[84903] Historic memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran sparks turmoil in Israel; fighting on the ground continues

Historic memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran

A dramatic memorandum of understanding is taking shape between the United States and Iran, with the official signing scheduled for this coming Friday, June 19, 2026. The agreement is expected to include an immediate and permanent ceasefire on all fronts (including Lebanon), the lifting of the naval blockade on Iran, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The main mediators during the process were Pakistan and Qatar, with the support of Saudi Arabia and Turkey.

The agreement includes 14 clauses, among them the release of frozen funds and American aid for reconstruction. However, official American sources clarified that no funds would be released without full compliance with Iranian obligations, and they rejected Tehran's claims for release without preconditions. Following the announcement of the agreement, a decline of about 4% was recorded in global oil prices.

International reactions and outrage in Israel

Countries in the region and the world, including Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, France, and the European Union, welcomed the agreement as a vital step for the stability of the global economy and freedom of navigation. Conversely, extremely sharp criticism was voiced in Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz clarified that Israel is not bound by the agreement and that the IDF will remain in "security zones" in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza. Officials in the defense establishment defined the agreement as "shocking" and argued that it grants Iran veto power over the IDF's freedom of operation. Simultaneously, Japan clarified that no decision has yet been made regarding the deployment of self-defense forces to the Strait of Hormuz.

Fighting in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank continues

Despite the diplomatic contacts, the ground continues to burn on three fronts:

• Southern Lebanon: Hezbollah published footage of precise strikes using suicide drones (of the "Ababil" and FPV types) on IDF armored vehicles (Merkava tanks, APCs, and military vehicles) in the areas of Al-Khiam, Ayta al-Sha'b, and the Beaufort Fortress. For its part, the IDF continued proactive operations and the destruction of infrastructure and outposts in these areas.


• Gaza Strip: Fighting continues in various locations. Deaths were reported in strikes in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in the north of the city (including the death of an obstetrician and his son), in the Nuseirat camp (strike on a tailor tent), and in Al-Zawayda. The Ministry of Health in Gaza updated that the total death toll since October 2023 has crossed 73,000.


• West Bank: IDF forces conducted extensive raids and arrests overnight in Nablus (Rafidia and Khilat al-Amud neighborhoods) and Hebron (Dura, where the released prisoner Karim Akram Shahin was arrested).

Marking the year 1448 AH and regional impacts

The Muslim world marks the beginning of the new Hijri year, with differences in determining the date. Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Gulf states announced Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram and the beginning of the new year. Conversely, the office of the supreme Shiite authority in Iraq, Ali al-Sistani, determined that the new year would begin on Wednesday, June 17. Because of this, a general holiday was declared in Iraq, and the Iraqi Ministry of Education postponed the matriculation exams (including the French exam for ninth grade) from Tuesday to Wednesday.

Additional news from the region

• Education and Communications in Iraq: Alongside intensive preparations for the English and Arabic matriculation exams, the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education approved an addition of up to five points for students in evaluation exams (excluding medical schools). Simultaneously, the Ministry of Communications announced an infrastructure upgrade and a 20% increase in fiber optic internet speeds at no extra cost.


• Sports: Media giants in Iraq reported on the official signing of Spanish defender Marc Cucurella to Real Madrid for 55 million euros on a contract until 2032. Meanwhile, in the 2026 World Cup matches, the Egyptian national team squeezed out a prestigious 1-1 draw against the Belgian national team in the opening round thanks to a goal by Emam Ashour, while Tunisia suffered a painful 5-1 defeat by Sweden.