Leader hails Iranian officials' efforts, says Trump desperate in reaching deal

Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei says Iranian officials have made extensive efforts out of compassion and goodwill to reach a memorandum of understanding with the US, while the American president has used various leverage points out of desperation.

"The passionate and loyal Iranian nation, as you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America," Ayatollah Khamenei said in a message released on Thursday.

"In the course of reaching this stage, officials, out of compassion and goodwill, made many efforts, and of course it was the US president who, out of desperation, was using various leverage points for this purpose."

The MoU, signed remotely by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, calls for a permanent end to hostilities across all fronts, the removal of the US naval blockade within 30 days, the restoration of commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a reconstruction plan worth at least $300 billion, and the lifting of US sanctions.

Ayatollah Khamenei said he had initially held a different view but authorized the agreement based on commitments made by President Pezeshkian, who as head of the Supreme National Security Council pledged on behalf of himself and other members to safeguard the rights of the Iranian nation and the resistance front.

President Pezeshkian also stated that he will not accept any excessive US demands, the Leader said.

"From this moment, we — meaning you, the proud nation, and this humble servant — will await the fulfillment of the stated conditions. But it is obvious that the in-person negotiations that will take place in the future will not mean accepting the enemy's view," Ayatollah Khamenei said.

“We hope that the blessed prayers of our Master [Imam Mahdi] (may God hasten his noble reappearance) will bring all kinds of victories and triumphs for the honorable nation of Iran."

Under the MoU, the two sides have entered a 60-day negotiation period, with the goal of reaching a comprehensive final agreement. In-person negotiations are scheduled to begin on June 19 in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar serving as mediators.

The agreement followed an unprovoked US-Israeli war of terrorism against Iran that began in late February.

Iran values Pakistan’s support during critical times: Pezeshkian

Iranian President Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian has thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for their pivotal role in facilitating the mediation process between Iran and the United States.

He expressed his gratitude during a telephone conversation with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif this afternoon, which lasted for more than thirty minutes.

This was the first contact between the two leaders since the signing of the historic Islamabad Peace Deal.

Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would always remember Pakistan's positive and constructive efforts and its support for Tehran during these difficult times.

Conveying his best wishes to the people of Pakistan, the Iranian President said Iran is keen to further enhance and expand bilateral ties with Pakistan in all areas of mutual interest.

In his remarks, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated President Pezeshkian, the Iranian leadership and the brotherly people of Iran on the signing of the historic peace deal.

He said the landmark agreement would not only help restore peace in the region but would also contribute significantly to Iran's reconstruction and further strengthen Pakistan-Iran relations in all areas of mutual interest.

The Prime Minister also conveyed his respectful regards to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Sayyid Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei.

While lauding Iran's decision to sign the peace deal, Shehbaz Sharif wished the Iranian side success in the next phase of negotiations. He assured the Iranian President of Pakistan's continued support as a brotherly and neighbouring country in all spheres.

Both leaders agreed to visit each other's capitals at the earliest opportunity to further strengthen bilateral cooperation and advance collaboration on regional issues.

They also agreed to remain in close contact in the coming days.

Iranian Air Force personnel recount high-risk precision operation against US base in Kuwait

Iranian Air Force personnel have recounted a detailed description of a precision operation against an American military base in Kuwait in early March at the height of the United States' and the Israeli regime's latest bout of unprovoked aggression targeting the Islamic Republic.

The interviewees, featuring the commander of the operation and two crewmembers, who conducted the mission against the outpost, known as Camp Buehring, on board Iranian F-5 fighter jets, made the remarks during a televised broadcast on Wednesday.

They presented the mission as a tightly coordinated, high-risk penetration strike executed at extremely low altitude and completed within roughly 50 minutes.

The operation commander said the mission originated in direct response to renewed aggression targeting the nation. "We immediately wanted to carry out a retaliatory operation," he stated, identifying Camp Buehring as "a highly strategic base with one of the highest troop concentrations and capacities."

According to his account, the strike package consisted of three pilots flying in formation on board two F-15 fighters at exceptionally low altitude from the outset to evade radars.

He emphasized the extreme nature of the flight profile. "We were practically skimming the ground… We would even pass beneath power lines."

He contrasted this with standard training parameters, noting, "The training standard is about 500 feet, but we were flying below 50 feet."

The commander described the mission as being conducted in complete radio silence, despite the presence of layered air defenses, including Patriot missile systems, AWACS surveillance, and scrambled fighter jets.

He further illustrated the intensity of the ingress by recounting a maritime passage.

"We passed between two vessels so low that their decks were higher than us… The sailors had to come down and look over the railings just to see us pass beneath them."

Once inside the Kuwaiti airspace, the formation accelerated towards the target. The commander said the strike required direct overflight over the targets due to the use of free-fall bombs.

"We had to fly directly over the target… As soon as we reached the base, we carried out a heavy bombing."

