US, Iran Inch Closer to Interim Accord

The United States and Iran are nearing the signing of the first stage of a peace agreement, though the exact timeline for its finalization remains disputed between the two nations. U.S. President Donald Trump and Pakistani mediators indicated a signing on Sunday, June 15, 2026, while Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the date is not yet set, despite acknowledging the possibility of an agreement in the coming days.

This development occurs on the 107th day of conflict. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Friday that the agreement comprises 14 points, including the lifting of the U.S.

blockade on Iranian ports and an end to hostilities across all fronts, specifically mentioning Lebanon. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) also stipulates an agreement not to initiate war or use force.

President Trump affirmed that upon signing, the Strait of Hormuz, previously blocked by Iran, would immediately reopen to all maritime traffic.

Despite progress towards a deal, military actions persist. The U.S.

military's Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Saturday that U.S. forces downed multiple Iranian one-way attack drones targeting commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

Concurrently, Israeli attacks continued in Lebanon, resulting in casualties, while Hezbollah reported targeting Israeli soldiers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that any agreement would include the removal of enriched nuclear material, a point of contention for some U.S.

lawmakers who expressed skepticism regarding the proposed deal.