War: latest news. Iranian oil tankers pass through US blockade zone. G7 leaders: agreement is a positive step, we are ready to contribute

“Obama’s deal with Iran was the most stupid of them all. A path to nuclear weapons. Mine is a wall.” Donald Trump reiterated this on the sidelines of a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the G7 summit.

Il presidente degli Stati Uniti Donald Trump incontra il presidente egiziano Abdel Fattah al-Sisi a margine del vertice del G7, mercoledì 17 giugno 2026, a Evian-les-Bains, in Francia. (Foto AP/Julia Demaree Nikhinson) Associated Press/ LaPresse Solo Italia e Spagna

The text of the agreement between the United States and Iran will be made public ‘by Friday at the latest’, although the White House is pushing to bring forward its publication. Vice-President Jd Vance made this statement in an interview with CBS, explaining that mediators from Qatar and Pakistan had requested a delay in its release. “We are trying to persuade them to publish it today, because we want to tell the American people what is in this agreement,” said Vance, adding that the document had been “misrepresented” in the public debate and describing it as “a good deal for the American people”. In outlining the contents of the agreement, Vance explained that the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened ‘immediately’ and that the framework of the agreement provides for benefits for Tehran only in return for substantial changes: “If the Iranians give us what we need regarding an end to the funding of terrorism and a commitment to no longer pursue a nuclear weapon, then they will be able to secure certain benefits and be reintegrated into the global economy.” The Vice-President also clarified that “when I speak of benefits, I am referring to an easing of sanctions”, emphasising that “none of these benefits will go to Iran unless it fundamentally changes its behaviour”. On the energy front, he finally said he expected a ‘very significant’ drop in petrol prices in the coming weeks.

“The G7 was a great success.” Donald Trump wrote this on Truth, claiming that the topic the leaders wanted to discuss most “is the fact that Iran will not have nuclear weapons and that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened immediately”.

‘Although the global economy is already grappling with the lingering effects of pre-existing shocks and structural changes affecting global trade and investment, we recognise that global economic uncertainty has heightened the risks to growth. Pressures on supply chains for energy, agricultural inputs and fertilisers have increased, affecting industries, farmers and households everywhere, particularly in the most vulnerable countries. We recognise that a swift return to free and secure transit through the Strait of Hormuz, without any form of toll, and a lasting solution to the conflict, are imperative to mitigate these negative impacts and support more balanced global growth.” This is stated in the final declaration signed by the G7 leaders on ‘more balanced, sustainable and resilient growth’.

‘The European Council welcomes the efforts announced by Member States and partners to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the necessary conditions have been met. Any agreement concerning Hormuz must not restrict freedom of navigation or alter its governance. The European Council recalls the role of the Aspides maritime defence operation, emphasises its potential contribution to the stabilisation of the region and calls for its strengthening, in line with its mandate.” This is the text of the latest draft conclusions of the EU summit, which Coreper is due to examine this evening.

“I am pleased to announce to this Parliament that our embassy in Tehran will reopen its doors on Friday.” This was announced by the Foreign Minister, Antonio Tajani, during Question Time in the Chamber of Deputies. “Our ambassador will return to the capital together with all the diplomats and officials from the Foreign Ministry,” Tajani added.

“Today I will also be speaking with the Iranian Foreign Minister, Mr Araghchi, and I will confirm to him the Italian government’s full support for dialogue aimed at transforming the agreement with the United States into a lasting peace. I will emphasise the paramount importance of the release of the Italian merchant ship blocked in the Strait of Hormuz, to which we are fully committed.” This was stated by Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani whilst responding, during Question Time in the Chamber of Deputies, to a question from the Fratelli d’Italia group regarding the agreement reached between Iran and the United States for a ceasefire. “The government,” Tajani continued, “has from the outset, together with its European partners in the G7 and in the region, supported the path of dialogue and negotiation. The agreement demonstrates that diplomacy can produce concrete results even in the most difficult situations. It is now essential to step up diplomatic efforts to reach a comprehensive and lasting agreement that addresses all outstanding issues.” According to Tajani, “the prospect of Iran possessing nuclear weapons must be definitively averted, and full respect for freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz must be ensured; this is a fundamental principle for our country, for our economy and for the security of supply chains.” “Italia, together with its allied partners,” Tajani reiterated, “is ready to play its part within the framework of a multilateral naval mission aimed at ensuring the clearance of mines and the reopening of the Strait. As the Prime Minister has emphasised, our participation is conditional upon the achievement of a stable ceasefire and broad international consensus on the mission’s mandate; we are working on this in close coordination with Defence Minister Guido Crosetto. ‘Once these conditions have been met, we will return to Parliament together to seek authorisation from both Houses.’

