US Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship in a blow to Trump

WASHINGTON, June 30: The US Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected President Donald Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States - a right long woven into the fabric of American society - scuttling one of his top priorities in his crackdown on immigration.

In a 6-3 split, the justices upheld a lower court's decision blocking Trump's executive order directing US agencies not to recognise the citizenship of children born in the United States if neither parent is an American citizen or a legal permanent resident, also called a "green card" holder.

Trump had issued the order last year on his first day back in office as part of a suite of policies to crack down on legal and illegal immigration. Critics have accused the Republican President of racial and religious discrimination in his approach to immigration.

This marked the second time this year that the court has invalidated a major Trump initiative, following its February decision to strike down his sweeping global tariffs.

Challengers to Donald Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship argued that it violates language in the US Constitution's 14th Amendment that confers citizenship to those born in the United States who are "subject to the jurisdiction thereof."

The legal challenge to Trump's directive involved a class-action lawsuit filed in New Hampshire by parents and children whose citizenship was threatened by the directive.

The 14th Amendment has long been interpreted as guaranteeing citizenship for babies born in the United States, with only narrow exceptions such as the children of foreign diplomats or members of an enemy occupying force.

The provision at issue, known as the Citizenship Clause, states: "All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside."

The administration has asserted that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" means that being born in the United States is not enough for citizenship, and excludes the babies of immigrants who are in the country illegally or whose presence is lawful but temporary, such as university students or those on work visas.

Citizenship is granted only to the children of those whose "primary allegiance" is to the United States, including citizens and permanent residents, the administration has argued. Such allegiance is established through "lawful domicile," which the administration's lawyers define as "lawful, permanent residence within a nation, with intent to remain."

When the Supreme Court considered the case on April 1, Trump made history as the first sitting president to attend arguments before the top US judicial body, though he left midway through, not long after the lawyer arguing against the administration had begun.

Trump announces meeting with Iran in Qatar despite military skirmishes

WASHINGTON, June 29: President Donald Trump says a meeting will take place between Iran and the United States in Qatar on Tuesday, suggesting that diplomacy is still on track despite the recent military skirmishes in the Gulf.

Trump’s announcement on Monday came less than two hours after a top Iranian official said that technical talks over the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Washington and Tehran “are not planned” for this week.

“IRAN HAS REQUESTED A MEETING. IT WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW IN DOHA!” Trump wrote in a social media post.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the meeting would take place after conditions are met, without providing details.

“Although consultations with Qatar, including regarding the follow-up of the implementation of the other party’s commitments, are ongoing as usual, the news from some media outlets that technical talks of the working groups will be held in Doha cannot be confirmed,” Gharibabadi told Tasnim news agency.

The two statements from Washington and Tehran appear to contradict each other, but it is possible that a breakthrough finalising the meeting occurred after Gharibabadi’s comment.

Iran, however, has not confirmed that talks have been scheduled.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will lead the US negotiating team in Doha.

“Special Envoy Witkoff and Jared Kushner will be flying to Doha for high-level meetings this week as we continue to discuss the memorandum of understanding,” she told Fox News.

Leavitt added that technical talks will take place on the sidelines of the high-level negotiations.

Iran will no longer exist if violations continue: Trump amid tit-for-tat strikes

WASHINGTON, June 28: US President Donald Trump warned on Saturday that "the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist" if Washington is forced to "militarily complete the job" it started earlier this year, after the United States carried out a second consecutive day of strikes against Iranian targets and accused Tehran of breaching a ceasefire agreement.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said US aircraft had struck Iranian missile and drone storage facilities as well as coastal radar sites, accusing Tehran of violating the ceasefire agreement.

"United States aircraft just struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations, and coastal radar sites, for violating the Cease Fire Agreement, AGAIN!" Trump wrote. "There may come a point when we are no longer able to be reasonable, and will be forced to militarily complete the job that we very successfully started. If that happens, the Islamic Republic of Iran will no longer exist," the US President said in a post.

The remarks came after US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced fresh strikes on multiple targets in Iran. The military said the operation was carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief after Iran allegedly launched a one-way attack drone that struck the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku near the Strait of Hormuz.

According to CENTCOM, the vessel was carrying more than two million barrels of crude oil when it was hit. The US military said Saturday's operation targeted Iranian surveillance infrastructure, communication systems, air defence sites, drone storage facilities and minelayer capabilities.

The latest strikes followed US military action on Friday against Iranian missile and drone facilities and coastal radar installations. Washington said those attacks were retaliation for an alleged Iranian drone strike on a commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, marking the first direct US military response since the two countries reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding aimed at reducing tensions and preventing further escalation.

Hours before Friday's operation, Trump hinted that a response was imminent. Asked by reporters whether the United States would retaliate, he replied: "You'll find out."

US Vice President JD Vance also defended the military action and warned Tehran against further attacks.

"Iran signed a ceasefire agreement. We have honored it. If they have disagreements about how the MOU is being applied, they can pick up the phone. But violence will be met with violence," Vance said in a post on X.

The renewed confrontation has raised concerns about security in and around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. The strategic waterway handles a significant share of global oil exports and has long been a flashpoint between Iran and the United States.

The exchange of threats and military action marks the most serious test yet of the fragile understanding reached between Washington and Tehran, with both sides accusing the other of undermining efforts to maintain stability in the region.

Trump says Iran fired 4 drones at ships in Hormuz, calls it ‘foolish’ ceasefire violation

WASHINGTON, June 26: Iran has fired at least four one-way attack drones at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, US President Donald Trump said on Friday, adding that one of the drones hit the upper deck of a cargo ship.

“The Islamic Republic of Iran shot at least four One Way Attack Drones at Ships transversing the Strait of Hormuz. One of the Drones solidly hit the upper deck of a large and very expensive Cargo Carrying Ship. Damage was done, but the Ship was able to proceed on its way. We knocked down three other Drones. Obviously, this is a foolish violation of our Ceasefire Agreement. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wote on Truth Social.

The report of a strike came hours after Iran threatened vessels to stop using the route through the strait without Tehran's permission. The vessel that was attacked was not part of the evacuation effort, said Arsenio Dominguez, the UN agency's secretary-general.

A US official said that the vessel was hit by an Iranian drone.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a sensitive situation, said the merchant vessel Ever Lovely was attacked by a drone being flown by the Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Meanwhile, Iran said on Friday that US military presence in the Gulf is causing insecurity and division in the region. Responding to a joint statement by the US and the Gulf Cooperation Council, Iran said it contained "interventionist, irresponsible and provocative positions".

In the statement by Iran's foreign ministry, Iran also reiterated its position that the Strait of Hormuz should be governed with Oman in line with terms of MOU with the United States.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah chief has warned Israel saying it must 'unconditionally' leave Lebanon after the US-Iran peace deal. The chief also dubbed the peace deal as a declaration of defeat of the US and Israel.

‘100% tariff’: Trump's new threat for countries mulling a digital services tax

WASHINGTON, June 26: US President Donald Trump on Friday threatened countries imposing a digital services tax (DST) on American companies with a 100 per cent tariff, saying it will suspend any US trade deal with that nation.

In a post on social media, Trump took aim at European countries that he said are discussing “imminent” implementation of taxes on American companies.

“Numerous European Countries have been discussing the imminent implementation of a Digital Services Tax on American Companies. Some of these Countries are close to actually doing this. Please let this statement serve to represent that any Country that imposes such a Tax will immediately be met with a 100% TARIFF on any and all Goods sent to the United States of America. This TARIFF will supersede Trade Deals made with the Country, whether implemented, signed, or not. Additionally, the 100% TARIFF will be immediately imposed if they proceed,” he wrote on Truth Social.

Trump's new threat is unlikely to impact India as New Delhi ended some of its DST levies in 2024 and 2025. According to the White House, India will fully remove DST under the trade deal currently in negotiations with the US.

Proponents of special taxes on big tech firms argue that the goal is to force them to pay taxes where they do business, as well as to counter tax optimisation strategies.

The Republican has repeatedly pushed against foreign efforts to tax or regulate American tech giants. Last year, he threatened new tariffs on any country that moved to do so. A post from last August said that digital taxes and regulation “are all designed to harm, or discriminate against, American Technology.”