He described widespread destruction at the site and said airborne assets were also extensively affected during the engagement phase, with enemy helicopters rising up into the air from the explosion.

He further stated that scrambling enemy aircraft and air defense systems became entangled in the unfolding operation, noting that "three [enemy] F-15 aircraft… were mistakenly engaged and destroyed simultaneously."

The report verified events that unfolded on March 1, when Kuwait mistakenly downed three such warplanes, using the US-provided Patriot missile system.

Following the strike, the commander described a deliberate deception maneuver designed to avoid interception.

"After the bombing, we carried out a deception maneuver… They were unable to track or intercept us." The aircraft then returned safely to the Iranian airspace and proceeded to a designated follow-on base.

Other crewmembers reinforced the operational tone of determination and endurance.

The rear-seat pilot flying alongside the commander described continuous explosions during the egress and reminded that the target area contained a large concentration of military equipment.

Another pilot emphasized mission resolve. "Even if one aircraft were to be lost, the other was expected to continue the mission. Under any circumstances, the mission had to be completed."

The commander concluded by reiterating his description of the mission as a high-tempo strike carried out under extreme risk. "In missions like this, our lives are the last priority. The two words ‘Iran’ and ‘Iranian’ are our first and last priority,” he said.

The United States and the Israeli regime began their latest bout of unprovoked aggression against Iran on February 28.

US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire on April 7 after the aggression was faced with at least 100 waves of decisive and retaliatory Iranian strikes against sensitive and strategic American and Israeli targets throughout the region.

Iran, US presidents sign Islamabad MoU digitally as war-ending deal finalized

The memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States has now been formally signed by the presidents of both countries, with the text finalized and the agreement officially in effect, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman announced on Wednesday.

"The memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States was agreed to be signed digitally," Baghaei said. "No signing ceremony will be held in Switzerland,” Esmaeil Baghaei told the IRIB’s News Network.

The spokesman explained that the decision to have the agreement signed by the highest-ranking officials of both countries was intentional, given past experiences.

"When the text is signed by the highest authorities of both countries, violating it will naturally carry greater costs. Given our past experiences, we preferred that this happen," Baghaei said.

He added that the Iranian negotiating team's presence in Geneva was still under discussion, but the signing itself had been conducted digitally.

"The text of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding is now officially finalized because both parties have signed it," he said.

The spokesman explained that the delay between finalization of the MoU on Sunday and its publication on Wednesday was due to standard diplomatic procedures and the importance of coordinating with mediators.

"In every diplomatic process, there are procedures that the relevant parties try to adhere to. The mediators' views are also important so that they can bring this process to the desired conclusion," Baghaei said.

He noted that the parties had agreed not to publish the text until it was finalized. However, he stressed that Iranian officials had already disclosed the broad outlines of the agreement.

"If we review the text now, we will see that there was nothing left unsaid during this period. We had expressed all the issues more or less. We may not have gone into details on some points, but regarding the overall issues, we had mentioned all of them," he said.

Deal implementation harder than signing

The spokesman warned that implementing the ceasefire agreement with the United States will be more difficult than signing it, stressing that Tehran has not forgotten the lessons of the war and will carefully monitor US compliance.

Baghaei said that Iran's diplomatic apparatus, backed by the full support of the people, had secured a text that serves the country's interests.

"The fact that we have signed an agreement to end the war at this stage does not mean we have forgotten the past or abandoned the costly lessons we have learned," Baghaei said.

"Our work is now harder than before, because implementing international agreements is always much more difficult than drafting them, especially with parties that are not committed to their obligations."

He stressed that from now on, Iran must ensure that the other side is compelled to adhere to its commitments.

'If US falters, we will falter too'

Baghaei made clear that Iran will not hesitate to respond if Washington fails to implement its obligations.

"If the Americans falter in implementing their commitments, we will falter too. It is not the case that we will fulfill our commitments while the other side evades its obligations," he said.

He added that Iran will monitor US implementation "without any leniency" and will only carry out its own commitments once the other side fulfills its promises.

Missiles for firing, not negotiation

Baghaei explained that Iran's wise decision was to postpone nuclear negotiations to a later stage, focusing first on ending the war.

"It was decided that we would not negotiate on the nuclear issue at this stage. The focus was on ending the war, and we did that," he said.

"From the moment the MoU comes into effect, which is now, we will have 60 days to negotiate on the nuclear issue and sanctions. If talks reach a conclusion earlier, that is better. But given the complexity of the issue, the 60-day timeframe is reasonable, and if necessary, it can be extended."

He added that the MoU specifies that negotiations will only cover the nuclear issue and sanctions removal.

Baghaei stressed that Iran's missile capabilities are not a subject for discussion.

"Our missiles do not like anyone talking about them. Iran's missiles are only for firing, not for negotiation. Iran's defense capabilities will not be discussed in any process with any party," he said.

