Tehran has said its negotiators will not sit down for peace talks with the US until all the points in the memorandum of understanding (MoU) have been upheld.
Donald Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Qatar to meet mediators, but Iran has insisted no direct talks are on the table.
“There is no high level meeting between the US and Iran planned,” Qatar said on Tuesday, in another sign that the peace process was stalling.
The MoU is made up of 14 points, including the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days and the US terminating any sanctions against Iran.
Speaking on Tuesday, Iran’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said any current meetings are being held with the intention of seeing MoU commitments met, and warned safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz has only been agreed for 60 days.
Iran and the US had traded attacks in the Gulf in recent days as each accused the other of violating an interim deal signed less than two weeks ago to end their four-month war.
Key Points
- Vance says US in ‘great position’ even if Iran talks fail
- Trump contemplating further strikes - report
- Iran says it will not enter further negotiations until MoU conditions are met
- Why the US and Iran are about to ‘resume peace talks’
- Oil ticks higher closer to $74 a barrel
Oil ticks higher closer to $74
05:15 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Oil prices rose in early trade this morning as investors responded to news that Iran will not be meeting with US envoys, a further strain on the interim ceasefire agreed between the two in the four-month-long war.
Brent futures rose 50 cents or 0.69 per cent to $73.45 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 63 cents, or 0.91 per cent, to $70.13 a barrel.
Brent fell by around $45 a barrel between the first and second quarters of this year, its largest quarterly loss since 2008 during the financial crisis.
US crude futures meanwhile fell by around $31, their largest quarterly loss since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic crushed global oil demand.
Korea cargo ship Namu to exit Strait of Hormuz after attack in Gulf
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
South Korea's oceans ministry said this morning that the cargo vessel Namu would exit the Strait of Hormuz in mid-July at the earliest once the damage sustained in an attack in May was repaired.
The bulk carrier's hull was hit near the stern in the attack, which Seoul said on 27 May probably involved an Iranian anti-ship missile, summoning the Iranian ambassador to share the results of its investigation and lodge a protest.
Saeed Koozechi, Iran's ambassador to South Korea, denied Tehran's involvement, the Yonhap news agency reported, and South Korea later said it could not conclusively determine who was responsible or whether the attack was intentional.
There are currently two vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, including Namu, with 35 crew members on board, Nam Jae-heon, vice oceans minister, told a press briefing today.
Nam added that 21 South Korean-operated vessels had passed safely through the strait since Washington and Tehran signed a ceasefire two weeks ago.
Vance says US in ‘great position’ even if Iran talks fail
05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US vice president JD Vance has claimed that the Trump administration was in a "great position" despite how talks with Iran have been panning out.
"I actually think that the United States is in a great position, however, the negotiation ultimately shakes out," Vance said, as US envoys met with a Qatari official yesterday.
He told Fox News: "If the negotiation is successful, which obviously we want it to be successful, you have an Iran that is permanently transformed."
“That's not funding regional terrorism and instability; that is permanently given up on any nuclear weapons ambition, and that, as a result, is welcomed back into the world economy. That's a great outcome for the American people; it's a great outcome for the whole region."
Trump contemplating further strikes - report
04:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US president Donald Trump has weighed a return to all-out war, holding conversations with defence secretary Pete Hegseth and chair of the joint chiefs of staff General Dan Caine on conducting more strikes, the Wall Street Journal reported.
But for now, Trump, who has publicly threatened Iran with more attacks, has decided to give diplomacy more time, the report said.
The report comes as Iran said it would not meet with top US envoys who flew to the region following an outbreak of hostilities, clouding the prospects for a lasting peace between the two countries.
Iranian officials also said the two sides must still sort out the terms of a ceasefire they signed two weeks ago before they could tackle more difficult topics, such as possible limits to its nuclear program.
The two countries were due to commence lower-level technical talks, according to Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry.
