(2026-06-25). Iran warns against Hormuz crossings as Rubio visits Bahrain. newarab.com 
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Thursday warned that vessels crossing the In a statement, the IRGC said that "the only authorised route for passage through the Strait of Hormuz is the route announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran," reinforcing Tehran's claim to regulate traffic through the strategic waterway. | The future of the strait — a critical artery for global energy shipm…
(2026-06-25). Israel creates more trouble for US with new Lebanon declaration as Iran watches Hezbollah war unfold. hindustantimes.com Israel has doubled down on its military presence in southern Lebanon, with Defence Minister Israel Katz declaring that Israeli forces will not withdraw even under U.S. pressure. The remarks come as Washington attempts to advance a broader understanding with Iran and reassure regional allies, raising fresh questions about whether the Lebanon front could complicate wider diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
(2026-06-25). Australian state governments deliver austerity budgets, led by Labor. wsws.org Budgets in New South Wales and Queensland show the leading role of Labor governments in slashing social spending amid the ongoing fallout from the Iran war.
(2026-06-24). UN watchdog says Iran nuclear inspections 'going to happen'. newarab.com 
The head of the UN's nuclear agency signalled on Wednesday that The comment by
(2026-06-24). Qatar PM moves to advance Hormuz dialogue. tribune.com.pk 
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Oman on Wednesday for talks aimed at launching negotiations on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a diplomat familiar with the discussions. | The proposed talks, which are separate from the ongoing Swiss-based US-Iran peace negotiations and de-mining arrangements, are expected to focus on the future operation of one of the world's most strategically important waterways. | The talks will involve Iran, Iraq and other Gulf Arab states. The diplomat said the Arab states were likely to press for a continuation of toll-f…
(2026-06-24). Alexander Zevin: Trump's Gulf War. newleftreview.org Asymmetries of the US-Israeli assault on Iran, as an uneasy balance holds between Tehran's tourniquet on the Strait of Hormuz—and the world economy—and the enormous firepower of the aggressors, at the end of the first round.
(2026-06-24). Iran closes Strait of Hormuz after Israel bombs Lebanon. ummid.com Three days after the Strait of Hormuz was opened following the signing of a deal between Iran and United States, Tehran Saturday closed the key waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman accusing Israel of violating the terms of the deal dubbed as Islamabad MoU.
(2026-06-24). Qatar PM in Oman to pave way for Iran-Gulf-Iraq Hormuz talks. tribune.com.pk 
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani visited Muscat on Wednesday for talks with Oman on initiating negotiations involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states on the Strait of Hormuz, a diplomat briefed on the talks told Reuters. | The discussions are separate from US-Iran peace talks and de-mining arrangements. Gulf states are expected to push for no transit fees, while Iran could propose environmental, navigation and ‚Å security fees, the diplomat said. | The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for roughly a fifth of …
(2026-06-24). Oil prices plunge over $3 on Hormuz supply relief. tribune.com.pk 
Benchmark oil prices fell more than $3 on Wednesday to their lowest level since before the start of the Iran war as supply concerns eased with more stranded oil tankers exiting the Strait of Hormuz. US crude futures slipped below $70 a barrel, the lowest level since March 2. | Brent crude futures were down $3.42, or 4.4%, at $73.65 a barrel as of 1445 GMT, and US WTI slipped $3.32, or 4.6%, to $69.87 a barrel, according to Reuters. Brent touched a low of $73.22, its weakest level since February 27, the day before US-Israeli strikes on Iran. | Meanwhile, spot gold prices slipped below the key psychological leve…
(2026-06-24). Erdogan says bilateral talks with Trump likely at NATO summit in Turkey. al-monitor.com ANKARA, June 24 (Reuters) – Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that he would "most likely" hold bilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump when the U.S. leader comes to Ankara for a NATO summit next month.Turkey will host 32 NATO leaders, as well as officials from the alliance's partners in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific region, on July 7-8 amid tensions within the alliance over burden-sharing, defence spending, and U.S. complaints over allies' involvement on re-opening the Strait of Hormuz during the U.S.-Iran war.