Lebanon’s importance to Iran

Baghaei emphasized that Iran has never abandoned its allies, and that a ceasefire in Lebanon was as important to Tehran as the end of the war on Iran.

"The Islamic Republic has shown that it does not abandon its friends under any circumstances. For us, the ceasefire and end of war in Lebanon were as important as in Iran. In the first article of the MoU, Lebanon is mentioned three times. Respect for Lebanon's territorial integrity and national sovereignty is included," he said.

He warned that if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue, this will constitute a violation of US commitments under the MoU.

"We do not separate the US and the Zionist regime, but their differences in methods and approaches are evident. The Zionist regime does not want to give any opportunity to any diplomatic process. But it is the US's responsibility to compel the Zionist regime to respect US commitments to Iran," Baghaei said.

US blockade lifted after Beirut strike

Baghaei said the original agreement provided for the blockade to be lifted within 30 days, but this was accelerated after Israel's Sunday attack on Beirut's southern suburbs and Iran's subsequent threats.

"Following developments related to the Zionist regime's attack on Dahiyeh and the serious threats made by Iran, urgent talks were held and it was agreed that the US would implement its commitments immediately," he said.

"Our monitoring shows that our ships have entered and exited ports without any problems, and this commitment [to lift the blockade] has begun. Our commitments will begin after the signing of this document."

Nuclear material will not leave Iran

Baghaei reiterated Iran's red line on its enriched uranium stockpile.

"We have said from the beginning that enriched nuclear material will not be transferred out of Iran. Dilution of enriched material is not a new option. It has now been introduced as an option to close the door on other possibilities,” he said.

“The unacceptable option for us is the transfer of enriched nuclear material abroad," Baghaei added.

Nuclear talks after war ends

Baghaei explained that Iran's wise decision was to postpone nuclear negotiations to a later stage, focusing first on ending the war.

"It was decided that we would not negotiate on the nuclear issue at this stage. The focus was on ending the war, and we did that," he said.

"From the moment the MoU comes into effect, which is now, we will have 60 days to negotiate on the nuclear issue and sanctions. If talks reach a conclusion earlier, that is better. But given the complexity of the issue, the 60-day timeframe is reasonable, and if necessary, it can be extended."

He added that the MoU specifies that negotiations will only cover the nuclear issue and sanctions removal.

Oil sanctions lifted starting today

Baghaei confirmed that the lifting of oil sanctions has already begun.

"Iran's oil sanctions must be lifted, not on paper, but with all its requirements. Iran must be able to sell its oil, with transport and insurance facing no problems, and it must receive the proceeds from oil sales. The lifting of Iran's oil sanctions starts today and will continue during the negotiations," he said.

He added that in parallel with the MoU, Tehran also negotiated separately on the release of frozen assets, reconstruction of damages, and the lifting of oil sanctions.

Hormuz management coordinated with Oman

The spokesman confirmed that Iran is finalizing a new management mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz, with coordination with Oman well advanced.

"Iran will charge fees for services in the Strait of Hormuz. This mechanism and arrangements for managing the strait are being drafted. We began consultations with Oman long ago and have spoken with some other countries," Baghaei said.

"The management mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz have largely been finalized with Oman. Safe transit will be ensured while preserving the sovereignty and authority of the Islamic Republic of Iran over the strait."

He added that only Iran and Oman are the two coastal states of the strait.

Pursuing justice for war crimes

Baghaei said Iran would continue to document and pursue the crimes committed against its people during the war.

"We will not miss any opportunity to document, pursue and explain the crimes committed against the Iranian nation. We will use every mechanism, institution and international opportunity to secure our rights. These are outside the MoU," he said.

'Iran is a wounded lion, but still a lion'

In a closing statement, Baghaei declared that the war has only strengthened Iran.

"The enemies have hurt us; they took noble lives from us and wounded Iran. But a wounded lion is still a lion,” he said.

“The war they imposed did not bring us to our knees, it made us more powerful, both in the military arena and in diplomacy," Baghaei said.

The spokesman stressed that Iran's superpower status is not an illusion.

“We defeated two nuclear powers, along with other countries that supported them. We do not just give slogans, we truly are a superpower."

The memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States was finalized on Sunday, following months of intensive negotiations mediated by Pakistan, with support from other regional countries.

Under the agreement, the war and all military operations, including in Lebanon, have ended immediately, and the US naval blockade against Iran has been lifted.

The MoU also provides for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping.

A 60‑day verification and negotiation period will follow, during which the parties will address outstanding issues, including the lifting of all sanctions, the nuclear file, reconstruction and economic development, and a monitoring mechanism for implementation.

Iran has emphasized that the agreement was built on "active distrust" of the United States and that Tehran will monitor US compliance closely.

Iranian officials have described the MoU as a product of military achievements and the sacrifices of the Iranian people, rather than diplomacy alone.

