The United States is constructing a military base near the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Israel Hayom. The facility is being built close to the Reim military base in southern Israel and near the fence surrounding Gaza. The report states that the new base will function as both a military and civilian headquarters for international organizations and personnel operating in the area.

The report further mentions that the base could be used to support the implementation of a plan by U.S. President Trump. However, no immediate comments were available from American or Israeli officials regarding the construction project, as reported by Middle East Eye.

The lack of official statements leaves uncertainty about the timeline, purpose, and scope of the U.S. base near Gaza, though its proximity to the conflict zone suggests potential strategic significance.

The United States military has maintained its presence in the Middle East and is currently on the highest state of alert, according to a brief post by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) on social media. The post included a photo showing an F-16 fighter jet patrolling the skies over the region. CENTCOM stated that American forces continue to uphold regional presence and vigilance.

Earlier, CENTCOM reported that US forces had shot down several suicide drones launched by Iran in recent hours. The drones were reportedly aimed at commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM confirmed that the international trade corridor remains open for maritime traffic.

The developments underscore ongoing security concerns in the region, with the US military emphasizing its readiness to respond to potential threats to international shipping routes.

The United States has deported an Iranian pro-democracy activist to the Central African Republic, according to the woman’s lawyer, as reported by Reuters on June 13, 2026. The deportation was confirmed by attorney Emily Trostel, who also represents two other Iranian women facing similar proceedings in the US. Trostel warned that the decision was extremely dangerous, noting that the deported individuals have no legal status, prior connections, or support networks in the destination country.

Reuters reported that both the US State Department and the Central African Republic’s presidential office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the deportation. The US Department of Homeland Security stated last week that all deported individuals would receive due legal process.

The lawyer expressed concern that the deported women might ultimately be forced to return to Iran, the country they had fled, raising questions about the safety and human rights implications of the US decision.

The United States and Iran are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding in Geneva on Sunday aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. According to reports, US Vice President JD Vance may travel to Geneva to sign the document with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Both sides intend to finalize the contents of the memorandum by Saturday, with discussions still underway on its key points.

Sources cited by Reuters indicate that Iran is emphasizing the cessation of Israeli attacks in Lebanon as part of the agreement. The Wall Street Journal reported that any easing of US sanctions will depend on Iran meeting specific conditions related to its nuclear program. The memorandum’s unresolved technical issues may later be discussed in Islamabad, Pakistan.

A US official also stated that President Donald Trump plans to consult with world leaders to strengthen surveillance in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling continued diplomatic engagement following the potential signing.

The United Arab Emirates has agreed to release up to $20 billion to Iran on the condition that Tehran stops its attacks, according to a Reuters report citing four sources. The payments follow a series of Iranian strikes on the UAE in response to joint U.S.-Israeli assaults. Two regional sources said the UAE initially agreed to release $10 billion, with more than $3 billion already transferred.

Two additional sources familiar with the matter said the total amount could reach $20 billion, contingent on Iran ceasing further attacks. It remains unclear whether the funds are from the UAE’s own reserves or Iranian assets previously frozen in Emirati banks. A UAE official stated that the country is working to reduce tensions and restore calm.

Sources indicated that the arrangement allows both the United States and Iran to avoid crossing their respective “red lines,” while giving Iran grounds to claim compensation and Washington the ability to deny direct payment. The deal also includes provisions for renewed intelligence sharing and economic cooperation between Iran and the UAE.

The United States and Iran have reached agreement on a final draft of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the ongoing Middle East war, according to Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. Pakistan has played a key mediating role in the process. The announcement came after three days of intense fighting among Iran, the United States, and Israel earlier in the week. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that both sides are working toward signing a preliminary agreement to end hostilities across all fronts, including Lebanon.

The conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, disrupting oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. A fragile truce has been in place since April 7. Under the emerging deal, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen for energy shipments, and sanctions on Iran would be gradually lifted. A 60‑day period following the signing will finalize nuclear program conditions and technical details related to enriched uranium removal.