Earlier this month, Trump threatened to slap a 100 per cent tariff on French wine and champagne unless Paris removes a digital services tax on tech firms. France imposed in 2019 a three per cent levy on the revenues earned by technology firms -- including American giants such as Facebook, Amazon, Apple and Google parent Alphabet -- within the country's borders.

Canada scrapped its digital services tax last year to salvage trade talks with the United States, following pressure from Trump.

Rubio meets Gulf leaders, pledges security amid Iran deal doubts

KUWAIT CITY, June 24: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait on Wednesday, vowing not to ​undermine their security as he sought to reassure Gulf allies sceptical of a proposed deal to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

The U.S.-Iran accord reached last week — the first signed by American and Iranian presidents since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution — includes a proposed $300 billion fund and the waiver of some sanctions for Tehran.

Arriving in the UAE capital Abu Dhabi late on Tuesday for a three-day tour of the oil-rich Gulf, Rubio is undertaking his first high-level diplomatic mission on the agreement to end the four-month-old war with Iran.

"We're not going to do anything that undermines the security of our allies, our longstanding allies in the region," he ​told reporters in Kuwait, his second stop on the tour.

During the war Tehran fought two of the world's most powerful militaries and took effective control of the Strait of Hormuz, ​where commercial shipping of oil and gas was heavily disrupted, rattling energy markets and the world economy.

Rubio held a working lunch in the UAE capital ⁠Abu Dhabi with President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other senior figures, including National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Rubio ​then went to Kuwait and will later head to Bahrain. All three nations host strategic American military bases and were hit by an onslaught of Iranian missiles in the conflict, resulting in civilian deaths.

Rubio ​held talks with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Meshal al-Ahmad al-Sabah on efforts to bolster security and stability, Kuwait's state news agency KUNA said. He also attended a flag-raising at the U.S. Embassy, which resumed operations after Iran-linked drone attacks forced a suspension, the State Department said.

"The American flag: a symbol of liberty, unity and freedom now flies proudly once again over Kuwait City. Kuwait is an indispensable partner for regional security and stability," Rubio wrote on social media ​following the ceremony.

The State Department said Rubio discussed the memorandum of understanding with Iran, safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz, and the importance of peace in the region in ​a meeting with the UAE president.

Rubio also reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the security of the Emirates, a major oil producer.

U.S. regional allies are especially concerned that Iran could use the proposed $300 billion to rebuild its military. The accord ⁠also does not address Tehran's ballistic missile capacity, a concern for Gulf states, which were struck by Iranian missiles and drones in the war.

America's top diplomat, Rubio has been largely absent from Iran-related discussions in recent weeks, with Vice President JD Vance instead leading a round of talks with Iranian counterparts over the weekend in Switzerland.

The UAE, a global financial centre which prides itself on stability in a volatile Middle East, faces significant economic strains as a result of the war.

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 said. The discussions are separate from U.S.-Iran peace talks.

Shipping has through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a fall in oil prices, although the longer-term operation and management of the waterway remain under discussion between Iran, Oman and other Gulf states.

Separately, there are plans for regional ​reconciliation talks to be held in Saudi Arabia between Iran, Gulf Arab states and possibly other regional countries, said a diplomat.

Rubio's remarks during ​his swing through the region ⁠will be closely scrutinised to see how the man once known as a hawkish critic of Iran frames a deal that many congressional Republicans argue amounts to capitulation.

Rubio's mission is delicate: While he needs to defend a preliminary accord that Trump firmly supports, he also has to credibly address the concerns of his Gulf counterparts.

Iran and the United States signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding last week setting out broad agreements in principle ⁠to end the ​war. The interim accord paved the way for 60 days of talks aimed at resolving thornier details, including issues related ​to Iran's nuclear programme.

A central issue in talks is what will happen to Iran's highly enriched uranium, including material enriched to up to 60% purity, a short step from the roughly 90% needed for weapons grade.

Tehran says its nuclear programme is for ​peaceful purposes.

Trump was convinced India charged 175% tariffs, reveals new book: ‘US treated unfairly’

WASHINGTON, June 24: The United States is being treated so unfairly, China charging 150-200 per cent tariffs, India charging 175 per cent, President Donald Trump said in a meeting with US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Tesla CEO Elon Musk, along with tech CEOs in March last year, according to recently-published book.

The meeting was about the semiconductor manufacturing and how the supply chain could be brought to the US. Trump was 'unhappy' about Taiwan's dominance in the chip industry, producing around 70 per cent of semiconductors and 90 per cent of advanced chips.

The revelations of the meeting were made in the book titled “Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump”, written by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan.

The meeting on March 10, 2025 had leaders from key tech firms, including IBM, Dell, HPE, HP, Qualcomm and Intel.

“The US gave it all away,” Trump said, adding, “Ninety-nine percent of the business is in Taiwan.”

Elon Musk, who was heading the now defunct Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), said, “Chip fab capacity in the US is weak. Especially for the most advanced chips. The United States will only have thirty percent of TSMC’s capacity in 2029. If China invades Taiwan, the entire economy crashes.”

Trump, then asked, “What keeps the Taiwanese ahead?”. Turning to the CEOs, he said, “Aren’t you better positioned by being here? No tariffs, less risk?”

The President then warned that those not building in the US will have to pay massive tariffs, adding that the US was being treated unfairly by China and India.

“Those who won’t build here are going to have massive tariffs to pay…not 20 percent, like 100 percent. We’re treated so unfairly, China tariffs us over 150 to 200 percent, India 175 percent,” Trump said.

The book makes another mention of India tariffs when Trump held a "very tense meeting" on March 26 with the President’s economic team on the tariff strategy.

Talking of "real" Tariff numbers, Trump said, “Nobody has fuc*** given me any numbers."

Trump was convinced that India's tariffs on the US were much higher than the ones recorded by the office of the United States Trade Representative.

“Hard facts of how much China tariffs us, how much India tariffs us. You give me bull**** numbers," the President said.

When Lutnick presented the President with the duties on record at USTR, Trump lost his cool and accused his administration of giving him false data.

“No, these are bull**** numbers,” Trump said, calling government data “f***ing bullshit," despite Lutnick's best attempt to convince the US president.

The arguments took place in the run-up to Trump's "Liberation Day" exercise, where he imposed 25 per cent tariffs on India. A few months later, Trump doubled the tariffs to 50 per cent for purchase of Russian oil.

Earlier in February, India and the US agreed to a framework for a bilateral trade agreement. Under the February 7 framework, the US agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods to 18 per cent from 25 per cent, lower than duties facing several competing exporting nations.

However, the US Supreme Court ruling struck down President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and Washington's move to impose a temporary 10 per cent tariff on imports from all countries prompted the two countries to revisit key elements of the proposed framework.

Both the countries are aiming to finalise the pact before July 24 as most US imports will again face normal MFN tariff rates, restoring the pre-April 2025 tariff framework.

Bill Gates Admits To 3 Affairs, Claims Epstein Tried To Blackmail Him

WASHINGTON, June 24: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has told a US congressional panel that disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein may have tried to use details about his personal life to pressure him.

During a closed-door testimony before the US House Oversight Committee, Gates admitted to having affairs with three women and said Epstein knew about two of them.

On June 10, Gates told lawmakers that Epstein knew about his affairs with two Russian women -- bridge player Mila Antonova and nuclear physicist Karima Nigmatulina. He also acknowledged having a third affair with medical entrepreneur Alice Jacobs Nesselrodt.

The testimony came as lawmakers examined Epstein's network and past associations following the release of additional documents.

Gates said the relationships were unrelated to his interactions with Epstein but admitted they caused pain to his family.

"These affairs had nothing to do with my interactions with Epstein, but they were painful for my family," Gates said, according to the transcript. "Epstein was working to use information about my infidelities - in addition to many lies that he layered on top - to pressure me to re-engage with him."

Gates told lawmakers that while Epstein never actually blackmailed him, he believed Epstein may have considered doing so.

"He never blackmailed me, but looking at these emails, it raises a serious probability that he contemplated blackmailing me," Gates said.

He pointed to a 2013 email draft written by Epstein that appeared to reference allegations about Gates' personal life and his former employee Boris Nikolic. Gates said the message seemed like an attempt to create leverage.