Iranian oil tankers, cargo vessels sail through as US naval blockade officially lifted

At least three Iranian oil tankers and two cargo ships carrying essential goods have successfully broken through the US naval blockade.

The vessels sailed through on Monday evening, marking the first operational victory of the newly finalized memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States.

The vessels, which had been stranded for months amid the illegal American blockade aval campaign against Iranian shipping, sailed through international waters unimpeded.

It came less than 24 hours after the finalized memorandum of understanding (MoU) mediated by Pakistan and Qatar mandated an immediate end to the illegal US naval blockade against Iran as part of a wider cessation of hostilities on all fronts.

The secretariat of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) early on Monday confirmed that Tehran and Washington have finalized the text of an MoU on ending the imposed war, bringing an immediate and permanent halt to US-Israeli hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, and terminating the US naval blockade against Iran.

The statement noted that the Islamic Republic, under the guidance of its martyred Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, the directives of the current Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei, the unwavering support of the Iranian people, and the tireless efforts of the country’s armed forces, has completed a period of difficult and intensive negotiations.

“Based on the approval of the Supreme National Security Council, the text of the memorandum of understanding regarding the end-of-war negotiations between Iran and the United States was finalized on the evening of June 15,” the statement read.

“Under the agreements reached, the war and military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, are ended immediately and permanently. Furthermore, the naval blockade against Iran is terminated immediately and completely.”

The SNSC secretariat added that the MoU will be officially signed on Friday, June 19.

Talks toward a final agreement will be postponed until after the other side has implemented its commitments under the memorandum, the secretariat said.

On Monday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the first round of negotiations with the US aimed at resolving outstanding disputes will take place immediately after the signing of an MoU in Geneva, which permanently ends the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

“On Friday, a meeting between the heads of the delegations of the two sides is likely to take place in Switzerland, and an MoU between Iran and the US will be signed, followed by the first round of subsequent negotiations,” Araghchi said on Monday.

The US imposed its illegal blockade on Iran in April, after suffering defeat on the battlefield and failing to impose its terms during the Islamabad negotiations.

Yet, despite US warships engaging in blatant maritime banditry and piracy, intercepting and attacking tankers that attempted to break the blockade, Iran's crude continued to flow, at least to some extent, according to observers.

The MoU finalized in the Pakistan- and Qatar-mediated talks now means Iranian oil tankers and cargo vessels will be fully free to sail through both Iranian and international waters.

The US-Israeli coalition launched an unprovoked and illegal war against the Islamic Republic of Iran in late February, amid ongoing negotiations in Geneva. The aggression led to the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, along with top-ranking commanders and senior government officials.

In response, Iran's armed forces carried out multiple waves of retaliatory operations against US and Israeli assets across the region and closed the Strait of Hormuz to hostile vessels.

Iran says US accord to cover Lebanon ceasefire, wider region

Iran said on Monday that a breakthrough tentative agreement with the United States includes a comprehensive ceasefire across all regional fronts, including Lebanon, ahead of a formal signing ceremony scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday.

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Bagaei told a news conference on Monday that “significant progress” had been achieved over the last 24 hours. He emphasized that the cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty are “integral parts” of the deal brokered with Washington.

“The government of Iran has always prioritized the path of dialogue,” Baghaei said. “However, the United States still has a long way to go to earn our trust, and we expect Washington to take appropriate steps to fulfill its commitments.”

The spokesman clarified that the deal does not involve a direct payment from the U.S. treasury to Iran. Instead, Washington has pledged to grant Tehran access to its own frozen funds abroad—a move Baghaei described as a “critical component” of the negotiation process.

While the tone toward Washington was cautiously diplomatic, Baghaei remained defiant toward Israel and criticized the international community’s silence on recent escalations.

“The United Nations Security Council has failed to condemn Israeli attacks on our nuclear installations,” he said. “We will not allow Israel to compromise our interests or rights, and Iran will continue to manage security matters in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Bagaei also paid tribute to the “unparalleled sacrifices” made by Iran’s senior leadership and the public during the recent conflict, stating that the nation’s defence was bolstered by the steadfastness of its people.

“We will never forget that our top leadership was martyred in this war,” Bagaei said. “The sacrifices of our martyrs will be remembered forever.”

Before the formal signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday, Iranian officials plan to conduct a series of regional diplomatic tours to brief allies on the ceasefire roadmap. Baghaei expressed appreciation for the roles played by “friendly nations” in mediating the peace process and reiterated that Tehran intends to strictly adhere to the terms of the agreement.

“We will abide by the agreement under any circumstances,” Bagaei said, signaling a firm intent to de-escalate following years of compounding geopolitical friction.

Iran team arrives in US for Fifa World Cup opener

Iran's soccer team arrived in the United States for the first time at this World Cup on Sunday, landing at Los Angeles International Airport and holding a press conference on the same day that a peace deal between the two nations was announced.