Iran’s young protesters are living in hiding for fear of execution: ‘Even my mother doesn’t know where I am’
04:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Over 100 days after the brutal and unprecedented crackdown during Iran’s national uprising, life will never be the same for many of the young people who took to the streets.
As waves of arrests, executions and heavy sentences continue to mount, dozens of young protesters are now in a state of limbo between hiding and constant flight. They cannot return home, switch on their phones or even spend two nights in the same place.
The Independent spoke to some of them about their experiences living in hiding. You can read more below:
Iran’s young protesters are living in hiding for fear of execution by brutal regime
Why are the US travelling for peace talks again?
04:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
US delegates have travelled to Doha to take part in peace talks, according to president Donald Trump - despite Iranian officials saying no such talks are scheduled.
It comes after both sides traded strikes over the Strait of Hormuz at the end of last week, risking the fragile ceasefire that had been settled just two weeks ago.
Both sides had recently traded attacks in the Gulf, each accusing the other of violating the earlier deal.
Iran claimed a joint missile and drone operation targeting US military sites, while the US had struck Iran after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
Watch: Qatari foreign ministry says no direct US-Iran talks at the moment, as US mediators arrive in Doha
03:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Iraq to hold funeral procession for slain Iran supreme leader: Iranian official
02:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Iraq will hold a funeral procession for Iran’s slain supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Khamenei was killed in a US-Israeli attack at the beginning of the Iran war. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was named his successor.
“During my visit to Baghdad, I met with a number of senior Iraqi officials.
“As is the case in Iran, Iraq is preparing to hold a grand public funeral procession for His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Khamenei, in an event that will undoubtedly go down in history and contribute to strengthening the bonds of brotherhood and the deep-rooted ties between our two countries and peoples”, Araghchi wrote on X.
US envoy and Trump's son-in-law meet with Qatari prime minister
01:00 , Rachel Dobkin
Qatar’s Foreign Affairs Ministry has announced that US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha Tuesday.
The foreign ministry said in a statement that the ongoing talks between the US and Iran “within the framework of the memorandum of understanding between the two parties were reviewed”.
“The meeting also addressed the latest regional developments, particularly the ceasefire in the sisterly Republic of Lebanon, and stressed the importance of consolidating it and building upon it in a way that preserves Lebanon’s unity, sovereignty and stability”, the ministry’s statement read.
Iran criticises ‘petty’ US security chief after he ‘danced a happy dance’ over team’s World Cup elimination
Wednesday 1 July 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
US security chief Markwayne Mullin has drawn criticism after he said he “danced a happy dance” when Iran were eliminated from the World Cup.
The Iranian team exited the tournament in heartbreaking fashion when they were denied a late winner against Egypt by VAR, which deemed goalscorer Shoja Khalilzadeh’s toes offside.
The 1-1 draw saw Iran finish third in Group G, and they narrowly missed out on one of eight spots in the knockout rounds for third-placed teams, falling short on goal difference.
Mullin, who runs the US Department of Homeland Security, told reporters: “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might've sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.’
He added: “There wasn't a single team that we had to spend more time dealing with than Iran.”
But Iranian officials said the comments “demonstrate that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organising a global sporting event”.
You can read the full story below:
Iran criticises ‘petty’ US security chief after his ‘happy dance’ over World Cup exit
Watch: US Senate votes to halt Iran war
Tuesday 30 June 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Trump again demands gas retailers drop price after Iran war he started sent prices soaring
Tuesday 30 June 2026 22:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Donald Trump has again insisted that gas prices must come down now that a fragile memorandum of understanding has been signed with Iran.
The president has repeatedly called for the cost of gas to go down in recent weeks, after the war he began with Israel at the end of February sent prices soaring.
“Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote on Truth Social late Monday.
“They’re too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south. The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right – DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE! There will be no gauging, which is totally illegal.”