(2026-06-24). Iran making 'very big concessions': Trump. tribune.com.pk 
United States President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday that Iran was offering significant concessions as negotiations between the two sides are set to continue next week. | "The war is going very well. As you know, we're winning by a lot. Iran is making very big concessions. | "We'll see what happens — but it has been very, very, very powerful," Trump told reporters at the Capitol. | He earlier said Iran had told the US that no tolls were being sought from ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. | The two countries, which ended a first ‚&Aum…
(2026-06-24). Israel, Lebanon discuss US-backed proposal for transfer of some southern territory to Lebanese army. tribune.com.pk 
Talks between Israel and Lebanon include discussion of a US-backed proposal for Israeli forces to hand over some of the territory they have invaded during the war with Hezbollah to the Lebanese military, according to Israeli and Lebanese officials. | The Israeli officials said the Lebanese troops involved would undergo US training and vetting to ensure they are not linked to Iran-backed Hezbollah, while Israel would maintain a military presence in a buffer zone along the border. | The proposed "pilot" project is being discussed in the latest round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli officials, which got unde…
(2026-06-24). Greater BRICS role urged in upholding intl order. ecns.cn The more than 100-day conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran underscored the importance of upholding international rules, respecting state sovereignty, embracing a new vision of security and understanding the changing nature of warfare, China's top diplomat Wang Yi said on Tuesday.
(2026-06-24). US-Iran Islamabad pact sends 'positive signal', should be jointly safeguarded and implemented: China. tribune.com.pk 
The US-Iran Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding had sent a "positive signal" and should be jointly safeguarded and implemented, China said on Wednesday. | China "advocates" dialogue and negotiation in addressing regional issues and differences among parties and "opposes the threat or use of force", Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told reporters in Beijing. | Beijing "always upholds a just position, supports all efforts conducive to peace, supports the Iranian side in defending sovereignty, security, and territory, and national dignity, and supports Iran in improving its relations with Gulf states an…
(2026-06-24). ASEAN and Russian leaders meet in Kazan amid global energy crisis. wsws.org The summit in Kazan expresses the desperate maneuvering of the ruling classes in South East Asia as the US-led war on Iran hikes energy prices and fears of shortages.
(2026-06-24). Trump's Iran war debacle is ominous for Russia. strategic-culture.su Europe's cynicism is dripping as thick as its sycophancy. | Join us on , , and . | Contact us: | The sycophantic European leaders lai…
(2026-06-24). MOU talks in Switzerland: No peace yet. iacenter.org By Workers World Editor June 24, 2026 June 21 — After the Memorandum of Understanding between the Iranian government and U.S. imperialism, talks have finally begun today in the resort town of Bàºrgenstock, Switzerland. An MOU is far from a peace treaty, and the two main aggressors in this war, the U.S. and Israel, remain treacherous warmongers, so those who oppose imperialist war must stay alert for provocations. Just as war has been described as "a continuation of diplomacy by other means" by early 19th-century Prussian military theorist Carl von Clausewitz, so is imperialist diplomacy war by other me…
(2026-06-24). Israel insists on troops in southern Lebanon as Rubio defends Iran deal in Middle East. al-monitor.com By Alexander Cornwell, Tala Ramadan and Jana ChoukeirTEL AVIV/DUBAI June 24 (Reuters) – Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
(2026-06-24). Italy rebukes Rutte over remarks on US use of bases in Iran war. al-monitor.com ROME, June 24 (Reuters) – Italy on Wednesday pushed back against remarks by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte that hundreds of U.S. aircraft had taken off from American bases in Italy to support military operations against Iran, saying Rome had authorised only technical and logistical flights.Rutte, speaking to Fox News television, cited Italy as an example of European support for the U.S. and said 500 U.S. planes had taken off from U.S. bases in Italy "to support Epic Fury", Washington's name for the war it launched alongside Israel.
