Ukraine carried out what officials described as its largest drone attack in years on Moscow early Thursday, igniting fires across the capital and prompting evacuations at Sheremetyevo, Russia’s busiest airport. The assault occurred just hours before President Vladimir Putin was set to host Southeast Asian leaders in Kazan, about 700 kilometers from Moscow. Unverified videos on social media showed thick black smoke rising over the city, and reports indicated drones struck a refinery and residential areas.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said air defenses intercepted a large number of drones, though some reached the Moscow Oil Refinery. Russian media reported fires at the site, while regional authorities confirmed additional damage in the Zhukovsky district and near a shopping center. The Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted over 500 drones overnight, calling it the most extensive attack on Moscow in at least two years.

The strike comes amid stalled diplomatic efforts to end the four-year war and as Kyiv intensifies attacks inside Russia, particularly targeting facilities funding Moscow’s war effort.

A planned signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday has been canceled after the Iran–United States memorandum of understanding was already signed electronically. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed his visit to Switzerland, his spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi told AFP. Zaidi explained that the proposed trip was suspended because the memorandum had already been completed digitally from Islamabad.

He added that subsequent steps under a comprehensive framework would proceed through discussions at various stages. Earlier on Thursday, questions arose about the event’s future when Prime Minister Sharif removed parts of a social media post referring to the planned ceremony in Switzerland on June 19, 2026. The deleted section had mentioned that Pakistan, with Qatar’s mediation, would mark the historic event and begin technical-level talks.

By Thursday evening, Pakistani sources confirmed that the plan for the Geneva event had changed, despite earlier assurances that it would proceed as scheduled.

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that Germany is sending two naval vessels to the Red Sea in preparation for a potential military operation in the Strait of Hormuz. He told reporters on Thursday that the mine-clearing ship Fulda and the supply ship Mosel are currently transiting the Suez Canal toward the Red Sea.

Pistorius stated that before participating in any mine-clearing mission, Germany would require authorization from Iran and Oman. He added that the operation’s implementation would depend on the evolving situation between Tehran and Washington. The announcement reflects Germany’s readiness to support maritime security efforts in a region often affected by geopolitical tensions.

Further details about the timing or scope of the possible operation were not provided, and its execution remains contingent on diplomatic developments involving Iran and the United States.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that Iran could face renewed naval blockades if it fails to uphold commitments made under a recent agreement with the United States. He also indicated that the US military is prepared to launch operations if necessary. The statement was reported by the BBC.

As part of the latest deal, the United States agreed to lift its naval blockade on Iran, which had previously restricted Iranian maritime movements. Hegseth emphasized that Iran must abandon its ambitions to develop nuclear weapons and adhere to its promises under the agreement.

He further mentioned that several European countries are ready to participate in mine-clearing operations in the Strait of Hormuz, and urged the United Kingdom to take a more active role in the initiative.

The United Nations has reported that Israeli military operations remain extensive in southern Lebanon, even though the intensity of clashes has slightly decreased. Citing observations from the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL, Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in New York that Israeli forces continue widespread activities, including the movement of armored vehicles, large-scale engineering and demolition work, and sustained logistical transport across the area.

According to UN data, between midnight and 4 p.m. local time on Wednesday, UNIFIL recorded 26 airspace violations and one airstrike in Lebanon. The peacekeeping mission also reported that two Israeli naval vessels breached Lebanon’s maritime boundary about 600 meters off the coast of Naqoura. Despite recent efforts to ease border tensions, the UN’s latest observations have raised renewed concern about the situation.

UNIFIL stated that it continues to closely monitor developments in southern Lebanon as Israeli military presence and activity remain visibly significant on the ground.

Severe racist violence has erupted in Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, where homes and cars were set ablaze along Newtownards Road in East Belfast. The unrest, concentrated in loyalist Protestant areas, has continued for nearly a week. It began after local man Stephen Ogilvie was stabbed, leading to attempted murder charges against Sudanese national Hadi Alodid. During the riots, attackers circulated immigrants’ addresses on social media, prompting arson attacks that displaced families from Ukraine, Poland, and Romania.

Members of loyalist paramilitary groups such as the Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF) and Ulster Defence Association (UDA) were reportedly involved, continuing to wield influence despite the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Online incitement amplified the violence, with far-right agitator Tommy Robinson calling for protests and Elon Musk promoting them on his platform X. Politicians including Jim Allister and Nigel Farage also made anti-immigrant remarks that heightened tensions.

Experts and residents described the violence as part of an organized racist campaign. They cited housing shortages and economic frustration as underlying causes, with landlords allegedly evicting locals to rent to state-supported migrants. Thousands have since marched in Belfast demanding peace and solidarity.

The Jordanian government has announced a general amnesty for undocumented Bangladeshi expatriates living in the country. According to a special notice issued by the Bangladesh Embassy in Jordan on Wednesday, the amnesty allows undocumented workers to either regularize their status or return to Bangladesh without paying fines. The embassy also published the announcement on its official Facebook page.

Under the amnesty, any undocumented worker may return home without penalty or continue working in Jordan under certain conditions. Workers are also permitted to change employers if they wish. Domestic workers can transfer to new employers, and individuals who entered Jordan on travel visas may apply for work permits. The embassy has urged all eligible Bangladeshis to contact it for assistance in availing the benefits of the amnesty.

The initiative aims to help undocumented Bangladeshi workers resolve their legal status and reduce the risks associated with irregular employment in Jordan.

Hezbollah has declared that it will not accept any unilateral ceasefire, even as violence in southern Lebanon has slightly decreased. According to reports, Israeli airstrikes have lessened compared to previous weeks, but recent drone attacks have still caused casualties. In response, Hezbollah launched counterattacks, signaling that it will not halt operations one-sidedly. The Israeli military confirmed that two Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon killed one soldier and injured several others.