You can read the full story below:
Trump again demands gas retailers drop price after war he started sent prices soaring
In pictures: Iran depart from Tijuana after being eliminated from the World Cup
Tuesday 30 June 2026 21:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Iran adds 20 per cent mark up to oil, negotiator says
Tuesday 30 June 2026 20:34 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Tehran has added a 20 per cent mark up on its oil sales, the country’s top negotiator has said.
It comes as he warned the US that if it “intends to deprive Iran of selling oil, nobody will benefit from oil”.
US negotiators are currently in Doha for peace talks, but Tehran has said no discussions are scheduled to take place.
Sovereignty of Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran and Oman, Tehran says
Tuesday 30 June 2026 20:30 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Iran’s top negotiator has said the sovereignty of the Strait of Hormuz lies only with Iran and Oman as he warned safe passage in the Strait is only agreed for 60 days.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that traffic in the key shipping route is only allowed as Tehran dictates.
He added Iran has exported 40 million barrels of oil since the US lifted its Navy blockade in the area.
Iran says it will not enter further negotiations until MoU conditions are met
Tuesday 30 June 2026 20:17 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Iran has said it will not enter further negotiations with the US until terms agreed in a memorandum of understanding two weeks ago are fulfilled.
The country’s top negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Tuesday that any current meetings are being held with the intention of seeing those commitments met.
The MoU is made up of 14 points, including the safe reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days and the US terminating any sanctions against Iran.
But the agreement looks to be on thin ice, with both sides trading strikes with each other at the end of last week.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Tuesday 30 June 2026 20:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Amirhossein Miresmaeili hears from unimpressed protestors within Iran who feel betrayed by Donald Trump’s promises of regime change.
You can read more below:
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Recap: Trump envoys sent to Qatar for peace talks – but Iran says they’re not happening
Tuesday 30 June 2026 19:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
US envoys, including secretary of state Marco Rubio, have travelled to Doha for high-level peace talks amidst a renewed spate of strikes in the Gulf.
But the talks, which were seemingly confirmed by Donald Trump on Truth Social on Monday, do not appear to be going ahead.
Later the same day, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson denied any scheduled talks with the US, stating an Iranian technical delegation's visit to Qatar was unrelated.
On Tuesday, Qatar said: “There is ho high level meeting between the US and Iran planned”.
Iran thank Tijuana after World Cup exit and say they will support Mexico as 'second team'
Tuesday 30 June 2026 18:15 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Iran's football team thanked the people of Tijuana on Tuesday for their hospitality at the World Cup, saying Mexico had become "our second home and our second team".
The team were eliminated at the group stage of the tournament and will now travel home.
Political tensions between Tehran and Washington forced Iran to abandon plans to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, and relocate to Tijuana shortly before the tournament.
The Iranian team were also only allowed to enter the US a day before their games. The US authorities later eased some restrictions, permitting Iran to travel two days before their final group game in Seattle, although the team was still required to return to its Mexican base afterwards.
"True hosting is about respect, humanity, and dignity. We will never forget the kindness of the people of Tijuana," the team said in a message published on the team's WhatsApp channel.
"From this day forward, Mexico will always be more than a host nation to us; it will be our second home and our second team."
South Korea says almost all its ships have crossed Hormuz
Tuesday 30 June 2026 16:07 , Maira Butt
South Korean president Lee Jae-myung has announced that all but two vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have now exited the waterway.
A total of 26 South Korean-linked ships were in the Strait when Iran closed the chokepoint on 28 February after the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran.
Iran says no need for 'outside interference' in Strait of Hormuz
Tuesday 30 June 2026 15:30 , Maira Butt
Iranian foreign minister spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has insisted that there is no need for “outside interference” in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the involvement of other countries would only “complicate” matters.
Hormuz disruption may have lasting impact on vulnerable economies, UN trade agency says
Tuesday 30 June 2026 15:00 , Maira Butt
The United Nations trade and development agency warned on Tuesday that vulnerable economies remain at risk from prolonged increases in food and fuel costs despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz bringing immediate relief to energy markets.