(2026-06-24). Araghchi Tells Hamas Official That Iran Is Addressing Israel's Actions in Gaza in Talks With US. news.antiwar.com Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke with a senior Hamas official on Wednesday and assured him that Iran is addressing Israel's actions in Gaza in talks with the US, as Israel continues constant ceasefire violations in the Palestinian territory. The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding calls for a ceasefire on "all fronts," though the only other …
(2026-06-24). Katz Says the US Hasn't Asked Israel To Withdraw from Lebanon. news.antiwar.com Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Wednesday that the US hasn't asked Israel to withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon despite Iran maintaining that a withdrawal is necessary to implement the US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding, which calls for an end to Israel's war. "We have announced that in any case we are not withdrawing …
(2026-06-24). US Senate joins House in voting to halt Iran war, rebuking Trump. tribune.com.pk 
The United States (US) Senate backed legislation on Tuesday directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran, the latest rebuke of the Republican president from an increasingly restive Congress. | The Senate voted 50-48 in favour of the war powers resolution, which passed the House of Representatives early this month, reflecting growing concern even among some of Trump's Republicans about the unpopular conflict that began on February 28 when the US and Israel launched an attack on Iran. | It was the first time both chambers of Congress had passed a resolution…
(2026-06-24). Trump Asks Congress for Additional $87.6 Billion, Mainly for Iran War. news.antiwar.com The White House sent a letter to Congress on Wednesday requesting an additional $87.6 billion in supplemental funding, with the vast majority going toward "costs incurred" by the US-Israeli war against Iran. The White House Office of Budget Management told House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) that the nearly $70 billion earmarked for the Iran war …
(2026-06-24). Rubio kicks off Middle East trip as allies seek answers on Iran. tribune.com.pk 
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio begins a Middle East tour in earnest on Wednesday, seeking to reassure Gulf allies who view concessions in President Donald Trump's Iran deal that include a proposed $300 billion fund as too generous to a regional foe. | Arriving in Abu Dhabi late on Tuesday for a three-day Gulf trip, Rubio is undertaking his first high-level diplomatic mission on the agreement reached last week to end the four-month-old US-Israeli war with Iran. | Asked on arrival if he planned to address allies' disquiet with the accord, Rubio told reporters: "
(2026-06-24). CovertAction Bulletin: Iran Gives the U.S. a Black Eye. covertactionmagazine.com The United States and Iran have signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding after over 100 days of bombing and war by the U.S. and Israel since February…
(2026-06-24). Trump-Netanyahu rift: Temporary spat or turning point for US-Israel relations? tribune.com.pk 
Growing tensions between United States President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Iran ceasefire and Israel's military operations in Lebanon exposed one of the most serious strains in US-Israel relations in years. | The dispute fuelled questions about whether Trump was willing to place greater limits on Israeli actions than previous US presidents and whether the latest disagreements could reshape a relationship long considered one of Washington's closest strategic partnerships. | "There has been a genuine breakdown in the relationship between the Trump administration and Prim…
(2026-06-24). Ahmed al-Sharaa bajo presión iraní, israelí y estadounidense. strategic-culture.su Fuentes de información aseguran que Irán envío advertencias claras a Ahmed al-Sharaa sobre las consecuencias de cualquier potencial intervención militar de la cúpula gobernante de Damasco en el Líbano, señalando que, si esa situación se cristaliza, el movimiento iraquí Hashd al-Shaabi podría intervenir en todo el territorio sirio contra las fuerzas de al-Sharaa.
(2026-06-24). Iran's Ballistic Missiles Not Discussed or in MoU, Both Pakistan and Iran Clarify. orinocotribune.com Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed on Tuesday, June 23, that Iran will preserve its elements of strength in any future negotiations, stressing that the government has neither negotiated nor intends to negotiate over its ballistic missile program. | During a meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Islamabad, Pezeshkian said that Iran no longer trusts the United States after being attacked twice while pursuing a diplomatic track. "We do not trust the United States because we were attacked while engaged in negotiations. Nevertheless, we have always been, and remain, prepared for dialogue…
(2026-06-24). Midterm Madness: Mamdani's Midas Touch. levernews.com 
üó≥Ô∏è Welcome to Midterm Madness, the only newsletter you need to stay up to date on 2026 election news. Key race updates, money trails, numbers that cut through the spin, and campaign moments that say more than official talking points ever will — from The Lever team to your inbox, every Wednesday.üî• Today in The Lever: For the first time in U.S. history, Congress is
(2026-06-24). PM Shehbaz, Qatari emir stress continued dialogue after 'positive progress' in US-Iran technical talks. tribune.com.pk 
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wednesday stressed the importance of sustaining the momentum of negotiations through dialogue and diplomacy following the successful first round of technical talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland. | The remarks came after Iran and the United States announced on June 14 that they had reached a 14-point understanding, mediated by Pakistan, aimed at ending the conflict and resolving outstanding issues through dialogue and negotiations. | "Had a warm and most cordial telephone conversation with my dear brother, His H…
(2026-06-24). Sidelined from the US-Iran deal, what's next for Gaza. newarab.com 
(2026-06-24). Rubio says U.S. do anything that would undermine Gulf security. al-monitor.com KUWAIT CITY, June 24 (Reuters) – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday vowed that the United States will not do anything that would undermine the security of U.S. allies in the Gulf region when it comes to Washington's dealings with Iran."We're going to be completely aligned with our partners in the Gulf," Rubio told reporters in Kuwait City before departing for Bahrain. "That's why I've taken these trips now, and it's the reason why I'm here."