"Who knows if he ever sent it to Dr. Nikolic, but it looks like he's musing on using a mixture of facts and falsities as an effort, almost like a blackmail, to advance some goal," Gates said.

Gates has denied any connection to Epstein's crimes and said continuing contact with him was a mistake. He said their meetings were mainly linked to discussions about philanthropy and possible donor connections.

"I know he was convicted. I knew about that. I was willing to take a chance on meeting with him in a limited role," Gates said.

Lawmakers also questioned Gates about claims in Epstein-related documents suggesting he had concerns about a sexually transmitted infection after an affair.

Gates rejected the allegations and said he never had an STD or secretly provided medication to anyone.

"I never had an STD... I may have indicated some concern about whether I had an STD; I don't recall that. But I never had an STD. I never gave medicines to anyone covertly," Gates said.

Gates said he met Epstein around 12 to 14 times and had two video calls with him over a four-year period. He said Epstein repeatedly suggested he could connect him with wealthy donors for charitable work, but those promises never resulted in anything.

The renewed scrutiny has also reached the Gates Foundation, which announced an external review of its past interactions with Epstein. Emails released earlier showed communication between Epstein and some foundation staff members.

Trump draws red line for Iran, says preventing nuclear weapon ‘supersedes’ depression risk

WASHINGTON, June 23: US President Donald Trump on Monday said he would take whatever steps he considers necessary if Iran fails to follow through on any agreement reached after the first round of technical discussions between the two countries in Switzerland.

Speaking at the White House Oval Office during the signing of two Executive Orders on quantum technology, Trump said any failure by Tehran to comply would invite a response from Washington.

"If Iran doesn't live up to their agreement, or if they're not behaving, I will do what I have to do," Trump told reporters.

He added that continued cooperation from Iran would help maintain stability, saying, "As long as they respect us, we are not going to have any trouble."

Trump dismissed concerns that possible military action against Iran could hurt the global economy, including fears of triggering a worldwide depression. He said preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains a bigger priority.

"Well, not the way I'm doing it. It's not going to cause depression," Trump said.

Explaining his position, Trump said, "If they don't abide by -- well, nuclear weapons supersede depression," adding, "Depression is real bad... a nuclear weapon will cause depression much more quickly."

The US President also reiterated that military options would remain available if Iran does not comply with any future agreement.

Trump’s latest remarks come after he had earlier indicated that he was not concerned about the financial impact of military action against Iran, saying the nuclear issue was more important than economic consequences.

At a White House Easter Egg Roll event, Trump said that if he had his choice, he would move into Iran and take over its oil resources. Responding to questions about support from his MAGA supporters for the war, Trump said Republicans supported his decision but would also like to see US forces return home.

"But remember that wars last years, we're in there for 34 days, and we have obliterated a very powerful country. If it were up to me, I would like to keep the oil. But I just don't think people of the United States would understand," he said.

Trump added that he would prefer taking control of the oil, keeping it, and making money from it.

Trump says Iran ‘will agree’ to weapons inspection as part of deal

WASHINGTON, June 22: “Everybody is fully aware that Iran will agree to have Major Weapons Inspections in order to ensure “Nuclear Honesty” long into the future,” Trump posted on social media.

Iran will continue its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in line with existing procedures, foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told IRNA.

The interactions with the IAEA will take place in “accordance with the approvals of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the decisions of the Supreme National Security Council”, IRNA quoted Baghaei as saying.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to visit Bahrain, Kuwait and the UAE tomorrow.

He will attend a GCC meeting in Bahrain, and is set to discuss the MoU and the Strait of Hormuz during his visit.

US grants 60-day waiver on Iranian oil sanctions as part of interim deal to end war

WASHINGTON, June 22: The US treasury has issued a 60-day license permitting countries to continue purchasing Iranian oil, providing temporary relief from sanctions restrictions.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent took to social media on Monday to say that the US would "continue to make the world safer and more prosperous."

"In line with the ongoing productive talks in Switzerland, Iran has committed to free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz and to permit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors into their country," he wrote.

"As part of the framework, Treasury has issued a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil," Bessent added.

The license authorises the production, delivery and sale of Iranian oil and will remain in effect through August 21.

The move came on Monday as US Vice President JD Vance said his lengthy talks with senior Iranian officials in Switzerland had created a "good foundation for a successful final deal."

Negotiators are seeking a permanent end to the US-Iran war.

US, Iran Sign Peace Deal

PARIS, June 19: US President Donald Trump has signed an agreement with Iran aimed at bringing an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

The signing took place during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles following the G7 summit.

"President Trump signed tonight at Versailles the agreement between Iran and the United States. This agreement paves the way for lasting peace and allows the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. It is an important step in the right direction for our compatriots that will soon enable a decrease in energy prices," Macron wrote in a post on X.

Iran also confirmed that it has signed the deal. "The text of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding was finalised with the signatures of the presidents -- now it is time to test the implementation of the agreement," Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, quoted by the state news agency IRNA.

The formal signing had originally been planned to take place in Switzerland on Friday. Tehran said the Geneva meeting is still on track.

With the document now signed, the US and Iran will have 60 days to negotiate the terms of a final agreement.

Earlier on Wednesday, US officials read out the wording of the document during a conference call. This followed growing public pressure over the lack of transparency surrounding the deal, which Trump had first announced on Sunday.

Formally titled the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran", the document calls for an "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon."

Under the terms of the agreement, the US has committed to removing its naval blockade of Iran within 30 days. During that period, vessel traffic is expected to be restored in line with pre-war levels. The document also states that the US will withdraw its forces from the vicinity of Iran within 30 days of a final deal being concluded.

The memorandum further states that "Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days."

The signing brings to an end a war that had lasted around 110 days, since the United States and Israel first launched strikes on Iran on 28 February.

Peace deal to be signed ‘shortly’, says Trump; vessel ‘attacked’ near Yemen

EVIAN, June 17: US President Donald Trump said the new agreement with Iran will be signed “shortly,” possibly within the next day or two. Speaking to reporters at G7, he said Iran also wants to move ahead with the deal. The United States, Iran, and mediators are discussing moving up the signing of their memorandum of understanding (MoU) from Friday to as early as Wednesday, according to Axios.

At the G7 summit sidelines, US President Donald Trump described the US-Iran MoU as a “wall” designed to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. He called the agreement “very strong” and “pretty detailed,” and said he believes Iran wants to sign it and return to “a normal life” after the war.

On Israel’s bombardment in Lebanon, Trump said he supports Israel’s right to defend itself but asked it to use “good judgement” in its operations.

A leaked 14-point draft US-Iran memorandum reportedly focuses on an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation, but leaves key nuclear issues unresolved, CNN reported. Tehran, though, says leaked MoU version is ‘inaccurate and incomplete’, as per Tasnim News Agency.

The peace agreement is “not final”, US President Donald Trump said earlier at G7. “No, it's not final. It's a Memorandum of Understanding. And if I don't like it, we'll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs on their head. If I don't like it, if they don't behave, we'll go right back to dropping bombs right smack in the middle of their head,” he said.

Trump's help offer if India ever attacked, Modi's Hormuz appeal

EVIAN, June 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump met after 16 months. Several issues were discussed, including the safety of seafarers amid ship attacks, the reopening of Strait of Hormuz, and the future of India-US trade.

Trump said the United States would “be there for India” if it is ever attacked. “If anybody attacks that man (pointing to Modi), we're gonna be there. Now, if there's a new leader, I'm not sure," Trump said.

On US-India relations and trade, Trump described Modi as a “very tough negotiator,” praising his political instincts and leadership style.

“He’s one of the toughest, actually. He’s the most beautiful-looking man. He looks so nice. He’s like an angel. But actually, he’s as tough as they come,” Trump said, adding that appearances can be “deceptive” when it comes to the Indian leader.

Trump also indicated future engagement, saying, “We’ll be going to India sometime in the future.”

He remarked that India plays a “big role in everything,” adding, “As long as he is the leader, India plays a big role,” referring to Modi.

The US President further said that people in India hold “tremendous respect” for Modi.

Modi raised concerns over the safety of Indian seafarers operating in the Strait of Hormuz during the brief interaction, and also mentioned stability in West Asia.

