more difficult".Pakistani officials have previously said China, Islamabad's close ally and Iran's top trading partner, played a key role in supporting its mediation efforts.Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.07:36 PM, 17 June 2026Oil prices briefly spike 5% on US-Iran peace talk jittersOil prices rose on Wednesday, briefly surging as much as five percent, as investors grew wary ahead of the start of US-Iran talks on an agreed peace deal still scant on details.International benchmark Brent North Sea crude was up 1.4 percent to $80.10 a barrel, shortly after reaching $82.97 a barrel.The main US oil contract, West Texas Intermediate, advanced 1.6 percent to $77.25 a barrel after retreating from its earlier peak.06:45 PM, 17 June 2026Oil and stocks both steady as US-Iran peace talks approachMarkets were giving little away on Wednesday, with small gains and losses across the main stocks and moderate increases in oil prices, ahead of the start of US-Iran peace talks and a rate decision from the Federal Reserve.Oil prices had tumbled in recent days as optimism grew there would be a lasting Middle East peace agreement, which would mean supplies would be back on track -- but investors took a breather on Wednesday and crude had edged marginally up by the time US markets opened."The collapse in oil has changed the tone of global markets, supporting bonds (prices) and reducing near-term inflation pressure," noted Tickmill market strategist Patrick Munnelly."But it has not produced a clean equity rally because AI valuations remain under scrutiny and central banks are not ready to fully reverse their caution."06:43 PM, 17 June 2026Macron says G7 summit 'moment of unity' after months of 'disagreements'French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday hailed the G7 summit as a "moment of unity" after months of "disagreements", as the three-day meeting in France came to a close. The summit was a "success" after months "characterised more by fragmentation, divisions and disagreements", Macron said at a press conference, calling it a moment of "unity, of meaningful discussion and of genuine cooperation amongst the leaders gathered here".05:37 PM, 17 June 2026