(2026-06-24). Egypt, Iran face crunch World Cup game in shadow of geopolitics. newarab.com 
Egypt and A first
(2026-06-24). Rubio commits to UAE security, discusses Iran-US deal with Emirati leader. tribune.com.pk 
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed the US-Iran deal with UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed on Wednesday, renewing Washington's commitment to the country's security as he embarks on a tour of the Gulf. | Rubio is seeking to reassure close US allies — who were hit hard by Iran during the Middle East war — about the memorandum of understanding with Tehran, which fails to address some of the Gulf's long-standing concerns about its missile programme and proxies. | "They discussed President Trump's memorandum of understanding with Iran, efforts to secure full and safe transit through the Strait of…
(2026-06-24). Oil falls below $74 as Hormuz traffic recovers after Iran war. al-monitor.com Brent crude, the international benchmark for oil prices, was trading at $73.81 a barrel at 10: 40 a.m. EDT, down 4.2% from Tuesday's close.
(2026-06-24). US Senate votes to halt Iran war in challenge to Trump. geo.tv 
(2026-06-24). US Senate passes resolution to halt Iran war in rebuke to Donald Trump. ptcnews.tv PTC News Desk: The US Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution asking President Donald Trump to stop US military involvement in Iran, marking a rare challenge to the president from Congress. | The resolution was passed by a vote of 50-48 after it had already been approved by the House of Representatives earlier this month. The move reflects growing concern among lawmakers, including some Republicans, about the conflict with Iran that began on February 28. | This is the first time both the Senate and the House have passed a measure under the 1973 War Powers Act directing a president to withdraw US armed forces fro…
(2026-06-24). Beiranvand's seven saves help Iran battle to 0-0 draw with 10-man Belgium. ecns.cn Alireza Beiranvand delivered another outstanding World Cup performance on Sunday, making seven saves to help Iran battle to a 0-0 draw against Belgium in Group G in Los Angeles.
(2026-06-24). Qatar to resume LNG production 'within a few weeks', PM tells FT. newarab.com 
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Sheikh Mohammed said a direct hotline between the United States and Iran was essential to preventing disruptions in the strategic waterway and ensuring vessels could transit safely as maritime traffic graduall…
(2026-06-24). Headlines for June 24, 2026. democracynow.org Mamdani-Endorsed Progressives Sweep New York House Primaries, Congress Directs Trump to End U.S. War on Iran, France Experiences Hottest Day on Record as U.N. Warns of More Frequent Climate Disasters, Anti-ICE Protesters Sentenced to Decades in Prison over "Terrorism" at Texas ICE Jail, Supreme Court Ruling Gives U.S. "Blank Check" to Weaken Green Card Holders' Rights, Trump's Efforts to Ram Through SAVE America Act Meets Resistance from GOP Senators, Trump Loyalist Bill Pulte Begins Purge at National Intelligence Office, WaPo: Tulsi Gabbard's Political Rise Was Highly In…
(2026-06-24). Few in US say Iran war was worth it; Trump approval ties lowest of term: poll. tribune.com.pk Just one in four Americans believes United States President Donald Trump's war with Iran was worth its costs, and a majority worry that a truce with Tehran is unlikely to last, a Reuters/Ipsos poll found. | The five-day poll, which closed on Monday, also showed the war weighing heavily on Trump's popularity, with his approval rating dropping to 34%, a return to the lowest level of the Republican's second term that was last touched in an April survey. | Only 23% of Americans — including just half of Republicans — think the US is now in a stronger position with Iran compared with…
(2026-06-24). Pak-Iran trade gets boost with Taftan customs station. tribune.com.pk 
The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has designated 11.75 acres of land at Taftan Railway Station as a Land Customs Station, a move aimed at facilitating trade between Pakistan and Iran. | The FBR issued a formal notification under the Customs Act, 1969, declaring the area a Land Customs Station, allowing the loading, unloading and clearance of import and export goods. The boundaries of the station have also been officially notified. | The development is expected to boost bilateral commerce by streamlining customs procedures at the Taftan crossing, a key border point for Pakistan-Iran trade. | In a separate anti…
(2026-06-24). How Iran Is Moving From Resistance To Statecraft After The War. scheerpost.com Farrokh Neghadar and Goudarz Eghtedari for Middle East Monitor The recent war involving Iran has revived a longstanding debate about the nature of Iranian power and the future of the Middle East. For decades, discussions of Iran in Western policy circles have oscillated between two assumptions: that the Islamic Republic is fundamentally ideological and irrational, …
(2026-06-24). Hijab-wearing women 'kicked, spat on' at Iran World Cup matches. newarab.com 
A wave of Dozens of women have allegedly been
(2026-06-24). Plan To Evacuate Hundreds Of Ships Still Stranded From Strait Of Hormuz Closure Is Coalescing. twz.com 
The Strait of Hormuz remains an extremely tense waterway and traffic will not be flowing normally through it for some time to come.