- Trump Says Iran Agreement Nears, Weekend Signing Expected
President Donald Trump said a U.S.-Iran agreement could be signed in Europe this weekend and described the documents as being in a “pretty final stage.” Trump said Vice President JD Vance would attend the signing and stated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen upon implementation of the agreement. Qatar confirmed discussions with Washington regarding progress in the negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is not a party to the agreement but was assured that any final accord would address enriched uranium, missile production, and Iranian support for proxy groups.
- Oil Falls Below $90 After Trump Cancels Iran Strikes
Brent crude fell below $90 per barrel after President Trump announced the cancellation of planned strikes against Iran and cited progress in discussions with Tehran. Reuters reported Brent at $89.17 and U.S. crude at $86.48 on June 12, extending losses from the previous session amid expectations of reduced supply disruption risks.
- Iran Denies Approving Proposed Memorandum With United States
Iranian outlets affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, including Fars and Tasnim, reported that Tehran had not approved any memorandum of understanding with the United States. The reports said no final text had been accepted, despite statements from President Trump and media reports indicating that an agreement was nearing completion. Iranian sources described discussions as ongoing and awaiting further decisions.
- Iran Maritime Authority Announces Hormuz Closure Until Further Notice
The Persian Gulf Waterway Authority announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice, citing regional tensions and recent statements by Iran’s armed forces. The authority instructed permit holders to await further guidance regarding transit through the waterway.
- Iran Commander Warns Energy Exports Could Halt Regionwide
Major General Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said oil and gas exports would be available “to everyone or to no one” if Iranian energy infrastructure comes under further attack. He also warned that additional U.S. strikes would trigger a stronger Iranian response.
- U.S. Military Prepared Iran Strikes Before Trump Reversal
NBC News reported that U.S. forces were approximately three hours from launching strikes against targets in Iran before President Donald Trump announced that military action had been canceled. According to U.S. officials cited by NBC, operational orders had been issued, munitions prepared, and military planning was in its final stages when the decision was reversed following diplomatic developments.
- Regional Leaders Urged Trump To Delay Planned Strikes
Politico reported that leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan contacted President Donald Trump after he threatened additional military action against Iran, urging him to postpone planned strikes and arguing that a preliminary agreement remained within reach. According to the report, the discussions contributed to diplomatic efforts that preceded Trump’s decision to cancel the operation.
- IRGC Says Iran Ready For Immediate Response To Attacks
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Iran is in a stronger and more prepared position than before the conflict and remains ready to respond immediately to any future attack. The statement, issued on the anniversary of Operation True Promise 3, warned against further military action and said Iran maintains full awareness of adversary activities.
- Treasury Secretary Says Iranian Assets Could Cover Attack Damages
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said damages resulting from Iranian attacks on U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf would be paid from Iranian assets. In a social media post, Bessent also said costs associated with transit through the Strait of Hormuz could be offset through funds taken from Iranian accounts.
- Iran-Linked Hackers Claim Access to California Water Infrastructure
Iran-linked hacker group Handala claimed it breached systems associated with California Water Service and released screenshots and data it says demonstrate access to network management platforms serving multiple California locations. Iran’s state media carried the claim. Independent reporting identified customer and administrative data within the released materials. No U.S. authority has publicly confirmed a breach of operational water systems.
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★ Disclaimer: This publication is a digest of various news sources compiled by the Early Phoenix team and edited by Rania Kisar. The items are curated, concise summaries of news items hyperlinked within each story. The items and summaries presented do not necessarily represent the views of the American Center for Levant Studies.