“Many Indian seafarers in Strait of Hormuz, their safety of utmost importance,” Modi told Trump at a bilateral meet.

Modi has told Trump on the sidelines of the G7 that the deal with Iran offers “new hope for peace and stability” in West Asia. “And I am confident that this will lead to a longstanding peace in the region,” the prime minister said.

Modi says he and Trump “agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is vital for the global economy”. India has “consistently emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation”, he added.

"Lakhs of Indian seafarers operate in maritime sector; I believe that their security is equally important,” Modi told Trump.

 

Trump Says Iran 'Agreed' To Never Have Nukes, Rejects $300 Million Fund Claim

WASHINGTON, June 16: US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran has agreed to never acquire nuclear weapons, even as the details regarding the future of Tehran's nuclear programme under the interim peace deal agreed between both nations remain obscure. The US leader also sought to cast doubt on Iran getting a $300 billion reconstruction fund as part of a peace agreement if the Islamic Republic upholds its obligations.

"Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon! Also, the story that the US is paying Iran 300 million Dollars is Fake News, put out by the Dumocrats," Trump wrote in a post on his Truth Social platform.

The available details regarding the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran indicate that it includes the possibility of releasing Iran's frozen funds, sanctions relief and a $300 billion fund to help rebuild Iran if Tehran meets certain benchmarks.

Team Trump has also not yet explained how his agreement will address Iran's nuclear programme, including who will be in charge of verifying that Iran is in compliance and who will destroy or remove highly enriched uranium believed to be buried under nuclear sites that were badly damaged by US strikes last summer.

But Iranian media reports have claimed that any final agreement on Iran's nuclear issue would be reached during a 60-day negotiation period after the signing of the MoU on Friday, June 19.

The copy of the document has not been released yet. US Vice President JD Vance told ABC News that the White House would release the text this week.

He said, "And what everybody will see is that Iran doesn't get a dime of money unless they perform their obligations."

Vance also backed Trump's position on Iran's nuclear future. He said the president's diplomatic efforts had once again delivered results and reaffirmed that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remained a central objective of the agreement.

In a video message shared on X, he said, "The President has been clear from day one: Iran will never have a nuclear weapon. Once again, President Trump's efforts to establish peace have paid off for the American people, despite countless attempts to thwart it by people who hate America and President Trump."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has described the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States as the outcome of months of negotiations and sustained diplomatic efforts, saying that its successful implementation could become a source of national pride.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian praised officials and institutions involved in the negotiations that culminated in the agreement, which is expected to be formally signed later this week.

"The memorandum of understanding that has been drafted is the result of months of dialogue and persistent follow-ups in this regard, and if all its provisions are properly implemented, it can be considered a document of pride for the country," Pezeshkian wrote.

"I deem it necessary to thank my brothers, Dr alibaf, Araghchi, the members of the Shura Council, and all those who played a role in this path," he added.

Trump says Iran deal ‘all signed,’ document to be released after Friday

WASHINGTON, June 15: The US and Iran have reached a tentative deal to extend their ceasefire and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. The agreement is expected to be signed in Geneva on Friday, but many details are still unclear. Even if it goes ahead, it could take months for energy markets to stabilise after the disruption caused by the strait’s closure.

Big hurdles remain on the ground. Israel says it will not pull back from areas it seized in Lebanon, where it is still fighting Hezbollah. Since Israel is not part of the deal, that could complicate things further.

US President Donald Trump said the peace agreement being signed to end the West Asia war does not include any sanctions relief for Iran, adding that any such measures would depend on Iran’s compliance with its commitments.

He said the text of the memorandum of understanding will be released “sometime after Friday,” describing it as a “very powerful document” that differs from past agreements.

Trump also confirmed that Vice President JD Vance will attend the official signing ceremony, while noting he may or may not be present. He said the Iran deal is “all signed,” with US officials stating it was electronically signed by Trump, JD Vance, and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, though Iran has not yet confirmed this.

Trump further said oil prices are falling and stock markets are rising following the announcement, and stated that the Strait of Hormuz will be “completely open” from Friday, with shipping expected to resume gradually.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described the agreement as bringing an immediate end to the war between the two countries and said negotiations for a final agreement would begin within two months.

The peace announcement came hours after tensions had escalated over an Israeli strike targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Beirut, which had threatened to derail diplomatic efforts.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that both sides had agreed to permanently terminate military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Sharif also thanked the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey for supporting the mediation process that led to the agreement.

Trump says Iran deal signing in ‘few hours from now’, blames Israel for delay

WASHINGTON, June 14: US President Donald Trump on Sunday said the signing of the peace deal between US and Iran would be done “in a few hours from now”, Axios reported.

Trump told Axios over a phone call that the Israeli strikes on Lebanon “shook" the deal up. “It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now,” Trump said.

Trump said he fumed at Israeli PM Netanyahu after Israeli strikes on Beirut.

“Why did Bibi (Netanyahu) have to do an attack? I was so pissed off. I let him know. He has no…judgement,” Trump told Axios.

Israel and Hezbollah have continued to trade fire on Sunday, even as the latter launched three drones towards Israeli territory. Following this, Israel said it had struck a Hezbollah command centre in southern Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warning that Israel won't tolerate “fire directed at its territory.”

With a proposed Iran peace deal appearing within reach, Trump is set to take the next step at the G7 summit, where he is expected to discuss international efforts to de-mine the Strait of Hormuz and restore normal shipping through the strategic waterway, Associated Press reported citing a US official.

The UK and France, both members of the G7, have signalled their readiness to assist in demining operations in the strait after a pause in the conflict.

Iran says peace deal with US in 'coming days'

WASHINGTON, June 13: After Pakistan said that a peace deal between the US and Iran will be finalised within 24 hours, Iran said that no signing will take place on Sunday, though it said the deal could be signed in the coming days. Pakistan Prime Minister Shebaz Sharif suggested the initial deal could be signed on Sunday, but Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei was later quoted by state media as saying caution was needed when commenting on the timing.

"We will have to wait and see about the exact date of the signing of the memorandum of understanding, although it will not be tomorrow," Baghaei was quoted as saying.

"The possibility of this happening in the coming days cannot be ruled out. However, due to the hesitation of the other side, we must be cautious in making any comments about this process."

Earlier, Sharif said that the US and Iran have agreed to a framework for a peace deal that would end the months-long conflict in the Middle East, with a final text of the deal reached, it was reported.

Pakistan is now preparing for an electronic signing expected within the next 24 hours followed by technical-level talks next week, Sharif said.

The United States and Iran have agreed on the wording of a deal aimed to bring an end to their war in West Asia, said Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He added that Pakistan, which has been leading mediation efforts, is working with both sides on the next steps.

The reported progress in negotiations follows three days of exchanges involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this week, which raised fears of a wider conflict across the region.

Rubio tells India 'ships violating US blockade in Hormuz won't be tolerated', days after Indian seafarers killed

WASHINGTON, June 13: All commercial vessels should immediately comply with US orders in the Strait of Hormuz, US secretary of state Marco Rubio told India's external affairs minister S Jaishankar on Saturday.

“Violations of US blockade and illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated,” Rubio told Jaishankar.

Jaishankar is currently on a visit to Europe and held a telephonic conversation with Rubio during which he raised the killing of three Indian mariners in a US military strike on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman.

Three Indian-crewed vessels came under US attack near Oman in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalated tensions around the strategic oil passage this week. Three Indian crew members were killed in the attacks, following which India lodged 'strong protest' with the US.

On Friday, India summoned the most senior American diplomat in New Delhi for the second time this week to protest attacks by US forces on merchant vessels in West Asia.

Modi, Trump Will Meet In France, Confirms White House

WASHINGTON, June 13: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet US President Donald Trump in France where the G7 summit is scheduled next week, the White House confirmed on Saturday.

Modi left for a week-long tour of France and Slovakia. In his departure statement, the Prime Minister said France occupies "a special place in India's strategic vision".

"France occupies a special place in India's strategic vision. Earlier this year, President Macron visited India, and we elevated our relationship to a Special Global Strategic Partnership," Modi said.