Analysts noted that Hezbollah feels strengthened following a recent understanding between the United States and Iran. The group believes the agreement has provided Iran with strategic advantages that indirectly bolster Hezbollah’s position. Hezbollah has also conveyed to Israel that mutual security is the only topic open for negotiation and that it will not make additional concessions.

The organization informed the Lebanese government that it will not agree to disarmament. International observers remain concerned that without a lasting resolution, border tensions could escalate again.

A recently published memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States has sparked renewed debate over its terms. Analysts say the document shows significant concessions from Washington, while Tehran’s immediate commitments appear limited. The agreement, divided into two phases, includes provisions to normalize shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, lift US naval blockades, and ease sanctions on Iran’s oil, petrochemical, banking, insurance, and transport sectors. These measures could bring Iran an estimated 60 to 70 billion dollars in annual economic benefits.

The memorandum also mentions releasing Iran’s frozen assets and creating a 300 billion dollar reconstruction fund, to be developed within 60 days by the US and regional partners. Iran reaffirmed that it will not pursue nuclear weapons, though detailed obligations on uranium enrichment and long-term nuclear activities are deferred to a final deal. Critics argue the agreement lacks clear commitments on Iran’s missile programs, human rights, and regional armed groups.

Analysts warn that while the deal may ease tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, the long-term stability of the peace initiative remains uncertain if the upcoming 60-day negotiations stall.

Iran and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The agreement includes commitments to halt military operations, lift sanctions, reopen navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and initiate economic reconstruction. Both Washington and Tehran have released the full text of the memorandum, which was signed electronically by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mediating.

The memorandum outlines that all military actions, including those involving allies such as Lebanon, will cease immediately and permanently. The United States will begin lifting the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports and withdraw its forces near Iran within 30 days after a final agreement. Iran will ensure safe commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. and its regional partners will prepare a $300 billion plan for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development. Tehran reaffirmed it will not pursue nuclear weapons, and uranium management will proceed under IAEA supervision.

A final agreement is expected within 60 days, subject to extension by mutual consent, and will be endorsed by a binding United Nations Security Council resolution.

An Israeli reserve soldier was killed and seven others were injured when an explosive device, reportedly planted by Hezbollah, detonated in southern Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the incident occurred around 5 p.m. local time along the Litani River, affecting members of the 36th Division’s forward command team. The deceased was identified as Master Sergeant (Reserve) Alexander Filin, 29, from Haifa, who served at the division’s headquarters.

Among the injured were the deputy commander of the 36th Division, a battalion commander from the 556th Transport Regiment, and another reserve soldier, all in moderately serious condition. One active-duty soldier, two reserve soldiers, and a female soldier sustained minor injuries. The IDF stated that all wounded personnel were hospitalized and their families informed.

Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was caused by a Hezbollah-planted device, though the exact circumstances remain under investigation. Following the blast, Israeli forces shelled Hezbollah infrastructure in the area.

Iranian state media reported that eleven Iranian commercial ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz following the finalization of a draft bilateral memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States. The movement occurred shortly after Washington lifted its naval blockade in the Persian Gulf region, allowing the vessels to resume operations.

According to the report published on June 18, eight cargo ships left Iranian territorial waters for international routes, while three commercial vessels entered Iranian waters through the strait. Under the new agreement, the United States will withdraw its naval blockade targeting Iran, and in return, Iran will allow international commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz safely and without tariffs for the next 60 days.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that the normalization of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz could significantly influence regional trade and energy transport in the Persian Gulf.

The Swiss Foreign Ministry has confirmed that a meeting between representatives of Iran and the United States will take place on Friday at the mountain resort of Burgenstock, Switzerland. According to a Reuters report, the ministry stated that, as of now, the plan remains for delegations from the U.S., Iran, mediator countries Pakistan and Qatar, and other involved nations to attend the session. The discussions will focus on the initial implementation of an agreement between the two countries.

The ministry did not provide further details about the meeting’s schedule or agenda, Reuters added. Earlier, Iran had said that no direct meeting would occur in Switzerland following the signing of a memorandum of understanding by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, this new initiative aims to facilitate talks on implementing the agreement, with Pakistan and Qatar expected to act as mediators.

The meeting marks a continuation of diplomatic efforts to operationalize the recent U.S.-Iran understanding, though specific outcomes remain undisclosed.

After weeks of negotiations, the United States and Iran reached a preliminary 14-clause memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, includes commitments to lift sanctions, ease naval blockades, and establish a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. Both sides have 60 days to finalize a comprehensive deal, with the option to extend discussions.

However, the fragile accord faces serious threats. Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon, despite calls for restraint, have raised doubts about regional stability. Iran insists that ending the Lebanon conflict is integral to the peace process, while Israel maintains its right to self-defense. Analysts warn that renewed clashes could derail diplomatic progress before substantive nuclear talks begin.

Further uncertainty surrounds Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the reopening of the Hormuz Strait. Technical challenges, including mine clearance and maritime security, could delay implementation. Experts caution that the memorandum remains only a framework, not a final solution, and that the hardest negotiations are yet to come.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has deleted a social media post announcing a planned signing ceremony between the United States and Iran in Switzerland. The original post mentioned that, with support from Qatar as a mediator, the event would take place on June 19, 2026, to mark the start of technical-level discussions. However, the reposted version omitted any reference to the upcoming formal ceremony.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated that the planned meeting in Switzerland between Tehran and Washington was not yet confirmed. He explained that although the meeting had been set for Friday, the decision for both presidents to sign the agreement led to a temporary suspension of the event.

The developments highlight uncertainty surrounding the anticipated US-Iran memorandum of understanding, with no official confirmation of when or whether the signing will proceed.