The Iran squad arrived after a short flight from Tijuana, Mexico, where they left their base camp earlier to a rousing sendoff ahead of their opening game against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on Monday.

"I am very happy to be representing the great, proud and strong nation of Iran," Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said through a translator in a press conference at the stadium.

"I hope that football will bring about joy and enjoyment, and bring closer the cultures and countries."

The squad's Group G fixture against New Zealand will be played against the backdrop of the US war with Iran and the newly-announced peace deal, adding a charged atmosphere to a contest between two nations who have never met at a World Cup.

Iran moved their World Cup base camp from a sports complex in Arizona to Mexico late last month after the US and Israel conducted joint strikes on Iran beginning in late February.

Iran will now have to make the trip from Mexico to the US for each of their three group matches and Ghalenoei said the travel and the denial of visas into the US for some members of their soccer federation had negatively affected the squad.

The US-Iran deal to end the war will be signed during an official ceremony on Friday in Switzerland, US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on social media on Sunday.

Ghalenoei said the squad's players and coaches were "not political people."

"We are here to play football and represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora."

'Mexico stands with you'

Earlier in Tijuana, supporters lining five-deep on a packed sidewalk outside Iran's hotel chanted "Team Melli" — Persian for "national team" — as the Iranian players emerged from the hotel and walked towards the waiting bus.

Many of the players waved and smiled at those who had gathered while some members of the delegation took video of the scene with their phones.

One supporter held a yellow sign with black lettering reading: "Iran, you will never walk alone. Mexico stands with you."

A young boy perched on someone's shoulders clutched the official Panini Fifa World Cup 2026 sticker album, open to the Iran squad page.

At one point, the crowd sang in Spanish, "Iran, brother, you are Mexican now."

Iranian soccer federation President Mehdi Taj stood outside the hotel as the players left with many of the supporters following the bus down the street as it drove away.

The Iranian community in Tijuana is tiny - around 20 people - and much smaller than that of Los Angeles, which is home to the largest Iranian community outside Iran.

Tens of thousands of Iranian Americans live in Los Angeles, where a distinct diaspora often referred to as "Tehrangeles" has taken root.

This is the first World Cup ⁠since its inception in 1930 in which a host nation has received a country it is at war with.

Pakistan will host ‘historic’ Iran-US deal signing ceremony in Geneva on June 19: PM Sharif

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif says the formal signing ceremony of the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) will be hosted by his country in Geneva on June 19.

Sharif, whose country mediated between Iran and the US, announced early Monday that Tehran and Washington reached an agreement following intensive negotiations, with both sides declaring an immediate and permanent end to military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon.

During his opening address to Pakistan’s National Assembly, Shehbaz said, "Today, by the grace of Allah, the world has crossed a historic milestone.”

Describing the development as a turning point after a period of global tension, he added, “I congratulate the Pakistani nation and the entire international community from the depths of my heart.”

He called the Iran-US agreement a matter of collective pride, saying Pakistan played a constructive role in supporting diplomatic engagement.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the US, following the announcement of a ceasefire on April 8 of this year, began negotiations to permanently end the war with Pakistan's mediation.

The text of the MOU, based on Iran's 14-point proposal from the very beginning of the ceasefire, was reviewed multiple times over the past 60 days in the capitals of both countries.

Tehran and Washington each, at various stages, applied and announced their perspectives on the text.

Despite all pressures, ceasefire violations, and repeated changes in Washington's position, the Islamic Republic of Iran insisted on its stance.

Following the signing of the MOU, the two countries will place a series of intensive negotiations on their agenda over the next 60 days to reach a comprehensive agreement on disputed issues.

US, Iran inch closer to deal, timing remains unclear

Pakistani and US leaders forecast a Sunday signing of a long-elusive framework agreement to end fighting between the United States and Iran, but Tehran cast doubt over the timing and hardline protesters in Iran voiced opposition.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two sides had agreed on a framework for a peace deal and that Islamabad was preparing for an electronic signing on Sunday, to be followed by technical-level talks in the coming week.

US President Donald Trump posted on social media on Saturday that the deal with Iran was scheduled to be signed the next day, his 80th birthday.

But Iran did not confirm a Sunday signing. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, speaking before Trump's post, had cautioned against commenting on the timing of the signing but was quoted by state media saying, "It will not be tomorrow," but could happen "in the coming days."

Trump wrote on Truth Social that after a framework deal is signed, the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil supplies that Iran has blocked, would immediately be "open to all."

Iranian hardliners remain visible

While US bombings have heavily degraded Iran's military-industrial base and damaged its military, experts say the war has left hardline Revolutionary Guard dominance more firmly entrenched than before.

Videos on social media and Iranian news websites showed opponents of an agreement gathering in squares and in front of the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, appearing to blame Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi as they chanted, "Araqchi have some shame, let go of America!"