Food and transport systems are likely to take longer than energy markets to recover, as disrupted supply chains need more time to reset following more than 100 days of severe disruption to shipping through the strategic waterway, a UN Conference on Trade and Development said in a new report.
Despite the falling price of crude, higher fuel, gas and fertiliser costs could continue to feed through into agricultural production, transport costs and household budgets.
Vulnerable economies remain particularly exposed to oil and fertiliser price shocks, while persistently high food prices could place further pressure on poorer households. UNCTAD said a 5 per cent increase in food prices can significantly raise the risk of childhood wasting.
The agency identified 61 vulnerable economies exposed to oil and cereal import shocks linked to the Strait of Hormuz disruption. Among them is Cape Verde, which relies heavily on imported fuel and has experienced rising electricity, transport and food costs that could continue even after energy markets stabilise.
Staple food-importing countries such as Yemen also remain highly vulnerable because their fragile economies are ill-equipped to absorb higher grain prices and transport costs. UNCTAD called for international support to help the most exposed countries recover from the recent shocks.
Steve Witkoff: Who is the real estate mogul Trump picked to broker Iran peace?
Tuesday 30 June 2026 14:30 , Maira Butt
Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump became friends over a deli sandwich. Now the friends political associates are working together in an attempt to broker a fledgling piece with Iran.
Witkoff, who runs a real estate development and investment firm, is a longtime friend and golf partner of Trump. He played a less visible role during Trump's first term, serving on the board of trustees for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Since Trump’s re-election, the billionaire has served as the United States special envoy to the Middle East and special envoy for peace missions.
He played a key role in negotiating a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas earlier this year, alongside Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
Prior to his political career, Witkoff enjoyed successful business dealings in the Middle East and strong relationships with the Qatari government, which were reported to be a key source of funds for his company, the Witkoff Group.
The real-estate developer and investor also served during the first Trump administration as member of the Great American Economic Revival Industry Groups, set up to deal with the economic impact of the Covid pandemic.
He has been highly visible during Israel-Gaza ceasefire negotiations and was selected by Trump to help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine and the US and Iran.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Tuesday 30 June 2026 14:00 , Maira Butt
This article first appeared on our partner site, Independent Persian
The signing of a memorandum of understanding between US president Donald Trump and Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian was seen by many Iranians not as the end of a crisis, as portrayed by Washington and Tehran, but as a symbol of “political betrayal” and “America’s historic failure”.
In messages sent to Independent Persian, readers from various cities across Iran said that after 39 days of war, Trump ultimately agreed to a deal with the Islamic Republic while the core power structure in Tehran remains intact, the influence of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has grown, and ordinary Iranians have been left to cope with economic hardship, destroyed homes, unemployment and a new wave of executions.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Why the US and Iran are about to ‘resume peace talks’ – and what is happening in the Strait of Hormuz?
Tuesday 30 June 2026 13:30 , Maira Butt
Iran and the US have issued conflicting statements about forthcoming discussions. Here is an overview of what could be discussed.
- Iran and the US have reportedly agreed to halt recent strikes and renew talks regarding their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
- The two nations are expected to meet on Tuesday in Qatar, according to Axios, citing a senior US official.
- This development could end hostilities that had threatened an interim peace agreement signed less than two weeks ago.
- Both sides had recently traded attacks in the Gulf, each accusing the other of violating the earlier deal.
- Iran claimed a joint missile and drone operation targeting US military sites, while the US had struck Iran after a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz.
Watch: Trump claims communism is bigger threat to US than 9/11 and Pearl Harbor
Tuesday 30 June 2026 13:00 , Maira Butt
Iran says its delegation will travel to Doha, but not for US talks
Tuesday 30 June 2026 12:30 , Maira Butt
Iran's foreign ministry said a delegation will be in Doha over the next two days, but the team will not meet with US officials.