Peace deal 'closer than ever', says Abbas Araghchi; Trump shows agreement with a repost

WASHINGTON, June 12: Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif said that a “final, agreed upon text” of a US-Iran peace deal has been reached amid ongoing mediation efforts by Islamabad. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said that the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” was closer than ever to completion. He added that Iran would share full details with the public once the agreement was signed.

Media reports earlier released details of a proposed peace agreement with the US. The draft reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days, the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets and a 60-day period of negotiations on nuclear issues. Donald Trump and JD Vance dismissed these reports as “fake.”

Iran pushed back against reports that it would give up control of the strategic waterway, insisting that the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iranian authority even if shipping resumes. Iranian officials have also stressed that no final agreement has been reached yet, despite US President Donald Trump's claims of a breakthrough in talks.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran will not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, even as Trump signals that a deal with Tehran may be close. “As long as I am the prime minister of Israel – Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” Netanyahu said in a statement from his office, adding that he and Trump are in “full agreement” on the issue. He also claimed Iran would already have developed nuclear bombs to target Israel if not for his efforts to prevent it, reiterating, “As long as I am the prime minister of Israel this will not happen.”

A senior Iranian official reportedly said a proposal for a memorandum of understanding with the US is “under consideration” by top leaders, though the timing of any agreement remains uncertain.

In Lebanon, the Health Ministry reported Israeli attacks have killed 3,711 people and injured 11,483, while Israeli forces continued bombardments in southern Lebanon.

Hopes over a possible peace agreement between Iran and the United States grew on Friday after Trump said a deal could be signed as early as this weekend. However, Iran said it has not yet taken a final decision on the proposed deal.

If finalised, the agreement would mark the biggest diplomatic step so far towards ending the three-month conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and pushed global energy prices higher.

Trump announced what he described as a "great settlement" to end the war with Iran and said he expected the agreement to be signed in Europe, possibly this weekend.

"We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.

The two sides would, "subject to finalisation of documents, which should get done over the next few days, probably have a signing, maybe in Europe. It's a great thing."

Trump said he believed Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had personally approved the agreement, adding that Iran had accepted it because they had "taken a pounding."

He also said the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments that Iran claims to have closed, would reopen once the agreement is signed.

Trump says 'great settlement' reached with Iran, deal may be signed in Europe

WASHINGTON, June 11: US President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran could sign a peace agreement as early as this weekend, a move that would pave the way for the reopening of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. If finalised, the deal would mark the most significant diplomatic breakthrough so far in efforts to end the three-month conflict, which has claimed thousands of lives and triggered a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that Tehran is likely to approve the agreement, although the country has yet to issue an official response.

Trump said that he had canceled planned strikes against Iran, hours after threatening further bombings and expressing a desire to "take" the country's key oil export hub of Kharg Island.

"Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening," Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social.

Trump said "discussions and final points" had been approved by the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and others.

"The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized — Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly," he said.

“The United States will be hitting Iran (Whose Navy, Air Force, Radar, Anti Aircraft, and all other forms of Defence, together with most of its offensive capability, are GONE!), VERY HARD TONIGHT," he said.

Trump also suggested that Washington would target key Iranian energy infrastructure, including major oil export facilities such as Kharg Island, a central hub for the country’s crude exports.

"At some point in the not too distant future, we will be taking Kharg Island, and other oil infrastructure points, and assume total control of their Oil and Gas Markets, much like we have with Venezuela, which is working out brilliantly for both Venezuela and the United States of America,” he wrote.

An explosion was heard off the coast of Sirik in Iran's southern Hormozgan province on Thursday, Iranian state television reported. The cause of the blast was not immediately known, and authorities had yet to provide further details. Sirik lies near the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

CENTCOM said US forces disabled the tanker MT Jalveer in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly violated the Iran blockade. This was the third commercial vessel carrying Indian crew that was targeted by American forces this week, they said.

A tense, two-month-old ceasefire between the two countries is rapidly deteriorating following a consecutive second night of American airstrikes. On Thursday, the Iranian foreign ministry issued its sharpest rebuke yet, declaring that Washington’s military actions have rendered the hard-fought truce “practically meaningless.”

The recent spike in hostilities follows Washington's allegations that Iran downed a US Army Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the week. US Central Command (CENTCOM) then launched "self-defence strikes" targeting Iranian air defence networks, radar sites, and ground control stations in southern provinces like Hormozgan.

Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority has reportedly instructed vessels that have already received transit permits to remain patient, saying the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until further notice, according to Iranian state media.

The United States carried out a second wave of airstrikes on Iran into Thursday morning, after President Donald Trump warned that Tehran would "pay the price" for delays in negotiations. The fresh attacks marked another escalation in tensions between the two countries and threatened efforts to preserve a fragile ceasefire.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said on Thursday that it had carried out retaliatory strikes against 18 US military sites located at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Bahrain's interior ministry said warning sirens had been activated.

The strikes mark the latest turn in the growing military confrontation between the two sides, raising fears of a return to full-scale conflict, which had been put on hold in early April after both countries agreed to a fragile ceasefire.

The US military said it carried out strikes on several targets in Iran for a second consecutive day, after Trump accused Tehran of delaying negotiations on a temporary peace agreement.

“CENTCOM forces launched strikes on Iranian military surveillance capabilities, communication systems, and air defence sites across Iran,” CENTCOM said in an update posted on X.

The command said US forces “fired precision munitions on Iranian targets that posed a threat to US forces and international commercial ships transiting regional waters” in “response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression.”

“US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and ready,” it added.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Thursday that it had carried out retaliatory attacks on 18 US military targets at airbases in Kuwait and Bahrain. Bahrain's interior ministry said warning sirens had been activated.

"During two waves of operations, eighteen important targets belonging to the US Army in the bases of Ali and Ahmad Ahmad Air Force (were hit)," the Guards said in a statement carried by state-run IRNA. The statement added that they also "hit and destroyed Sheikh Isa air bases".

Iran's top military command warned that it would target any vessel attempting to move through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained largely shut for months.

US Admits Attack On 3rd Ship With Indian Crew In Gulf

NEW DELHI, June 11: India has strongly condemned the attacks on tankers manned by Indian seafarers in the Gulf in the last few days. Terming the attacks "deeply worrisome", the External Affairs Ministry on Thursday called for an immediate end to such attacks.

After a fire incident was reported on a vessel with Indian crew members off the coast of Oman, the US Central Command admitted to firing two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine room.

This is the third ship with an Indian crew that came under attack near Oman this week.

In a post on X, the US Central Command said, "U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) acted against Guinea-Bissau flagged M/T Jalveer as it attempted to transport oil from Iran through the Gulf of Oman. A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine room after the crew repeatedly failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces."

According to their post, the US Central Command has disabled nine non-compliant vessels, redirected 135 ships that complied, and allowed 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid to pass since initiating the blockade on April 13.

According to Iran's Mehr news agency, five of the 20 crew members were rescued by passing vehicles and taken to Oman.

India has strongly condemned the attacks on tankers manned by Indian seafarers in the Gulf in the last few days. Terming the attacks "deeply worrisome", the External Affairs Ministry on Thursday called for an immediate end to such attacks.

"There have been several incidents involving Indian seafarers in West Asia in the last few days. We attach high importance to the welfare and well-being of our seafarers' community. We need not re-emphasise this point," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

"Yesterday, we condemned the attack on a ship off the coast of Oman in which, unfortunately, we lost three Indian nationals. We had summoned the US CDA here to register a strong protest. We expect the US to take due note of our protest," Jaiswal added.

MT Jalveer is the third ship with an Indian crew to come under attack near Oman in recent days. Three Indian crew members were reported missing after a Palau-flagged oil tanker, Settebello, was attacked by US forces off Oman. The US military said it had fired on a tanker attempting to breach its blockade of Iran.

Before that, on Monday, fire erupted aboard MT Marivex, carrying 24 Indian seafarers south of the Strait of Hormuz, after it was attacked.

Trump To Hit Iran Hard Again Today

WASHINGTON, June 10: The United States launched airstrikes early Wednesday against Iran, and U.S. President Donald Trump said more were on the way, as Tehran fired back at countries in the region. The escalating attacks threatened to derail efforts to end the war, with Trump warning that Tehran would "pay the price" for stalled peace negotiations.