Regional officials said the agreement could be signed within days, pending approval from Washington and Tehran. Israel has stated it is not a party to the deal and will not withdraw its forces from Lebanon or other occupied areas.

The European Union has begun implementing its new European Migration and Asylum Pact from last Friday, introducing uniform rules for all 27 member states to manage irregular migration and asylum seekers. The European Commission urged countries to update laws, train officials, and strengthen border infrastructure, though it acknowledged that none are fully prepared. Migration Commissioner Magnus Brunner called the pact a milestone, marking the start of a new phase in EU migration policy.

Under the new system, all foreign nationals entering the EU will undergo screening of up to seven days at the border. Applications from those deemed security threats or from countries listed as safe will be processed within three months, and rejected applicants will have only one chance to appeal. The pact also aims to expedite deportations, with rejected asylum seekers to be returned to countries considered safe, such as Syria and Bangladesh. Member states are also working on establishing return hubs in third countries.

Human rights groups have voiced concern that the new rules could undermine asylum rights and increase hardship for vulnerable people seeking protection in Europe.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan has directed the Metropolitan Police to investigate a controversial housing fair promoting properties from illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. The event, titled 'The Great Israeli Real Estate Event,' is scheduled to take place in London on Sunday, though its exact location remains undisclosed. Khan confirmed the investigation order while responding to a question from Green Party leader Zack Polanski in the London Assembly, emphasizing that such settlements are illegal under international law and linked to the displacement of Palestinians.

The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians, the European Legal Support Centre, and the Public Interest Law Centre have jointly requested police intervention to halt the fair, citing possible violations under the Serious Crime Prevention Order. The UK Foreign Office reiterated that Israeli settlements breach international law and warned citizens against economic activities in those areas. Amnesty International also urged the government to act swiftly to stop the event.

Media reports identified several sponsors tied to settlement construction, while organizers denied wrongdoing, claiming all properties promoted are within Israel’s recognized borders.

US President Donald Trump has temporarily suspended a planned high-risk ground operation by American forces to seize highly enriched uranium stored in underground tunnels in Iran. The decision followed an emergency briefing at the US Central Command headquarters in Florida, where senior military officials outlined the mission’s objectives and potential consequences. According to CNN, Trump withheld final approval after being informed of the risks involved.

Sources cited in the report said intelligence assessments warned that such an operation could trigger severe Iranian retaliation, prolong conflict, and destabilize the global economy. Trump also expressed concern over possible heavy US casualties. The report emerged as Washington and Tehran continued negotiations over a potential nuclear agreement and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

A senior US official said the proposed deal would require Iran to destroy enriched uranium, halt its nuclear program, and reopen the strait. However, Iranian state media countered that Tehran would not relinquish control of the waterway and demanded the release of $24 billion in frozen assets before any agreement.

Iran and the United States are close to finalizing a peace agreement aimed at ending their recent conflict. According to the report, the draft memorandum of understanding is in its final stage and could be signed in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the document could still be amended but emphasized that Iran has emerged stronger from the confrontation. He also declared Iran victorious in the war during a state television broadcast.

Sources involved in the negotiations said the draft calls for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting U.S. blockades on Iranian ports. A U.S. official, speaking anonymously, stated that President Donald Trump’s main objectives are being achieved through the deal. The agreement follows renewed hostilities after an April 8 ceasefire, with Trump recently threatening but then halting further attacks, citing ongoing talks.

Both U.S. and Iranian officials confirmed that the memorandum could be signed this weekend, potentially initiating a 60-day truce period for further negotiations toward a final peace accord.

A potential agreement between Iran and the United States could be reached on Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland, according to a report by Israel’s Haaretz citing an Iranian source. The proposed deal reportedly includes provisions for a ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon. The source told Reuters that the draft agreement also proposes lifting sanctions on Iranian oil exports and releasing several billion dollars’ worth of Iranian assets frozen abroad.