Instead, the group will pursue, through the Qatari mediator, the implementation of US commitments under the memorandum of understanding, according to deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
President Donald Trump had said that Iran-US talks would be held in Doha today. However, Iran dismissed the statement, saying no talks have been scheduled for the coming days.
Egypt strongly condemns Israeli attacks on Syria
Tuesday 30 June 2026 12:00 , Maira Butt
Egypt’s foreign ministry condemned Israeli attacks on Syria on Monday.
It affirmed its “complete rejection of any violations affecting the sovereignty of Arab states or their territorial integrity, renewing its full solidarity with Syria and support for all efforts to preserve its unity and sovereignty.”
Israeli troops face resistance in southern Syrian town of Abdin
Tuesday 30 June 2026 11:30 , Maira Butt
As Israeli troops and vehicles entered the town of Abdin in southern Syria, residents blocked the roads with rocks, and some young men and boys threw stones to push back the military patrol.
Tensions in this part of the country created by a buffer zone occupied by Israeli forces have flared into violence in recent days, leaving residents anxious that more escalation is coming. Residents of Abdin, located near a U.N.-patrolled buffer zone now controlled by Israeli troops, tried to resist against a military incursion Sunday.
Israeli troops face resistance in southern Syrian town of Abdin
Breaking: Qatar says Witkoff and Kushner not in Doha for Iran talks
Tuesday 30 June 2026 11:11 , Maira Butt
A foreign ministry spokesperson for Qatar has confirmed that US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be in Qatar to meet mediators to discuss negotiations.
“There is ho high level meeting between the US and Iran planned,” they said on Tuesday, appearing to confirm reports by Iran.
Iran's president says $6B in frozen assets in Qatar to be released
Tuesday 30 June 2026 11:00 , Maira Butt
Iran's president said Monday that $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets would be released by Qatar as negotiations with the United States were challenged by attacks across the Persian Gulf this weekend.
Masoud Pezeshkian 's mention of the funds appear aimed at selling the Iranian public on the interim deal, particularly as its grip on the Strait of Hormuz has been challenged by efforts to open Oman's territorial waters to both inbound and outbound traffic from the Persian Gulf. Iran's attacks and threats stopped cargo ships and tankers from moving though the strait, in which about a fifth of all traded oil and natural gas passed in peacetime, creating a global energy crisis.
Iran's president says $6B in frozen assets in Qatar to be released as US talks challenged
In pictures: Aftermath of Israel incursions in Syria
Tuesday 30 June 2026 10:30 , Maira Butt
Syria has condemned Israeli incursions and shelling in the south of the country, a day after an escalation in the village in Daraa province forced its residents to temporarily flee, according to local officials. Israel has said it is defeating terrorists in the region.
“Syria is not a testing ground for foreign conspiracies, nor a place for carrying out the ambitions of others at the expense of the blood of our children and women,” said Syrian president Ahmad al-Sharaa.
Iran warns US, France and Oman against mine-clearance in Hormuz
Tuesday 30 June 2026 10:00 , Maira Butt
Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi has warned France, Oman and the United States against conducting mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the clearances are “carried out solely by Iran” and that Tehran will not allow other countries to do it.
Watch: Trump says envoys traveling to Doha for Iran meeting
Tuesday 30 June 2026 09:30 , Maira Butt
Europe's central bank head defends its recent rate hike to fight inflation
Tuesday 30 June 2026 09:00 , Maira Butt
The head of the European Central Bank defended its June 11 rate increase as justified to ward off real inflationary pressures and said it wasn’t just a mere “insurance hike.”
ECB head Christine Lagarde said Monday that without the quarter percentage-point increase, inflation could have lingered above the bank’s 2 per cent target into 2028.
“Some have characterised our rate increase earlier this month as an ‘insurance hike,’” Lagarde said. “I'm sorry to disappoint them. That is not an accurate description. We faced an outlook of rising headline and core inflation.”
