6.52amThe latest on the war in the Middle EastBy Amber SchultzUS Vice President JD Vance has issued a rare rebuke to Israel, warning cabinet critics of the US-Iran deal to back down. Vice President JD Vance issued a rare rebuke to Israeli critics.AP Photo/Jacquelyn MartinOn Wednesday evening, US President Donald Trump signed a deal with Iran. In the memorandum of understanding, Iran “reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons”, while the US will lift all sanctions and help create a $US300 billion ($425 billion) development fund for Iran. The agreement ends the US naval blockade of Iranian ports and reopens the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.Several right-wing Israeli cabinet ministers, such as Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich attacked the deal as “bad for Israel and the entire free world”. 6.41amThis morning’s headlines at a glanceBy Amber SchultzHello and welcome to our national news live coverage for Thursday, June 18. Here are today’s main headlines.Ukraine attacks Moscow: Ukraine launched its largest drone attack on Moscow in years in a bid to force Russia back to the negotiating table. The attacks wounded at least 17 and hit a major oil refinery. Moscow airport was evacuated and closed for hours, prompting major delays. Russian President Vladimir Putin was hosting Southeast Asian leaders at a summit Kazan, about 700km east of Moscow, at the time. Israel chastised following US-Iran peace deal: US Vice President JD Vance has rebuked Israeli critics for criticising the US-Iran peace deal. Several right-wing Israeli cabinet ministers, such as Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, have attacked the deal as “bad for Israel and the entire free world”. In response, Vance said that it might be wise for politicians not to attack “the only powerful ally ... left in the entire world.”Consultancy giant to be grilled in parliament: More than 30 current and former senior staff at KPMG will face questioning at a federal parliamentary committee hearing following allegations that the company misused confidential client information.Shark attack victim brother speaks out: The twin brother of a shark attack victim has spoken out about shark mitigation strategies following a summer’s spate of bull shark attacks and last weekend’s attack at Coogee Beach. Mercury Psillakis died in a white shark attack off Long Reef in September last year. His brother, Mike, is calling for renewed attention on drum lines.6.40amFirst - a celebrationBy Amber SchultzBefore we delve into today’s breaking updates, first a pause for celebration: Last night, three Herald reporters and one of the masthead’s photographers have won awards at this year’s Mid-Year Walkley Prizes.Audrey Richardson, Anthony Segaert and Emily Kowal were each awarded Young Journalist awards at the Walkley Foundation’s Mid-Year Media Prizes, while Crime Reporter Riley Walter took home the top gong, named the 2026 John B Fairfax Family Young Australian Journalist of the Year.You can read about the celebration and their groundbreaking work here.1 of 1