The agreement reached by the US with Iran is “a great success”. This was stated by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who added, however, that “a second round of talks” is now needed. Speaking at a press conference on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Evian, Merz said: “The fact that oil prices continue to fall is a positive sign, and it is hoped that supplies can be restored systematically.” “The decisions reached in these negotiations must be followed by further ones. A second round of negotiations is needed”, he explained. “We are all in complete agreement on the objectives,” added the Chancellor, “the Strait of Hormuz must be kept open without any restrictions, no ifs or buts. And Iran must demonstrate that it is putting an end to its nuclear programme in a sustainable manner. Peace must endure, and this applies not only to Iran but also to Lebanon.”

“This is not a final agreement; it is a memorandum of understanding, and if I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them, to dropping bombs on their heads. If I don’t like it, if they don’t behave themselves, we’ll go back to dropping bombs right on their heads.” These were the words of US President Donald Trump at a press conference with Egyptian President Al-Sisi on the sidelines of the G7 summit.

Moscow supports the agreement between Iran and the United States. This was stated by Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. “The Russian minister expressed his support for the memorandum of understanding reached thanks to the effective mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, aimed at easing tensions in the region. The importance of all parties involved in the armed conflict, including Israel, adhering to it was emphasised,” reads the summary of the telephone call.

An end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon; the lifting of the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz; and the restoration of maritime traffic by Tehran “to pre-war levels” within thirty days, taking into account the time required to clear the sea route of mines. These are some of the 14 key points of the agreement between the US and Iran, a copy of which has been published by Bloomberg and other media outlets. The text of the agreement also stipulates that the Islamic Republic “will never produce nuclear weapons”, whilst “the fate of enriched uranium will be dealt with appropriately” in the final agreement. Meanwhile, “Iran and the United States agree to maintain the status quo: Tehran will freeze its nuclear programme at its current stage, whilst Washington undertakes not to impose new sanctions against Iran and not to strengthen its military presence in the region”. For their part, the United States also commits, “together with regional partners, to drawing up a comprehensive plan – agreed between the parties – for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran, guaranteeing a minimum of $300 billion in funding”, with an implementation mechanism to be finalised within 60 days. Provision is also made for the “unfreezing of frozen Iranian assets” and the granting of “exemptions for Iranian oil exports”. Finally, following the signing of the memorandum, “the final agreement will be approved by means of a binding resolution of the United Nations Security Council”.

At the end of the general audience, the Pope expressed his “satisfaction at the reaching of an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, which is to be signed on Friday, as an encouraging result of patient dialogue and negotiation. “I express my gratitude to the countries that have worked to facilitate the meeting between the parties and make this agreement possible. I hope that this agreement will help to strengthen mutual trust, security and stability in the Middle East by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation between peoples.”

“Iran is calling on Israel to cease defending its border against Hezbollah. The peace plan for Gaza depends on the disarmament of Hamas. Idea: all members of Hezbollah and Hamas should be deported to the ‘mother ship’ in Iran”. This is the proposal put forward by the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, ahead of the signing of the agreement between the US and Iran on Friday in Switzerland. “The result? Lebanon and Israel free from Iran’s terrorist proxies. Let’s give peace a chance!”, he added on

A peace agreement with the United States would require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. This was stated by Iran’s Foreign Minister, amid growing fears that the Jewish state could undermine diplomatic efforts to finally bring an end to the war in the Middle East, with Donald Trump even criticising his ally and war partner – Benjamin Netanyahu – calling him irresponsible.