Iran war turns Asia toward diversifying energy supplies, undermining climate goals
Tuesday 30 June 2026 08:30 , Maira Butt
Asian nations hit hard by the Iran war's price shocks are rushing to diversify and strengthen their energy security, potentially undermining their commitments to curb climate change.
As negotiations on ending the war drag on, countries in energy hungry Southeast Asia are exploring nuclear power and promising renewable rollouts. But they are also investing in coal power to provide a buffer during times of crisis.
The Iran war has not shaken coal's status as a pillar of Southeast Asia’s energy security, said Sandeep Pai at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment and Sustainability.
Iran war turns Asia toward diversifying energy supplies, undermining climate goals
Israel prepared to strike Iran 'independently', says minister
Tuesday 30 June 2026 08:01 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Defence minister Israel Katz has warned that Tel Aviv could find itself at war with Iran "tomorrow" if Tehran launches missiles at Israeli territory.
Katz told reporters that Israel would respond forcefully to any Iranian attack and was prepared to carry out an independent military operation if necessary.
"If Iran fires missiles at Israel, Israel will strike Iran with force," he said.
"There is no equation we will accept in which Iran fires at Israel," he said.
Katz said Israeli troops had been instructed to remain on high alert. "The IDF is just waiting for it and is on alert. There are targets," he added.
Iran prepares for slain supreme leader Ali Khamenei's funeral
Tuesday 30 June 2026 07:46 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz warning casts doubt on UK-France defensive mission
Tuesday 30 June 2026 07:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz will only be carried out by Iran, the regime has said, casting doubt on a planned UK and French-led mission to make the vital oil supply route safe for shipping.
The country’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said this was in line with the interim ceasefire deal signed with the US as Tehran moved to maintain its grip on the strategic waterway.
His remarks came in response to French President Emmanuel Macron, who said his country would work with Oman “in co-ordination with our partners” to demine the Gulf channel and ensure free passage for vessels.
More here.
Iran’s Strait of Hormuz warning casts doubt on UK-France defensive mission
Iran thank Mexico for 'love and respect' as team exits World Cup
Tuesday 30 June 2026 07:17 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi, in a post on Instagram, expressed his gratitude to the people in Mexico for their "respect, love and hospitality" as Iran exited the World Cup last week.
Iran were forced to move their training camp base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. They have also faced logistical challenges travelling to and from the US for their matches.
"The warmth of your heart made us feel that we were not far from home in these difficult days and I will never forget this love," Ezatolahi wrote.
He added: "In the end, only one thing remains; Iran is our home and the homeland is above all differences and tastes. I hope that the day will come when our people's share of life will be more than tears, sorrow and regret, but smiles, peace and hope."
Germany says priority to find solution for safe and free passage through Hormuz
Tuesday 30 June 2026 07:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
The German foreign ministry in a post on X said the priority was to reach a "sustainable solution that ensures safe and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz" and address "Iran's nuclear programme, which must never again pose a threat".
The statement comes after German foreign minister Johann Wadephul met US secretary of state Marco Rubio.
"The agreement between the US and Iran to halt mutual attacks and continue negotiations is an important step. It creates an opportunity for diplomacy in what remains a highly fragile situation," the ministry said.
South Korea says almost all its ships have crossed Hormuz
Tuesday 30 June 2026 06:40 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
South Korean president Lee Jae-myung has announced that all but two vessels stranded in the Strait of Hormuz have now exited the waterway.
A total of 26 South Korean-linked ships were in the Strait when Iran closed the chokepoint on 28 February after the US and Israel launched attacks on Tehran.
Two Revolutionary Guard men killed in Iran in 'terrorist attack'
Tuesday 30 June 2026 06:32 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard were killed and two others wounded in what the Guard described as a "terrorist" shooting in the western province of Kermanshah last evening.
The attackers opened fire outside the Guard members' home and authorities were investigating to identify those responsible, state media reported.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Tuesday 30 June 2026 06:20 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Amirhossein Miresmaeili hears from unimpressed protestors within Iran who feel betrayed by Donald Trump’s promises of regime change.
