Iran updates: Iran's top negotiator says military 'ready to respond' amid Trump threats

Vice President JD Vance is leading the U.S. delegation in Switzerland.

ByDavid Brennan, Nadine El-Bawab, Kevin Shalvey, and Jon Haworth
Last Updated: June 21, 2026, 4:39 PM EDT

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.

Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan in April failed to reach a peace deal. Trump later announced the open-ended extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of a U.S. blockade until negotiations concluded.

On Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran had reached a "great deal." The memorandum of understanding was read to reporters on Wednesday, and the U.S. and Iranian presidents signed it that day, a White House official said.

Key Headlines

Here's how the news is developing.
Jun 18, 2026, 1:07 PM EDT

US says it has lifted blockade on Iran

U.S. forces have lifted the blockade on ships leaving or entering Iranian ports, U.S. Central Command announced Thursday.

"U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased," CENTCOM said in statement posted on X.

While the blockade has been lifted, U.S. Naval ships "will remain in the general area to make sure that all aspects of the agreement are adhered to, obeyed and in full force and effect," CENTCOM said.

-ABC News' Luis Martinez

Jun 18, 2026, 8:17 AM EDT

US, Iran to meet in Switzerland on Friday for initial negotiations, Swiss MFA says

Officials from the U.S. and Iran are expected to meet on Friday in Switzerland, where they'll be joined by officials from mediating countries Pakistan and Qatar, "for initial negotiations on the implementation of the agreement," the Swiss foreign ministry said in a statement.

The meeting is expected to take place in Bürgenstock, a resort area near Lucerne, the ministry said.

-ABC News' Victoria Beaule

Jun 18, 2026, 7:51 AM EDT

Israeli forces to stay in Lebanon, IDF official says

Israeli forces will remain in what Israel refers to as the "security zone" in southern Lebanon, an IDF official said. Further, the IDF will "continue to remove threats" even if they are "beyond the security zone."

PHOTO: This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel, near the Israel-Lebanon border on June 17, 2026, shows smoke billowing in the distance behind the medieval Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon.
This picture taken from a position in the Upper Galilee in northern Israel, near the Israel-Lebanon border on June 17, 2026, shows smoke billowing in the distance behind the medieval Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, known locally as Qalaat al-Shaqif or Shaqif Arnoun, that was captured by Israeli forces last month.
Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images

The IDF official said that "further steps are still being discussed within the framework of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. The representatives will reconvene next week."

-ABC News' Jordana Miller and Victoria Beaule

Jun 18, 2026, 7:35 AM EDT

Iranian president posts images of signed MOU

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted images on Thursday of the signed memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States, calling it a "historical document" with this message: "Peace will be realized in the shadow of mutual respect."

This handout from the Telegram account of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting on June 18, 2026, shows Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian holding a document showing a memorandum of understanding he signed to end the Middle East war.
Handout/IRIB/AFP via Getty Images

The images posted by Pezeshkian on social media appeared to show his signature on the document alongside those President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Trump signed the document while dining at Versailles on Wednesday evening, according to the White House.

-ABC News' Othon Leyva

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola