After months of sustained diplomatic engagement, the United States and Iran signed a historic memorandum of understanding in France last Wednesday to suspend hostilities across all fronts. Qatar played a crucial mediating role alongside Pakistan, which led a multilateral initiative involving Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Qatar leveraged its unique ties with both Washington and Tehran to act as an effective conduit for dialogue.

Qatar’s delegation visited Tehran twice in the past week, finalizing the deal after a 17-hour negotiation session on Sunday. The Gulf state had earlier withdrawn from mediation in March following Iranian attacks that destroyed 17 percent of its LNG export capacity. However, as the April ceasefire began to falter, Qatar re-entered the talks in late May, resuming shuttle diplomacy between the two sides.

Observers noted that Qatar’s return to diplomacy, despite economic losses, underscored its belief in negotiation over confrontation. The country’s pragmatic approach reaffirmed its position as a credible mediator in regional conflicts.

Eight Muslim-majority countries, including Pakistan, have jointly condemned the escalating attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The condemnation came in a joint statement issued on Thursday by the foreign ministers of Pakistan, Egypt, Turkey, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The statement specifically denounced recent assaults on two mosques north of Ramallah — the Grand Mosque in Jiljiliya village and the Al-Farooq Mosque in Mazra’a al-Nubani village.

According to the source, attacks by illegal Israeli settlers in the West Bank have reached record levels. Extremist settlers have been accused of setting fire to Palestinian homes and vehicles, seizing farmland, and attacking mosques. The United Nations has reported that such violence has become a key tool in the forced displacement of Palestinians.

The joint condemnation underscores growing concern among Muslim nations over the deteriorating situation in the West Bank and the increasing frequency of settler violence against Palestinian civilians and religious sites.

The Balkans, long a geopolitical crossroads, are witnessing renewed Western and Israeli strategic activity, particularly in Albania. Protests have erupted over a luxury resort project on Sazan Island funded by Jared Kushner’s company, which locals call the “Flamingo Revolution.” Demonstrators accuse Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government of selling national land to foreign investors. The project’s proximity to sensitive military areas and Israeli-linked investments has heightened public concern.

Albanian scholars report that dozens of Israeli-related companies now operate in tourism, real estate, and energy sectors, often through dual citizenship arrangements. Rama has expressed strong diplomatic and military support for Israel, including cooperation in defense and cybersecurity. Meanwhile, discussions between Rama and Bektashi leader Baba Mondi about establishing a sovereign Bektashi Muslim microstate in Tirana have drawn criticism from Muslim groups, who warn it could fracture national religious unity.

Analysts suggest these developments reflect broader Western and Israeli efforts to reshape Balkan geopolitics, counter Turkish influence, and secure regional leverage. Former Albanian leaders and opposition figures have condemned the moves as threats to sovereignty and social cohesion.

The United Arab Emirates has announced a 30-day grace period for foreigners who were stranded in the country due to regional instability. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) said the grace period runs from June 10 to July 9, 2026. During this time, affected individuals can regularize their visa or residency status without penalties or leave the country without fines.

According to the ICP, the measure applies to those who previously received exemption from overstay fines because they could not leave the UAE on time due to regional conditions. The authority explained that as stability has returned to the region, this initiative aims to help affected individuals maintain legal residence and employment or return to normal travel procedures.

The ICP added that no additional applications or preliminary steps are required to benefit from the grace period. Those wishing to stay can adjust their residency or employment status, while those leaving can follow existing exit procedures. The authority urged all concerned to follow official channels for updated information.

The United States has delivered a strong message to Israel, urging it to comply with Lebanon-related conditions outlined in a memorandum of understanding. According to Al Jazeera correspondent Mike Hanna reporting from Washington, US Vice President JD Vance issued a particularly firm warning to Israel. Hanna added that President Trump had earlier engaged in heated discussions with the Israeli prime minister, fearing that Israel’s actions in Lebanon could obstruct the memorandum’s approval.

The report noted that the inclusion of Lebanon in the agreement has drawn criticism from the pro-Israel lobby in the United States. Despite this, the Trump administration has remained steadfast, defending its position amid growing questions and dissatisfaction among several pro-Israel members of Congress. The final agreement is expected to take effect in two months.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly opposes the formal establishment of the deal and is seeking to reshape its terms in his favor. An Israeli official told CNN that Netanyahu is using right-wing media allies and some US senators to pressure the Trump administration to alter the agreement’s content.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has postponed his planned visit to Switzerland, where he was expected to attend the signing of a long-anticipated peace agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the Middle East conflict. A spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the decision on Thursday, citing that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) had already been signed electronically and was now in the implementation phase.

According to spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi, Pakistan will continue to support the subsequent strategic stages of the agreement’s implementation. In a post on social media, Shehbaz Sharif stated that the MoU would take immediate effect, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the United States lifting its naval blockade. The accord was signed by US President Donald Trump at the G7 summit in Versailles, witnessed by French President Emmanuel Macron and other leaders.

The agreement outlines steps toward lifting sanctions on Iran, reopening maritime routes, and establishing a $300 billion reconstruction fund. However, both US and Iranian officials cautioned that the deal remains preliminary and could collapse if commitments are not upheld.

The United States has lifted its naval blockade on Iran, allowing all types of vessels to enter and leave Iranian ports and coastal areas. The announcement was made on Thursday by the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which confirmed that ships traveling to and from Iran’s ports in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will no longer face restrictions from U.S. forces. However, CENTCOM stated that American naval presence in the region will continue to ensure that all aspects of the recent agreement with Iran are properly implemented.

The decision follows a digital agreement signed between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Donald Trump, which took effect immediately. The accord includes provisions to end hostilities, address the situation in Lebanon, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and remove the U.S. naval blockade on Iran. CENTCOM did not disclose further details of the agreement’s terms.

Both sides are expected to begin a 60-day negotiation process to reach a final deal covering Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions, according to the report.

Political analyst Harlan Ullman has described the relationship between the United States and Israel as 'alarming' and 'dangerous' following a major rift between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The dispute centers on a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, which Ullman said has deeply angered Netanyahu. He told Al Jazeera that the Israeli leader is desperate to dismantle the agreement.

Although Netanyahu has refrained from publicly criticizing the deal, multiple media reports and observers suggest he is furious about it. According to Ullman, Netanyahu believes the agreement could harm his chances in Israel’s upcoming October election. Ullman also noted that Trump’s public remarks, implying he alone controls key decisions, may be boosting support for Netanyahu’s political opponents.

The tensions highlight growing strategic friction between Washington and Tel Aviv, with analysts warning that the dispute could reshape political dynamics ahead of Israel’s fall elections.

The United States and Iran have reached a preliminary agreement aimed at achieving a ceasefire, providing Iran with significant economic benefits. Under the deal, Washington will lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports and allow Tehran to resume oil exports even before a final nuclear accord is reached. In return, Iran has pledged to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for international commercial shipping for 60 days, with the option to impose transit fees afterward. The agreement temporarily defers the toughest nuclear concessions to future negotiations.

Analysts described the deal as largely favorable to Iran, citing eased sanctions, restored oil trade, and reduced military pressure. Nicole Grajewski of Sciences Po noted that Tehran gained tangible relief in exchange for limited new nuclear commitments. However, critics such as former US Treasury official Miyyad Maleki warned that easing banking restrictions could weaken Washington’s leverage. Supporters of diplomacy, including Jamal Abdi of the National Iranian American Council, praised the accord as a correction to failed pressure policies.

Following news of the agreement, global oil prices fell, and US gasoline prices dropped below four dollars per gallon for the first time in months.

The European Union and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have announced an additional €14 million (around Tk 200 crore) in aid for Rohingya refugees living in Ukhiya and Teknaf, Cox’s Bazar. The announcement was made on June 18, 2026, ahead of World Refugee Day. The funding aims to sustain emergency assistance and protection programs for 1.2 million Rohingya refugees and to support local host communities.

According to the EU and UNHCR, the new funding will benefit both refugees and at least 70,000 Bangladeshis by expanding skill development programs and access to clean cooking fuel (LPG). EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller said the EU remains committed to supporting both refugees and host communities, emphasizing the need to focus on education, skills, and livelihood opportunities. UNHCR Representative Ivo Freijsen highlighted the importance of continuous support for Rohingya families enduring hardship for nine years.

The initiative seeks to uphold refugees’ dignity, enhance self-reliance, and prepare them for voluntary, safe, and dignified return to Myanmar. It is part of the 2025–2026 Joint Response Plan, which requires $710 million to meet urgent needs of 1.2 million refugees until repatriation becomes possible.

Four Bangladeshi nationals, including two children, were handed over to their family after being pushed into Bangladesh territory by India’s Border Security Force (BSF) at the Roumari border in Kurigram. The handover took place on Thursday morning, confirmed Roumari Police Station Officer-in-Charge Kawsar Ali. The individuals were identified as Belal Hossain, his wife Sumi Akter, and their two daughters, Faima and Fatema Akter.

According to local sources, a flag meeting between the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and BSF was held late Wednesday night, after which the four were handed over to the police on humanitarian grounds. The police later verified their identities and returned them to Belal Hossain’s mother the same night. However, five other people reportedly remained stranded in the no-man’s land amid adverse weather conditions.

Earlier, on June 14, BSF personnel from Assam’s South Salmara Mankachar district had attempted to push six Bangladeshi citizens into Bangladesh, but BGB and locals prevented the entry, leaving nine people stuck in total along the border area.

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.