West Asia LIVE: Iran and U.S. to embark on two months of peace talks on June 19

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Donald ‌Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Israel's military tactics in ​Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants

Updated - June 17, 2026 07:19 am IST

A man views the site of a previous Israeli strike in Kfar Sir in the Nabatieh district, Lebanon.

| Photo Credit:

Reuters

Iran said on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) that talks with the United States on its nuclear programme and sanctions relief would likely begin later this week, as President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would “completely open” once the foes sign their deal. Officials say negotiations over a final deal would take place in a 60-day window after the memorandum of understanding to end nearly four months of war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran is physically signed.

In Focus podcast | Can the new U.S.-Iran deal hold?

Meanwhile, Donald ‌Trump issued a rare public rebuke of Israel’s military tactics in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment ⁠buildings to hunt militants. Mr. Trump, who in recent days had expressed his displeasure over Israeli attacks in Beirut that he said could have endangered his peace deal with Iran, said Israel has been fighting Hezbollah, the ‌Iran-aligned Lebanese militia, for “too long”.

Also Read | Moving from war to deal in a deeply divided region

Oil prices edged higher in early trade on ‌Wednesday (June 17), clawing back some of the previous session’s losses, as investors assessed whether the Iran war will truly end and ⁠the Strait of Hormuz reopen.

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June 17, 2026 07:19

Oil prices stabilise as investors weigh Iran war end, Hormuz reopening uncertainty

Oil prices edged higher in early trade on ‌Wednesday (June 17), clawing back some of the previous session’s losses, as investors assessed whether the Iran war will truly end and ⁠the Strait of Hormuz reopen.

Brent crude futures gained 47 cents, or 0.6%, to $79.43 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate rose to $76.53 a barrel, up 48 ‌cents, or 0.6%, as of 0038 GMT.

Both benchmarks fell about 5% for a second straight session on Tuesday to three-month ‌lows on hopes a U.S.-Iran deal would allow oil flows through ‌the ⁠Strait.

-Reuters

June 17, 2026 07:18

Iran says talks on final U.S. deal to begin this week

Iran said on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) that talks with the United States on its nuclear programme and sanctions relief would likely begin later this week, as President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz would “completely open” once the foes sign their deal.

Officials say negotiations over a final deal would take place in a 60-day window after the memorandum of understanding to end nearly four months of war triggered by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran is physically signed.

Read the story here

Iran says talks on final U.S. deal to begin this week

Iran announces upcoming talks with the US on nuclear issues and sanctions relief, marking a significant diplomatic development.

Published - June 17, 2026 07:16 am IST