Reuters could not immediately verify the videos.

When the US and Israel launched the war against Iran on February 28, Trump called on Iranians to rise up and take over state institutions.

Even as the US and Iran appeared to be moving toward an agreement over the past two days, clashes have continued, as the US military imposes a blockade on Iran and seeks to loosen Iran's chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz, which was the conduit for 20% of the world's oil shipments before the war.

Early on Saturday, US forces shot down multiple Iranian one-way attack drones heading toward the strait, the US military said. Israel, which says it is not a party to the US-Iran deal, said on Saturday that it had struck more than 70 sites over a 24-hour period in Lebanon against Iranian ally Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has clashed with Trump over US demands that Israel curb military action in Lebanon to allow Washington to reach a deal with Tehran.

On Friday, Araqchi said that while changes in the deal were still possible, the tentative agreement showed his country had emerged stronger from the conflict.

Opening Strait a priority, nuclear talks later

At pro-government rallies held across Iran on Saturday night, residents and news agencies reported that hardliners opposed to the framework agreement loudly voiced their dissatisfaction.

A resident in the northeastern city of Mashhad told Reuters that some protesters chanted: "Death to the compromiser," in an apparent reference to Araghchi. "Compromiser, resign, resign."

The proposed memorandum of understanding calls for reopening the strait and lifting the US naval blockade, sources on all sides of the talks said. Negotiations over Iran's nuclear program — a key rationale Trump has given for the war — would take place afterwards.

"Iran is going to open up the Strait of Hormuz, that's a requirement. It could be open with no tolls. As they do that, we will lift our blockade," a US official told reporters.

"It's going to happen in conjunction, and part of the next step, the phase after that, is going to be the demining of the straits," the official said, indicating countries in the Group of Seven major powers could have a role in this.

Trump discussed the efforts to end the Iran conflict in a call with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Downing Street said on Saturday.

Draft terms described to Reuters by multiple sources indicate the US would begin releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets and waive sanctions on its oil exports, in return for Iran opening the strait.

Iran's Fars news agency quoted Baghaei as saying the release of Iran's frozen assets was an integral part of the agreement and also that Iran would have to charge for services in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said foreign military bases in the region must end, the agency reported, without providing details.

Iran's nuclear program would be addressed during a 60-day period of talks. A US official said the agreement would ultimately lead to the dismantling of Iran’s nuclear program, with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to be destroyed and removed.

Iran stronger than ever, fingers on the trigger for decisive and regret-inducing response to any enemy aggression:IRGC

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that the Islamic Republic of Iran now stands in a more powerful, more prepared, and more deterrent position than ever before, maintaining complete intelligence dominance over enemy movements and remaining with fingers on the trigger, fully ready to deliver a decisive, immediate, painful, and regret-inducing response to any threat, aggression, or miscalculation by the enemy.

The IRGC made the remarks in a powerful statement on Thursday on the anniversary of Operation True Promise 3 and the Second Imposed War, which the US and Israel launched on February 28.

Marking June 13 (23 Khordad), the IRGC emphasized that Iran, drawing on the valuable lessons of the Sacred Defense of the 1980s and the historic battles of the 12-day and 40-day imposed wars, maintains full intelligence dominance over enemy movements.

“Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran, drawing on the valuable experiences of the Sacred Defense and the historic battles of the 12-day and 40-day imposed wars, stands in a stronger, more prepared, and more deterrent position than ever before… With full awareness of the enemy front’s movements, we remain with fingers on the trigger, ready to deliver a decisive, immediate, painful, and regret-inducing response to any threat, aggression, encroachment, or potential miscalculation by the enemy,” the IRGC statement reads.

The statement comes amid Iran’s recent successful retaliatory operations against US aggression. In the past 24 hours, the IRGC and the Iranian military carried out coordinated strikes on 18 US military targets across the region, including airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain. The Iranian Army also targeted the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain with explosive-laden drones, striking communication antennas and radar systems.

Separately, the IRGC launched 12 ballistic missiles at the US-operated al-Azraq air base in Jordan, hitting facilities housing F-35, F-15, and F-16 fighter jets as well as key command centers, inflicting significant damage in direct response to US missile attacks on Iranian territory that violated the ceasefire.

Iranian forces have also closed the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels due to regional insecurity caused by US aggression, with the IRGC Aerospace Force commander warning that any attempt to threaten the strategic waterway would turn the region into “hell” for the aggressors.

The IRGC statement described the American-Zionist enemy’s calculations during the imposed wars as gravely mistaken. It highlighted the Supreme Leader’s wise and swift measures to ensure command continuity, followed by the crushing success of Operation True Promise 3, which exposed the vulnerability of the Zionist regime and its US backers and shifted the regional balance of power decisively in Iran’s favor.