Trump's warning came hours after Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan - all of which host U.S. troops - came under Iranian fire. It was the second time this week that back-and-forth strikes have tested a two-month ceasefire. On Monday, Iran and Israel targeted each other.

"We're going to hit them again hard today," Trump told reporters at the White House. He wouldn't say if he planned to follow through on threats he made earlier in the war to attack bridges and utility plants in Iran. He urged Iran to sign a deal with the U.S.

"We were really close to a deal but they keep tapping us along," Trump said.

Trump's comments underlined the American leader's whipsaw approach to the war. He suggested on Monday that a deal to end the conflict could be reached in a matter of days.

In the latest strikes, U.S. fighter jets targeted "air defense, ground control stations, and surveillance radar sites," the military's Central Command said. Iran acknowledged strikes around Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, but gave no details on damage.

Iran's top diplomat vowed that there would be a response, and Tehran later claimed attacks in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.

Jordan said it shot down five incoming missiles, which Iran said targeted the Muwaffaq Salti Air Base. The base has hosted American F-35 fighter jets and other aircraft. Jordan's state-run Petra news agency reported there were no injuries.

Bahrain and Kuwait said they intercepted incoming fire, without elaborating.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the American attacks as a violation of Iranian sovereignty in calls with his counterparts from Turkey and Saudi Arabia "and emphasized the inherent right of self-defense, including reciprocal action," according to a post on his office's Telegram channel.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in televised comments Wednesday that, following the new attacks, Iran would review its stance on negotiations to end the war.

Efforts to mediate a deal continued. Following consultations with the U.S., a delegation from Qatar arrived in Tehran for talks on Wednesday, according to an official with knowledge of the visit who requested anonymity due to the sensitive of the talks.

The exchanges of fire came a day after a U.S. Army attack helicopter crashed near the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with an Iranian drone, according to a U.S. official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. It wasn't clear whether the collision was intentional.

JD Vance says US peace deal with Iran must ‘solve nuclear problem for the long term’

WASHINGTON, June 10: Washington is positioned to secure a long-term agreement with Iran that addresses the nuclear issue, even as negotiations between the two sides remain stalled over key disputes, US vice president JD Vance has said.

His remarks came as diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran continue to face hurdles over several contentious issues, including limits on Iran’s nuclear programme, monitoring of movement through the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of US sanctions.

“Right now, I feel that we are in a position to get a deal that is good for the United States economically and that really does deal with the Iranian nuclear problem, not just now, not just while Donald Trump is President, but for the long term," Vance said.

“To where my kids can say, when they are adults, Iran does not have a nuclear weapon. That's the goal,” he added.

Negotiations have also been complicated by demands related to unfreezing Iranian assets and concerns over Tehran’s regional proxy groups.

Trump vows to respond after Iran shot down US helicopter

WASHINGTON, June 9: Iranian forces shot down a military helicopter during a patrol over the Strait of Hormuz, Donald Trump has claimed. A US uncrewed naval drone boat rescued two crew members from the helicopter after it went down, officials said. Both the pilots on board survived, the US President said.

“I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump said on Truth Social.

He added that two pilots were involved in the incident and confirmed they are “safe and uninjured.”

“Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack,” he said. The incident was the first known loss of an Apache helicopter since the US and Israel's war on Iran began in February 28.

The incident is the latest flare-up of violence endangering the fragile Iran-US truce, which has repeatedly come under strain due to ongoing clashes across the region.

The US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier said that the cause of the incident was still under investigation. “The soldiers were safely rescued within approximately two hours and are in stable condition,” CENTCOM sai

“The pilots are fine, nobody injured,” earlier Trump told reporters.

The US 5th Fleet’s Task Force 59 serves as the Navy’s first operational artificial intelligence and unmanned systems task force. Created in 2021, it integrates autonomous vessels and drone technology, representing a first-of-its-kind capability within the US Navy.

Ahead of Trump’s post, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the speaker of Iran’s parliament, warned the United States against violating its commitments.

“We prefer the language of diplomacy, but we speak other languages far more fluently. Break your commitments, and we’ll switch to what we speak best,” Ghalibaf said in a post on X on Tuesday.

Ghalibaf, a key figure in ceasefire negotiations, said that Tehran favours diplomacy but is prepared to respond if agreements are breached. “You ride the horse you saddled,” he said.

Trump previously said the US could be on track to declare “total victory” over Iran within the next two weeks. The US president claimed progress on nuclear-related assurances.

“They’re willing to give us everything, they’re willing to give us no nuclear weapon,” he said at a rally on Monday.

Israeli forces were reportedly preparing a major strike in Tehran on Monday when Trump intervened in a call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He asked him to stop, CNN reported citing an Israeli source and a US official. Following the conversation, Netanyahu announced Israel had accepted the US request to pause strikes on Iran, while still continuing to bomb Lebanon.

Trump told Axios he warned Netanyahu that continued strikes on Iran could risk diplomatic isolation for Israel.

After Trump's request, Iran and Israel halt strikes against each other

WASHINGTON, June 8: As tensions escalate in West Asia amid a cracking ceasefire, both Israel and Iran targeted petrochemical sites in each other's territories on Monday. However, upon US President Donald Trump's request, both Tel Aviv and Tehran announced a halt in strikes.

After a day of trading strikes, Iran and Israel put a hold to attacks on each other on Monday. After Iran said it was halting hostilities, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu also asserted that the “fire on that front is contained.”

After Iran's offensive on Sunday night, US President Donald Trump had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to not launch any retaliatory strikes and to let diplomacy take care of the situation, Axios reported citing a senior US official and an Israel source familiar with the development.

According to the senior US official, there was no “green light” by the US for the Israeli strike on Beirut on Sunday.

The US official also told Axios that during the call, Trump asked Netanyahu not to escalate the situation because they are “close to doing something good in terms of a deal”. However, Netanyahu pushed back to the request before “pseudo agreeing” to it, the official said.

"We think the president bought a little bit of time. He is pretty adamant that we are close to a deal with Iran. I don't think anything is imminent in terms of an Israeli strike," the official was quoted as saying.

Israeli defence forces had struck military targets in Iran early Monday in retaliation to Iran's missile attack at Israel late Sunday. This fresh exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel was the first one since temporary ceasefire took place on April 8.

So far since Monday morning, Israeli forces have warned that a third barrage of missiles has been fired from Iran. Earlier in the day, Israel said that it hit a petrochemical plant in Iran's Mahshahr.

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen also said they fired missiles at Israel and have completely banned Israeli ships from navigating through the Red Sea.

"We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea," said a statement by the Houthis.

"We consider all enemy movements to be legitimate military targets for our armed forces from the moment this statement is issued," the statement added.

The Indian embassy in Iran advised people on Monday to avoid travelling to Iran amid renewed strikes in the region. It also asked Indian nationals in Iran to leave the country by any available means of transport.

On Sunday, Iran struck Israel after Tehran warned of action over Netanyahu's repeated attacks on Lebanon. The war between Lebanon and Israel has been a major front in the ongoing conflict with Israel continuing to attack it while Tehran has maintained that ceasefire there is key for a peace deal with the United States.

Earlier in the day, Israel took Lebanon capital Beirut's southern suburbs with surprise with strikes with no prior warning, going against its ally US' request to hold off fighting. According to Israel, before it struck Lebanon, Iran-backed Hezbollah fighters fired at Israel on Sunday itself.

Trump not to unfreeze Iran's assets before deal is done

WASHINGTON, June 7: U.S. President ​Donald Trump said ‌in a recent ​interview with ⁠NBC News’ “Meet the Press” that he would ‌not unfreeze Iranian assets ‌or lift ‌any ⁠sanctions before a ⁠peace deal is reached.

Trump said he ​would ‌consider those steps after an agreement is done. “Comes after,” ‌he said. “Yeah. ​If they behave, if they do ⁠a good job, we start ‌talking. Yeah.”

He also said that he was not demanding that ‌Lebanon be a part ​of a short-term deal with ⁠Tehran

The Trump administration has been trying ​to negotiate a potential peace deal for weeks. “We’re very close to a deal, ⁠or I’m going to blow the hell out of them,” Trump told NBC News.

