Live

Iran live updates: Iran says Strait of Hormuz is closed over deadly attacks on Lebanon

Iran said the U.S. and Israel violated the memorandum of understanding.

Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 4:44 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.

10:03 AM EDT

Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire despite agreement, possibly prompting Hormuz Strait closure

The ceasefire is already fraying, with Israel and Hezbollah accusing the other of violations, raising real doubts about whether this is a pause in fighting or the start of a new phase. The strikes also raising questions about whether the broader deal will hold, as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff heads to Switzerland for initial talks with Iran.

More than a dozen people are reported killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, less than 24 hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Local officials say at least 16 people were killed in the Nabatieh district and seven in neighboring Saida, with others wounded, after Israeli strikes hit multiple areas.

Israel said it targeted Hezbollah positions in response to incoming fire, while Hezbollah accuses Israel of striking first. Both sides showing a lack of restraint and testing this agreement.

6:55 AM EDT

Death toll rises to 16 in new Israeli strikes on Lebanon

The Lebanese Civil Defense said Saturday morning that at least 16 people have been killed in a mixture of airstrikes, drone strikes and artillery shelling that has been hitting Lebanon, with at least 12 more injured.

"Civil defense elements continue to carry out their humanitarian and relief missions in response to the calls of citizens, despite difficult field conditions and challenges," Lebanese authorities said.

The Lebanese Civil Defense added that at least 47 others were evacuated from the area.

The IDF has not yet commented on the alleged strikes.

-ABC News' Rashid Haddou

5:27 AM EDT

New Israeli strikes in Lebanon kill at least 5 in spite of ceasefire

In spite of Friday's ceasefire agreement, the Lebanese Civil Defense said that at least five people have been killed on Saturday morning in a mixture of airstrikes, drone strikes and artillery shelling that has been hitting Lebanon.

The Lebanese Army also confirmed that a member of the military killed.

"Israeli brutal attacks on Lebanon continue after the latest escalation reached wide areas in the south all the way to the Bekaa Valley, resulting in more martyrs and wounded, and causing extensive destruction to properties," the Lebanese Army said in a post on social media.

"It has become clear that the continuation of these Israeli brutal attacks aims to obstruct any solution that would allow the restoration of stability in Lebanon," the statement continued.

ABC News has reached out to the IDF for a comment on the latest alleged attacks.

-ABC News' Rashid Haddou

Jun 19, 2026, 7:35 PM EDT

Witkoff en route to Switzerland: US official

Trump administration Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is en route to Switzerland, where Jared Kushner is expected to join him, a U.S. official said.

The travel comes after talks between the U.S. and Iran, originally set to begin Friday, were initially postponed.

PHOTO: President Trump Meets With His Cabinet At The White House
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff attends a Cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room of the White House on May 27, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Win Mcnamee/Getty Images

Timing for when peace talks between the U.S. and Iran may begin is still unclear.

-ABC News' Shannon Kingston

Related Topics

Sponsored Content by Taboola