The statement paid tribute to the martyrs, including senior commanders who gave their lives, noting that their sacrifice has further strengthened the Iranian nation’s resolve and unity.

Among the key achievements of these operations, the IRGC listed the enemy’s complete failure to achieve its objectives, a major shift in the balance of deterrence in favor of Iran, the elevation of the Islamic Republic’s regional and international standing, and the emergence of a strong wave of national pride, dignity, and unity.

In the face of repeated US-Israeli provocations and direct aggression, including recent violations of the ceasefire and attacks on Iranian territory, the IRGC’s message underscores Iran’s unshakable determination and vastly enhanced military capabilities.

Recent successful retaliatory strikes have once again demonstrated that any new miscalculation by the enemies of Iran will meet a swift, powerful, and painful response.

Iran continues to pursue peace through strength and genuine deterrence while exposing the warmongering policies of the US and its allies that bring only instability to the region.

The Islamic Republic remains committed to defending its sovereignty, supporting the Resistance Axis, and charting a path of dignity, independence, and progress for the Iranian nation and oppressed peoples worldwide.

The United States and Israel launched their unprovoked war of aggression against Iran on February 28.

Iran’s Armed Forces responded with 100 waves of retaliatory strikes under Operation True Promise 4, launching hundreds of ballistic and hypersonic missiles, as well as drones, against American military bases across West Asia and Israeli positions throughout the occupied territories.

On April 8, forty days into the war, an Islamabad-brokered ceasefire went into effect. However, the first round of Tehran-Washington negotiations failed to reach an agreement, with the latter imposing an inhumane “naval blockade” of Iran.

Since then, both Israel and the US have violated the truce, triggering Iran’s strong retaliatory strikes.

IRGC strikes 18 US military targets in two missile waves; Fifth Fleet in Bahrain hit by Army drones

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) and the Iranian Army have announced a series of coordinated retaliatory military operations targeting US military installations across the region, including assets in Bahrain.

The statements, issued in early Thursday, described the operations as a response to American aggression targeting various regions in southern Iran.

 

Two-wave operation targets 18 US military assets

The IRGC said its Aerospace Force and Navy conducted a retaliatory operation in two separate waves in reprisal for attacks on the Corps' coastal outposts and service units, law enforcement posts, and the Bandar Abbas airport area.

"Eighteen key targets belonging to the criminal US military" were struck and destroyed at the Ali al-Salem and Ahmad al-Jaber airbases in Kuwait, as well as the Sheikh Isa airbase in Bahrain.

Drone strikes against US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain

Separately, the Army's Public Relations Office reported a drone operation targeting the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

"In response to a ceasefire violation and attacks on parts of southern Iran, the Islamic Republic of Iran's Army used various explosive-laden drones to strike the US Fifth Fleet," the office noted.

It added that communication antennas and radar systems associated with the fleet’s Patriot air defense system were targeted in the counterstrikes.

The Army said its forces remained fully prepared for further confrontation and would continue operations until the "punishment of the aggressor" was completed.

Meanwhile, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's highest operational command unit, also issued a statement, attributing the halt brought about to the latest round of the aggression to "powerful and decisive response" by the armed forces.

Also on Thursday, US President Donald Trump said US bombing in Iran would stop shortly, claiming that senior Iranian officials had called to ask him to halt the latest attack.

The headquarters further stated that the Iranian military response to US atrocities would continue, without specifying timing or scope.

The coordinated retaliation came after fresh explosions were reported across parts of Hormozgan and other southern regions of the Islamic Republic, as the US military confirmed launching a new wave of unprovoked assaults against the country.

In response to the latest aggression, the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters has also ordered closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

"From this moment, due to insecurity in the region, the Strait of Hormuz is declared closed to the passage of all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships, and any traffic will be targeted," the command unit said in a statement.

IRGC launches 12 ballistic missiles at US al-Azraq base in Jordan

The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) says it fired 12 ballistic missiles at the US-operated al-Azraq air base in Jordan in response to the missile attacks by Washington against the Islamic Republic.

In a statement on Thursday, the IRGC said that its Aerospace Force hit American F-35, F-15, and F-16 fighter jets and important facilities of the “terrorist US army” located at the airbase and a command-and-control center.

The missile attack destroyed the base’s facilities and a large number of the fighter jets, it added.

The IRGC warned that operations would continue as long as the enemy’s mischief persists.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters announced in a statement on Thursday that the Armed Forces would continue to respond to the acts of aggression and mischief of the United States.

“The cessation of the US attacks on areas in southern Iran, as announced by the president of that country, is due to the powerful and crushing response of the Islamic Republic of Iran's Armed Forces, through which another defeat has been inflicted upon that country's military,” it said.

Iran’s highest operational command unit also reiterated the Armed Forces’ firm determination to respond to the US aggression and mischief.