The president ‌also said he would be willing to speak with Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen in public since being wounded in U.S. strikes at the beginning of the conflict. “I don’t want to ‌say whether or not I know where he ​is, but there’s a good probability that I do.”

Top Trump administration ⁠officials such as Secretary of State Marco Rubio insist ⁠a temporary ceasefire agreement has been holding up despite recent U.S. strikes on ‌Iran, telling lawmakers last week those are defensive actions.

Trump's refusal to stop Israel's actions in Lebanon remains a hurdle to US-Iran peace deal

WASHINGTON, June 7: Amid stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran, US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he will not demand the inclusion of Lebanon in a peace deal. Trump's remarks come as Israel continues its attacks on Beirut, despite a ceasefire agreement between Tel Aviv and the Iran-backed, Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

Speaking to US-based outlet NBC News, the US president stated Iran would "like to see" a ceasefire in Lebanon. "I think they'd like to see it, but I'm not demanding," he said in the interview recorded on Friday.

Trump also stated that he would like to see attacks that are more surgical against Hezbollah. "I'd like to see Lebanon have a better life. I'd like to see a more surgical attack on Hezbollah. I think it should be more surgical," he said.

Ironically, Trump's remarks also come after he told the journalist that the US is "very close" to a deal with Iran.

"We're very close. We have a couple of points; they don't even seem like big points. They've conceded the fact that they will not have nuclear weapons," he told NBC News moments before the Lebanon factor.

Meanwhile, Israel has continued its strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs as part of its conflict with Hezbollah.Despite a ceasefire agreement between the two, brokered by the US, Israel and Hezbollah continue to exchange fire.

An evacuation warning was also issued on Sunday, after which the IDF stated it "struck a militant command centre in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, in response to Hezbollah's fire towards Israeli territory."

However, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA), the strikes targeted two apartments in two buildings.

The first ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was signed on April 17. But the truce has not been respected.

So much so, the attacks in Lebanon have now threatened the already fragile truce between Tehran and Washington.

During negotiations, the US launched fresh strikes towards Iran. Iran also responded with fresh attacks against US bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Since the start of the talks with the US, Iran has called for the inclusion of Lebanon in a ceasefire deal.

As Israel intensified its attacks and expanded military operations, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi took to X, accusing both the US and Israel of violating the truce.

Araghchi added that the responsibility for any consequences of these violations will be on the US and Israel to bear.

Furthermore, in a latest warning, Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei warned of a "painful response" from Tehran if Israel continues to strike Lebanon.

"We will deliver a decisive and painful response to the Zionist regime's attack on Dahiyeh. These rabid dogs must be disciplined and put back in their place. Look at the sky over the occupied lands tonight," he wrote on X.

U.S., Iran exchange fire as Hormuz tensions persist

WASHINGTON, June 6: The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire again overnight, the latest in a series of skirmishes that has kept tensions high in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. military said it shot down four Iranian attack drones that had been launched toward the strategic waterway, which Iran has effectively shut down since early in the war and which the U.S.

Meanwhile, Iran condemned on Saturday a nighttime U.S. attack on coastal radar installations in the Gulf, calling it a “flagrant” violation of the ceasefire in place since April.

The Foreign Ministry said it was an attack “on the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic”, denouncing Washington’s “hostile and provocative behaviour”.

Trump confident of India trade deal despite new tariff threat

WASHINGTON, June 5: President Donald Trump has expressed confidence that India and the US will soon reach a trade deal, even as fresh tariff proposals from his administration threaten to complicate negotiations.

"We'll get to a deal, because I like your prime minister a lot," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. "He's a good friend of mine. We get along great, and we're going to make a deal."

His comments came after a US delegation, led by chief negotiator Brendan Lynch, held several days of talks in Delhi aimed at finalising an interim trade agreement between the two countries.

India's commerce ministry said both sides remained committed to reaching a mutually beneficial bilateral trade pact.

But the talks this week also faced certain unexpected hurdles.

Even as the US delegation was still in Delhi, the US trade department proposed new tariffs on dozens of countries over concerns they were not doing enough to tackle forced labour.

India was on the list, facing an additional 12.5% tariff on its exports to the US.

Delhi has said that the proposed tariffs are not yet final and that the US Trade Representative would consider public comments and testimony before taking a final decision. It added that talks on a broader trade agreement were continuing.

Meanwhile, Trump also repeated his criticism of India's trade policies, saying the country had for years "taken advantage" of the US through high tariffs.

"They charged us tremendous tariffs and paid nothing...Now it is the exact reverse and we are making a lot of money with India," he told reporters on Thursday.

India was among the first countries to open trade talks with the US last year, but a final agreement is yet to be reached.

The two countries agreed to a framework of the interim deal in February and had been expected to finalise it in March. But the talks were overshadowed by uncertainty after the US Supreme Court struck down many of Trump's tariffs, ruling them "illegal".

At one point, the US imposed tariffs of up to 50% on some Indian goods before cutting them to 18% in February. After the top court ruling, they were reduced to 10%.

This slash in duty came after India in February committed to buying more American goods, including energy, aircrafts, technology and agricultural products worth $500bn.

Trump May Resume War With Iran If US Troops Are Killed: Report

WASHINGTON, June 4: US President Donald Trump has privately told aides that he would consider ending the ceasefire with Iran if Tehran kills American troops, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials. For now, however, the ceasefire remains in place despite a series of clashes between the two sides.

The latest fighting has raised concerns about the durability of the ceasefire, which came into effect in early April. This week saw some of the most intense exchanges so far, with Iran launching missiles and drones at US bases in the region as well as Kuwait's international airport, which left one Indian dead.

Despite the violence, Trump appears reluctant to return to a full-scale conflict. Officials said the president may be willing to tolerate limited flare-ups rather than risk a wider war in the Middle East.

Tensions have also remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global trade and energy supplies. Iran has restricted movement through the waterway, while the US has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports, disrupting shipping and energy markets.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the recent military exchanges as defensive responses rather than a collapse of the ceasefire.

"They are happening in response to an Iranian action," Rubio said during a House hearing on Wednesday. "If they don't shoot at those ships, we don't shoot, but we have to respond."

Even so, repeated attacks have increased pressure on the White House and raised questions about whether the ceasefire can hold over the long term.

Trump has repeatedly said that a broader agreement with Iran is close. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end Iran's nuclear activities and eliminate its stockpile of enriched uranium.

At the same time, the president has indicated that negotiations may take time. In an interview published Wednesday, he suggested the US blockade could continue until Labour Day, though he said that outcome was not certain.

India, US reaffirm commitment to reach trade agreement as talks conclude

NEW DELHI, June 4: India and the United States on Thursday reaffirmed commitment to reach trade agreement following the conclusion of talks in New Delhi. The two countries moved closer to the interim trade deal after four days of talks during US chief negotiator's India visit between June 1 to 4, the government said in a statement.

“A delegation from the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), led by the Chief Negotiator, visited India from 1–4 June 2026 to advance discussions on the Trade Agreement,” the statement read.

It further added that during the talks, the two sides held ‘constructive and positive’ discussions on issues such Trade in Goods, Non-Tariff Measures, Customs and Trade Facilitation, Economic Security Alignment and other areas of mutual interest.

“The engagements were marked by a spirit of cooperation and pragmatism, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to concluding a mutually beneficial agreement that strengthens bilateral trade and economic ties,” the government said.

This comes amid the US threat of trade action against 60 countries, including India, after determining that they have failed to impose and effectively enforce prohibitions on the import of goods produced with forced labour.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the USTR said it had concluded under Section 301 of the US Trade Act of 1974 that the acts, policies and practices of the 60 economies are "unreasonable and burden or restrict US commerce", making them actionable under American trade law.

India is among 54 economies that, according to the USTR, have failed to impose and effectively enforce a prohibition on imports made with forced labour. The list also includes countries such as Australia, Bahrain, Bangladesh, China, Japan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.

"The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labor is unacceptable. This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field," US trade representative ambassador Jamieson Greer said in the statement.

Trump says Iran agrees to no nuclear weapons, signals possible meet with Supreme Leader

WASHINGTON, June 3: US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed not to have a nuclear weapon and that he would probably meet with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khameneiat some point if things "work out".