More here.
‘Trump wasn’t victorious – it was a major defeat’: protestors inside Iran speak out
Israel says Lebanon deal 'bad news' for Hezbollah and Iran
Tuesday 30 June 2026 06:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Israel's ambassador to the UN has said that the agreement between Israel and Lebanon is "bad news for Hezbollah and the Islamic Republic, and good news for peace."
Danny Danon added: "But agreements alone are not enough. What matters is their implementation."
He said Israel has "no interest" in remaining in Lebanon and that its objective is to protect Israeli citizens.
Oil falls below $73 a barrel as investors focus on potential Doha talks
Tuesday 30 June 2026 05:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Oil prices dropped this morning, with investors eyeing the outcome of potential US-Iran talks in Doha amid weekend missile fire from both sides that tested an interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Brent August crude futures, which expire today, were down 1.03 per cent, or 75 cents, at $72.40 a barrel.
US West Texas Intermediate fell 0.66 per cent, or 47 cents, to $70.32 a barrel.
"Investors are pricing in hopes of a positive outcome from the Doha talks, even though real normalisation of flows through the Strait of Hormuz is not yet visible," said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.
"The market is cautiously hopeful but still hedging its bets until we see more tangible signs of de-escalation," Waterer added.
Iran says its delegation will travel to Doha, but not for US talks
Tuesday 30 June 2026 05:28 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iran's foreign ministry said a delegation will be in Doha over the next two days, but the team will not meet with US officials.
Instead, the group will pursue, through the Qatari mediator, the implementation of US commitments under the memorandum of understanding, according to deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
President Donald Trump had said that Iran-US talks would be held in Doha today. However, Iran dismissed the statement, saying no talks have been scheduled for the coming days.
Locals push back as Israeli troops force into a town in Syria
Tuesday 30 June 2026 05:00 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
As Israeli troops and vehicles entered the town of Abdin in southern Syria, residents blocked the roads with rocks, and some young men and boys threw stones to push back the military patrol.
Tensions in this part of the country created by a buffer zone occupied by Israeli forces have flared into violence in recent days, leaving residents anxious that more escalation is coming. Residents of Abdin, located near a UN-patrolled buffer zone now controlled by Israeli troops, tried to resist against a military incursion on Sunday.
"They come into the village regularly, every few days," said resident Mohammad al-Hassan.
"They come in armored 4x4 vehicles, they roam around the village and search some houses, they knock on doors and if people don't answer the door they break it down and enter the houses. Women and children start screaming, it's a terrifying thing, them coming here."
Israel says it needs buffer zones to prevent attacks.
Iran says final deal negotiation has not begun
Tuesday 30 June 2026 04:45 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei has said that negotiations on the final deal between US and Iran have not begun.
“We have not yet entered the negotiation phase for a final agreement,” he told Iran’s IRIB broadcaster.
“According to Article 13 of the Memorandum of Understanding, the commencement of negotiations for a final agreement is conditional on the commencement and continuation of the implementation of Articles 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11,” Baghaei added
Article 1 calls for an end to war on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Article 4 calls for the US to remove its naval blockade on Iranian ports, while Article 5 concerns the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Article 10 concerns lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports, and Article 11 calls for the release of frozen assets.
US to suspend some duties on phosphate fertilizer from Morocco
Tuesday 30 June 2026 04:30 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
US president Donald Trump has authorized the temporary suspension of certain duties on phosphate fertilizer imported from Morocco, the White House said, as farmers grapple with fertilizer shortages due to the Iran war.
White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said in March that the Trump administration was seeking more sources of fertilizer.
Supply from major producers in the Middle East was sharply cut by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
"Global supply chains for phosphate fertilizer and fertilizer inputs, including imports of such products into the United States, have been disrupted in recent months by, among other things, conflicts in fertilizer-producing regions as well as trade actions taken by major fertilizer-producing countries," Trump said in a proclamation released by the White House.