In statements issued early Thursday, the IRGC and the Iranian Army announced a series of coordinated retaliatory military operations targeting US military installations across the region, including assets in Bahrain.

The IRGC said its Aerospace Force and Navy conducted a retaliatory operation in two separate waves in reprisal for attacks on the Corps' coastal outposts and service units, law enforcement posts, and the Bandar Abbas airport area.

Separately, the Army's Public Relations Office reported a drone operation targeting the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.

Iran’s response came after the US President Donald Trump ordered a fresh round of aggression against Iran last night in a clear breach of a ceasefire that took effect on April 8. He later told Fox News that American forces had launched 49 Tomahawk missiles in the latest attacks.

Iran targets US bases in Jordan and Gulf after Trump orders strikes near Hormuz

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had carried out attacks against a US base in Jordan and 21 other targets in the Gulf on Wednesday in retaliation for American strikes around the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media reported.

The clashes mark one of the biggest exchanges in hostilities since the two countries agreed to a ceasefire in April.

The Iranian strikes, which included attacks in Kuwait and Bahrain, came after the US military said on X it had targeted Iranian air defence, ground control stations and surveillance radar sites near the strait in response to what US President Donald Trump said was the downing of a US Apache helicopter on Tuesday.

"I believe the response should be very strong, very powerful, and that's what this one is," Trump told ABC News on Tuesday.

The escalation in violence deepens doubts about the prospects for a deal to end the war that started on February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes against Iran. Tehran responded by firing on Gulf neighbours that host US bases and all but choked off the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil and gas.

The latest US strikes lasted around four hours before the US Central Command posted just before 9pm ET (0100 GMT Wednesday) that they had ended. A US official said almost 20 Iranian targets had been struck.

Iran's state media reported that Qeshm island and the port city of Sirik in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked.

Sounds of explosions were heard in nearby Bandar Abbas, and later in the vicinity of Jask, near the entrance to the strait, Iranian media reported, citing local sources and residents.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in response they had targeted four sites at the US al-Azraq base in Jordan using long-range missiles, Iranian media reported.

The Guards said the targets included F-35 fighter jet hangars and a command-and-control centre, and warned they were ready to deliver a "crushing and decisive" response to any further US attack.

Jordanian armed forces said on Wednesday they had intercepted and shot down five missiles launched from Iran toward al-Azraq. The military added that debris from the interception operation fell on Jordanian territory but caused no injuries or material damage.

The Kuwaiti army said its air defence systems were engaging hostile aerial targets and urged the public to follow official safety instructions, after Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they had targeted the Ali Al Salem base in Kuwait with drones.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said earlier they attacked the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain with drones and threatened "more severe responses" if hostilities continued, according to media.

Bahrain's Interior Ministry said a warning siren had been sounded and urged the public to head to safety. Air defences had repelled Iranian attacks, a media adviser to Bahrain's king said soon after in a post on X.

In a statement, Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned US strikes in the country's south, saying Tehran acted in self-defence, and warned Gulf states they would face consequences if their territory was used by US or Israeli forces, vowing to target the sources of any future attacks.

A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said initial assessments showed nearly all missiles and drones launched by Iran were intercepted and they were not immediately aware of any reports of harm to US personnel or damage to US locations.

The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Reuters could not immediately verify the battlefield reports.

Oil prices climbed about 1% in early Asian trade on Wednesday following the escalation in hostilities.

Not a big deal?

On Tuesday, a US Apache helicopter was brought down by a one-way Iranian attack drone, according to a US official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Iran's state media cited a military source as saying that no offensive air military operations had been conducted in the Strait of Hormuz in the previous 24 hours.

A US Navy surface drone found and rescued the two crew, the US military said, after the US Army attack helicopter went down in waters near Oman's coast while on patrol at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday (2300 GMT on Monday).

The US military's Central Command gave no reason for the crash. It said the two crew were rescued after two hours and said they were in stable condition - a more cautious assessment than Trump's description.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi did not directly address the helicopter incident, but said in a post on X that foreign forces in the region risked being involved in accidents or crossfire.

"To reduce risk, best solution is for them to leave," he wrote.

Trump told The Wall Street Journal during a phone call on Tuesday that the helicopter incident "wasn’t a big deal" and stressed that “the pilot is fine."

However, the episode could well add further strain to efforts to broker a peace deal to end the wider Middle East war and reopen Hormuz.

Trump has repeatedly said Iran and the United States are close to an agreement, though there have been few signs of progress since a tenuous ceasefire took effect in early April.

Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon has continued, and Tehran has maintained its restrictions on most shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war carried a fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Washington has imposed its own blockade of Iranian ports.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said on Tuesday that ship traffic through Hormuz is rising "very meaningfully," but added it would take many months to get back to normal flows of energy once the war is over.

Trump has said any peace deal must ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. Iran denies any such ambitions.

Iran's demands include the lifting of international sanctions, the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and recognition of its control of the strait.