"They've already agreed they're not going to have a nuclear weapon," Trump told "Pod Force One" in an interview broadcast on Wednesday, while speaking about Iran.

Asked about Khamenei's involvement in talks with the US on ending hostilities, Trump said, "He's involved, absolutely. ... I think they have a lot of respect for him."

Trump said he was hearing Iran's leader was not doing too well but was giving his approval during the negotiations. Trump added that he had not had "the privilege of meeting" Khamenei.

"I'd like to meet him. We probably will meet at some point, depending on how it all works out," Trump said.

The US president said he viewed the Iran war as a success because the country's military had been defeated. The conflict, which began with US-Israeli strikes on February 28, has upended the global energy market and has proven unpopular with Americans months before November congressional elections.

"Iran's a big success," Trump said in the interview. "We'll see what happens. We're going to, we're working on a deal, and that happens fine. If it doesn't happen, that's OK too. We'll do it the other way."

He did not specify what that might mean, but has said in the past that the US would resume strikes.

Trump Plans New Tariffs On India Over 'Forced Labour'

WASHINGTON, June 3: The United States is planning to impose new tariffs on at least 60 trading partners for alleged failures to act against forced labour, as the Donald Trump administration seeks to rebuild its tariff agenda following legal setbacks. The tariffs, proposed by the US Trade Representative (USTR), range from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent, according to a government filing.

According to the USTR report released early Wednesday, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan and the United Kingdom would face 10 per cent tariffs for allegedly failing to enforce a forced labour import ban. A 12.5 per cent additional tariff would be imposed on China, Japan, India, South Korea, Brazil and Switzerland, among other nations.

The new tariffs would not take effect immediately. They are subject to public comment and review. But if implemented, the move would enable US President Donald Trump to skirt limits on his tariffs imposed by the Supreme Court.

The move comes months after Washington launched investigations into trading partners under Section 301 (b)(1) of the Trade Act of 1974, seeking to see whether they took action against the import of goods made with forced labour and if this impacted US commerce.

On Tuesday, the USTR said that 54 of the economies "failed to impose and effectively enforce a forced labour import prohibition".

This group includes China, India, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Taiwan, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Kingdom (UK), among others. Six other economies -- Canada, Ecuador, the EU, Indonesia, Mexico and Pakistan -- were deemed not to have effectively enforced such prohibitions.

"The failure of our most important trading partners to address the importation of goods made with forced labour is unacceptable," USTR Jamieson Greer said in a statement.

"This creates a dynamic where American workers are forced to compete globally on an unlevel playing field," he added.

But the proposed tariffs come with various exemptions such as beef, coffee and certain fruits and nuts. Goods from Canada and Mexico that comply with a North American free trade pact will also be exempt -- as will certain textiles and apparel.

The public is invited to provide written comments by July 6, and the USTR will subsequently hold hearings.

After the Supreme Court struck down a swath of President Donald Trump's tariffs in February, US officials launched the new trade probes as steps toward imposing more lasting duties.

Apart from the investigations on forced labour, the US trade envoy also started probes on excess industrial capacity.

 

Trump says reports of US-Iran stopping talks ‘false and erroneous’

WASHINGTON, June 2: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the reports of US and Iran halting exchange of messages a few days ago are “false and erroneous.”

“The conversations between us have been going on continuously, including four days ago, three days ago, two days ago, one day ago, and today. Where they lead, one never knows, but as I told Iran, “It’s time, one way or another, for you to make a Deal. You’ve been doing this for 47 years, and it cannot be allowed to go on any longer!”” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday said there was a possibility that Iran had agreed to negotiate some aspects of its nuclear programme, it was reported.

Rubio said Iran had earlier refused to mention these in talks.

US Secretary of State also said there were indications that Iran's Supreme Leader has been “increasingly engaging” in the negotiations “at some level”.

Rubio said no country was in favour of “what Iran is doing in the strait.” "What they are doing is unlawful and illegal. There isn't a country on earth other than Iran... who is in favor of what Iran is doing in the straits... The whole world is against it," Rubio said, adding that Iran would have to reopen the strait.

US, Iran trade strikes again; Trump says Iran really wants to make a deal

WASHINGTON, June 1: The United States and Iran said they traded strikes straining an already fragile ceasefire as negotiations between the two sides have stalled. The US Central Command said it conducted weekend strikes at Iranian air defences, ground station and drone sites in retaliation to Tehran shooting down a US MQ-1 drone.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they targeted an "air base from which the attack originated" used by the US military, without specifying the location of the base.

The talks to end the conflict between the US and Iran continue even as US President Donald Trump has called for tougher conditions on Iran nuclear enrichment and the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has revealed that "dialogue and an exchange of messages are ongoing" between Tehran and Washington despite the current deadlock in talks.

Trump has said Iran really wanted to make a deal with the US and that it would be a good one for Washington and its allies. His remark comes hours after the US military said it struck Iranian military sites during the weekend.

"Iran really wants to make a deal, and it will be a good one for the U.S.A. and those that are with us," Trump posted on Truth Social. Trump, however, added that it was tougher for him to negotiate with Iran with all the political commentary surrounding the conflict.

Kuwaiti air defence on Monday intercepted missile and drone attacks on as sirens sounded across the country, the state news agency reported.

“The Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks. The General Staff of the Army notes that if explosion sounds are heard, they result from the air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks,” the Kuwaiti military said.

'All major points settled': First tranche of India-US trade deal soon, says Piyush Goyal

NEW DELHI, June 1: Union minister for commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal, on Monday, stated that the first tranche of the bilateral trade deal between India and the United States will be signed soon. Speaking at a press conference, he added that all major points have been settled between the delegations.

"The leaders of both nations had already announced the framework agreement back on February 3rd. All the major points have been settled. US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, recently stated that 99% of the details have been finalised... I am fully confident that we will conclude the first tranche of the bilateral trade agreement with the US as soon as possible," said Goyal.

Goyal's remarks come amid fresh talks between Indian and American delegations. A team from the US will arrive in India to finalise the framework of the trade deal. As per the union minister, the meetings between both delegations will be held from June 2 to 4.

As per a spokesperson from the US embassy in India, the US delegation will be led by Assistant US Trade Representative Brendan Lynch.

“As Secretary Rubio stated during his recent visit to India, the US government is seeking a trade agreement between the United States and India that will be enduring, beneficial, and sustainable for both countries,” the spokesperson added further.

Last week, US envoy to India Sergio Gor stated that only one percent of the deal is left to be finalised, stating that 99 percent of the deal is ready.

“Our current interim trade agreement is on the table for us to finalise and that will unlock prosperity for both of our countries… India had sent a team to Washington DC to finalise the last 1 % of that trade deal,” Gor said, while speaking on the theme “US-India TRUST Initiative: Advancing partnership in research and innovation”.

Earlier last month, Gor also compared the period of negotiations for the trade deal and compared it with India's free trade agreement with the European Union.

Gor stated that the negotiations between India and the US have lasted for only one and a half years, unlike "19 years with the European Union."

Piyush Goyal further added that the tariff structure between India and the US will be finalised in the deal.

India was facing a 50 percent tariff by the US. As per Trump, 25 per cent of this tariff was implemented due to New Delhi's high levies for Washington. The remaining 25 per cent was added as part of a penalty due to India's purchase of Russian oil during the ongoing Ukraine war.

However, with the announcement of the trade deal in February 2026, the US stated that the tariff against India will be reduced to a final number of 18 per cent.

"The trade deal India is negotiating with the US will take into account legal changes in Washington's tariff structure," Goyal was quoted as saying.

Trump announces Israel, Hezbollah ceasefire

WASHINGTON, June 1: Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to dial back fighting, said Donald Trump, after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and communication with the Lebanese militant group through mediators. Hezbollah agreed to stop attacks and Israel would not strike the group, the US President said.

The announcement came hours after Israel ordered strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in response to Hezbollah rocket fire and alleged ceasefire violations.

Iran has relayed that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a must for a deal with the United States. In the latest development, Iranian state media has stated that Tehran will move to suspend talks with the US as Israel expands its attacks and military operations in southern Lebanon.

The latest setback comes after the United States and Iran said they traded strikes, which strained the already fragile ceasefire between them, stalling negotiations.