LiveLive Updates June 19, 2026Share to FacebookShare to XArticle printing is available to subscribers onlyPrint in a simple, ad-free formatSubscribeComments: Zen reading is available to subscribers onlyAd-free and in a comfortable reading formatSubscribeJune 19, 2026UpdatesIran says U.S. bears direct responsibility for Israeli attacks on LebanonIran condemned Israeli attacks on Lebanon and warned of their consequences for regional peace and security, saying the United States bore direct responsibility for the situation.Referring to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding reached this week, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said a halt to the war in Lebanon was an integral part of the agreement to end hostilities on all fronts and added that Iran would take all necessary measures to protect its interests, security and allies.U.S.-Iran deal leaves Israel's political blocs largely unchanged, poll showsEisenkot at a press conference, May. Credit: Tomer AppelbaumEisenkot at a press conference, May. Credit: Tomer AppelbaumA Channel 12 News poll published on Thursday projects that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding has not significantly affected the distribution of Israeli voters across political blocs.According to the poll, centrist ex-IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party is surpassing former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's and Yair Lapid's party, similar to polls published this week on Channels 11 and 13. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party will remain the largest party with 22 seats, and Eisenkot's Yashar follows with 21 seats. Bennett's Together list loses a seat, dropping to 19The poll shows that the opposition holds a solid majority of 69 seats compared to the coalition bloc's 51 seats, in line with a long line of recent polls.Read the full articleRECAP: Iran seeks guarantees to end Lebanon fighting before resuming U.S. talks, CNN reports Here are Friday's latest updates from the U.S.-Iran peace process and Israel's war with Hezbollah:■ Four IDF soldiers were killed in a strike on a tank in southern Lebanon, including Lt. Col. Dor Gedalia Ben Simhona, a battalion commander, the army reported.■ Talks that had been planned for Friday between the U.S. and Iran in Switzerland will not take place, according to a Swiss foreign ministry statement.■ Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon overnight killed at least 18 people and wounded 33, Lebanon's Health Ministry said.■ During an interview with The Axios Show on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked about his ability to control Israel's actions in Lebanon, responding, "They have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say."■ Iran's Strait of Hormuz body said it would waive planned fees to use the strait during a 60-day negotiation period under the newly emerging agreement signed with the United States this week.■ Iran has requested guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before resuming talks with the United States in Switzerland, a diplomat familiar with the matter told CNN.■ Israeli opposition MK Naama Lazimi said on X that the government must "end the war in Lebanon" and withdraw troops from what she called the "Strip of Sacrifice" in order to reach an agreement with the Lebanese government.■ China's permanent representative to the United Nations Fu Cong called on Israel to stop violating a cease-fire in Gaza, state media Xinhua reported on Friday.■ Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said he had authorized a memorandum of understanding signed by the Iranian and U.S. presidents, despite holding a different view, after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian.■ U.S. Vice President JD Vance rebuked Israeli cabinet ministers critical of the emerging U.S.-Iran deal, saying they should not be "attacking the only powerful ally" Israel has left "in the entire world."5 hours agoTrump on Israel's actions in Lebanon: 'They do as I say,' adds that U.S. needs to 'keep Netanyahu sane'U.S. President Donald Trump talks with Axios' Marc Caputo, on Thursday. Credit: Screengrab from axios.comU.S. President Donald Trump talks with Axios' Marc Caputo, on Thursday. Credit: Screengrab from axios.comDuring an interview with The Axios Show on Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump was asked about his ability to control Israel's actions in Lebanon, responding, "They have a lot of respect for me, and they do as I say."Referring to his relations with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said that they "worked well," adding that the United States is "the one with the guns.""We're the ones with the whole deal, we're the ones with the B-2 bombers, etc. If it weren't for Donald Trump, Israel would have been eviscerated," he added. Asked about his relationship with Netanyahu, the president said, "It's good, but we have to keep him a little bit...sane."Iran says it will waive fees for Hormuz during 60 day negotiation periodIran's Strait of Hormuz body said it would waive planned fees to use the strait during a 60-day negotiation period under the newly emerging agreement signed with the United States this week.Ships seeking passage through the strait while the interim agreement is in force must submit transit requests at least 48 hours before arrival, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority said in a notice.Analysis | Trump's Treaty of Versailles crowns Israel's October 7 War as a strategic defeatFrom an Israeli standpoint, the Memorandum of Understanding that the United States and Iran signed on Thursday is an incredibly bad document. It is in large measure, and in total contradiction to the claims made by U.S. President Donald Trump, an agreement of American surrender, even though Iran was on the losing side in the warfare.In addition to a cessation in the fighting, Iran provided general statements about a commitment not to manufacture nuclear weapons. In return, the United States is providing immediate goods: lifting the mutual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, quick sanctions relief and even a jaw-dropping commitment to inject $300 billion to rehabilitate the Iranian economy.Read the full articleIran seeks assurances that hostilities in Lebanon will end before resuming US talks, diplomat told CNNIran has requested guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end before resuming talks with the United States in Switzerland, a diplomat familiar with the matter told CNN."The Iranians have asked for guarantees that hostilities in Lebanon will end, as outlined in the signed agreement," the diplomat said, adding that "mediators are currently working to resolve the issue."The source also told CNN that the planned talks are now "temporarily postponed" following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, without indicating when they might resume.Israeli lawmaker urges withdrawal, end to Lebanon warIsraeli opposition MK Naama Lazimi said on X that the government must "end the war in Lebanon" and withdraw troops from what she called the "Strip of Sacrifice" in order to reach an agreement with the Lebanese government.מרוסקת מהידיעה על נפילתם של ארבעה מטובי בנינו.
Report: Netanyahu 'likely' to sabotage Iran deal, U.S. intel officials say
Report: Netanyahu Is 'Likely' to Sabotage Iran Deal, U.S. Intelligence Officials Tell Trump. Hezbollah Revised Military Doctrine, Combat Tactics; Remains Committed to Resistance, Group Leader Says. Iranian FM: 'U.S. Has Committed to End War on All Fronts, Including Lebanon, and Is Responsible for It'
TL;DRAI
USA-Iran memorandum signed: Iran waives Strait of Hormuz fees for 60 days amid Lebanon ceasefire negotiations. Hormuz fee waiver reduces supply-chain friction for teams with global operations, but 60-day stability depends on Israel-Hezbollah compliance.
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