“Unless Israeli forces withdraw from the territories occupied during this war, the conflict cannot be considered fully over,” clarified the Iranian Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi.

Israeli settlers set fire to the entrances of two mosques in the villages of Jaljulia and Mazra’a al-Nubani, north of Ramallah, and daubed the walls with racist and hate-inciting slogans. This has been reported by Palestinian media, which have published images of the incident. According to sources at the Wafa news agency, residents confronted the settlers as they attempted to set fire to the mosque, whilst Israeli forces subsequently stormed the town, firing tear gas and stun grenades. (

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence system, Grok, was used in attacks against Iran. This was revealed by the US government in a legal submission filed in defence of the gas turbines at a massive data centre operated by xAI, the company owned by the billionaire, which is the subject of an environmental lawsuit.

The G7 leaders “welcome the announcement of the agreement between the United States and Iran, reached under the firm leadership of President Donald Trump, with the support of the mediating countries” and support its implementation, stating they are “ready to contribute”. This is set out in a statement. “We have agreed that the multinational, independent defence initiative led by France and the United Kingdom can play an important role in facilitating the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, protecting merchant ships, reassuring commercial shipping operators and supporting the verification of the removal of all mines.”

“We recognise the turning point and the opportunity that are currently presenting themselves in the Middle East” and “we welcome the announcement of the agreement between the United States and Iran, reached under the strong leadership of President Trump, with the support of the mediating countries, which offers a historic opportunity to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and to address the threats posed by its regional and ballistic activities. We support this agreement and stand ready to contribute to its implementation.” This is the text of a statement issued by the G7 leaders, meeting in Evian, on geopolitical issues.

“We reaffirm,” the statement continues, “that the right of transit without restrictions or tolls is the cornerstone of international trade. We agree that the multinational, independent and defensive initiative led by France and the United Kingdom can play an important role in facilitating the resumption of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, protecting merchant ships, reassuring commercial shipping operators and supporting the verification of the removal of all mines”.

A $300 billion private fund to encourage investment in Iran. This is provided for in the framework agreement between the United States and Iran, which is due to be signed on Friday. Reuters reports this on its website, citing a source with direct knowledge of the agreement and adding that more than half of the sum has already been committed. The fund will consist entirely of private-sector resources. The high-level Iranian source stated that Tehran had initially demanded $400 billion in war reparations from the United States, but Washington refused. This led to the idea of the fund, which will be called the Reconstruction and Development Fund. The new fund is, in fact, designed as a private investment vehicle; it is not a reconstruction or reparations programme, and will not include any government funding or subsidies. Companies based in the United States, the Arab Gulf states, Asia, South America and Africa have agreed to commit to the funding. The promised investments cover energy, logistics, manufacturing and transport. Reuters notes that Iran has attracted virtually no significant foreign direct investment over the past four decades due to US and international sanctions.

The operational headquarters of the Iranian Armed Forces has warned that if the Israeli army does not halt its aggression in southern Lebanon, it “must expect a harsh response from the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran”. This was reported by Tasnim. “Over the past two days, the Israeli army has violated the ceasefire in southern Lebanon no fewer than 84 times, despite the US President’s declaration of an end to hostilities, continuing to commit atrocities and kill the oppressed people of Lebanon.”

The maritime monitoring platform TankerTrackers has reported that a number of oil tankers from Tehran have passed through the blockade zone around Iranian ports imposed by the United States for around two months, on the eve of the signing of an agreement between Iran and the US scheduled for Friday.

“At least two supertankers belonging to the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC), named Diona and Hero2, have breached the perimeter of the US naval blockade, carrying a total of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian crude oil”, the website reported, adding later that a third tanker “carrying 1 million barrels of oil” had also crossed the blockade. “These are Iran’s first crude oil exports in two months,” concluded TankerTrackers, citing digital tracking data corroborated by satellite imagery.