Watch: Trump claims communism is bigger threat to US than 9/11 and Pearl Harbor
Tuesday 30 June 2026 04:15 , Rachel Dobkin
Demining of the Strait of Hormuz to be carried out only by Iran, deputy foreign minister says
Tuesday 30 June 2026 04:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The removal of mines from the Strait of Hormuz is to be carried out solely by Iran according to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Tehran and Washington, a senior Iranian official has said.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi made the remarks in a post on X on Monday, in response to French President Macron's comments on the subject.
Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that France and Oman are working together to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and will cooperate with their partners on clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz.
“The situation is sensitive and complex, we strongly advise France not to complicate it further with its provocations,” Mr Gharibabadi added.
Watch: Rubio dismisses UAE fears over Strait of Hormuz toll as ‘semantics’ despite threat to peace talks
Tuesday 30 June 2026 03:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
Trump demands gasoline retailers lower their prices
Tuesday 30 June 2026 02:00 , Rachel Dobkin
US President Donald Trump has demanded that gasoline retailers lower their prices.
“Gasoline Retailers must get their Prices down, IMMEDIATELY! They’re too high considering that Oil is now at $68 a Barrel, and heading south.
“The Retailers must quickly react to this statement, and do what they know is right — DROP YOUR PRICE FOR OUR GREAT AMERICAN PEOPLE!” Trump wrote on Truth Social Monday night, local time.
The cost of fuel skyrocketed during the Iran war.
While gas prices in the US have dipped on hopes that the fighting is winding down, they still sit at $3.86 a gallon on average, according to the AAA motor club.
When the war started, gas prices in the US were below $3 a gallon on average, the Associated Press reported.
Trump promises farmers they will get to sell crops to ‘lovely country of Iran’ after war
Tuesday 30 June 2026 01:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
President Donald Trump has promised American farmers they will soon be able to sell their crops to the “lovely country of Iran” now that he has signed a memorandum of understanding to end his war.
Speaking in the White House Rose Garden last Thursday, the president said: “After years of getting ripped off by other countries on trade, we’ve reduced the agricultural trade deficit, just this year, by 42 percent, opening markets to the American exports, and all over the world, we’re opening up markets for the farmers.
“And we have another one, a new market, coming up. And that’s called the lovely country of Iran. It’s a beautiful place. Would anybody like to go there?
“Uh, the Islamic Republic of Iran, uh, they’re having a hard time with food, and we’re gonna be taking some of their money and we’ll spend it, and we’re gonna be buying wheat, soybeans, and corn – a lot of it – and, uh, that process is gonna be starting pretty soon. It’s gonna be pretty big, too. I think it’s gonna be very big.”
You can read more below:
Trump promises farmers they will sell crops to ‘lovely country of Iran’ after war
UAE will allow nationals to travel to Lebanon from Monday
Tuesday 30 June 2026 00:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
The United Arab Emirates will allow its nationals to travel to Lebanon starting on Monday, the state news agency WAM reported.
UAE citizens planning to visit Lebanon must register through an official service, an emergency and support platform by the ministry of foreign affairs, before their departure, the agency added.
On April 30, UAE banned its citizens from traveling to Iran, Lebanon and Iraq, and urged Emiratis in those countries to leave immediately and return home, citing regional developments.
Trump says meeting with Iran this week could 'perhaps' be important
Monday 29 June 2026 23:00 , Nicole Wootton-Cane
US president Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that the US-Iran meeting in Qatar this week will be "perhaps important, perhaps not."
It comes as US envoys fly to Doha for fresh peace talks between Tehran and Washington on Tuesday.
But earlier on Monday, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said no talks between Iran and the United States are scheduled in the coming days.
He said that an Iranian technical delegation will visit Qatar this week, but has no relation to US officials visiting the country.
Watch: Protestors March Against The Iranian Regime And Football Team At World Cup Match
Monday 29 June 2026 22:00 , Harriette Boucher