A senior leader of Lebanon’s armed group Hezbollah stated that Iran would not agree to any deal that excludes a resolution to the situation in Lebanon and the ongoing conflict there. Iran has long maintained that halting Israeli attacks in Lebanon is a key condition for any broader understanding with Washington.

If finalized, the agreement could mark a significant step toward easing regional tensions, though details of implementation and official confirmation from either side remain unclear.

China’s Ministry of State Security has accused foreign intelligence agencies of deploying ‘spy turtles’ and ‘spy fish’ in its territorial waters to collect sensitive maritime data. In a statement published on WeChat on Friday, the ministry claimed that these marine animals were equipped with sensors capable of transmitting information such as water temperature, salinity, and ocean currents to foreign satellites. The ministry described the activity as part of an ‘invisible secret war’ at sea but did not specify which countries or organizations were involved or where the animals were found.

The statement also said that Chinese authorities had detected floating buoys and wave-powered ‘wave gliders’ allegedly installed by a foreign marine research institution. These devices were reportedly fitted with weather and acoustic sensors that could monitor the acoustic signatures of Chinese submarines and transmit military-use environmental data abroad. China has long accused foreign powers of espionage and surveillance in the South China Sea, East China Sea, and Taiwan Strait, areas known for ongoing strategic tensions.

According to Chinese media, fishermen who discover or recover suspicious surveillance devices in national waters can receive rewards ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 yuan.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has warned that the country’s armed forces are fully prepared to deliver an immediate, decisive, and painful response to any threat, aggression, or miscalculation by its enemies. In a statement, the IRGC said that those enemies have imposed a war aimed at weakening Iran’s defensive capabilities, breaking national morale, undermining the political system, and dividing the country.

The statement accused the United States-Israel alliance of attempting to obstruct Iran’s dignity, independence, and progress through coordinated military, intelligence, media, economic, and psychological warfare. However, it asserted that these strategies ultimately failed. Drawing lessons from the imposed war, the IRGC claimed that Iran is now stronger, better prepared, and equipped with greater resistance capabilities than before.

The IRGC emphasized that the Islamic Republic remains fully aware of its adversaries’ movements and stands ready to respond firmly and immediately to any threat or act of aggression.

Hours before announcing the cancellation of a planned attack on Iran, President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces would soon seize Kharg Island. The island, located 55 kilometers northwest of Bushehr port and 15 nautical miles from Iran’s mainland, handles about 90 percent of the country’s crude oil exports and is under strict military control.

Kharg Island, only eight kilometers long and four to five kilometers wide, benefits from deep surrounding waters that allow large supertankers to anchor safely. It serves as a key terminal for crude oil shipments, particularly to Asian markets such as China. The island’s facilities reportedly have a loading capacity of around seven million barrels per day, though Iran’s current exports hover near 1.6 million barrels daily.

Analysts fear that any U.S. attack on Kharg could sharply escalate tensions, prompting Iranian retaliation against Gulf infrastructure and driving global oil prices higher. The ongoing Iran conflict is already viewed as a threat to the world economy.

The United States is planning to significantly reduce the number of aircraft and naval assets allocated to NATO operations in Europe, according to a report by The New York Times citing two senior European officials. The decision was communicated to allies earlier this month through a written document and is described as part of a broader shift in Washington’s security policy toward Europe.

According to the report, the U.S. intends to cut the number of F-16 and F-15E fighter jets assigned to NATO from about 150 to 100, reduce maritime patrol aircraft from 26 to 15, and withdraw eight aerial refueling planes currently allocated for European missions. The changes will also include the redistribution of one aircraft carrier, one missile-carrying submarine, several warships, and strategic bombers.

Officials cited in the report warned that these adjustments could weaken the alliance’s long-range strike and aerial surveillance capabilities. The report was sourced from Middle East Eye.