US Iran Deal Live Updates: 'Won't tolerate agreement breach': Iran's Ghalibaf warns US of 'crushing response'

08:38 (IST) Jun 19Iran US Deal: US lifts blockade of Iran and Iranian supreme leader endorses direct talks with American officialsThe US on Thursday lifted its blockade of Iran, and oil tankers began freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel, as the tentative agreement to end the war took effect.But Vice President JD Vance suggested that he may postpone a trip to Switzerland that had been planned for Friday and included a ceremonial signing of the deal. And a Trump administration envoy told US lawmakers in a private briefing that Iran will invite the UN’s nuclear watchdog agency to inspect its nuclear sites.That all unfolded as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed direct negotiations with the US in a statement read by state media.“It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s opinion,” he said.It was Khamenei’s first reaction to the agreement, and it indicated a shift in Iran’s approach. Hard-liners, especially Khamenei’s father, the previous supreme leader, have long opposed direct talks, especially after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and world powers.The supreme leader has not been seen in public since he was wounded in a strike at the start of the war.08:32 (IST) Jun 19US Iran Deal: Hezbollah claims it destroyed 3 Israeli Merkava tanks in southern Lebanon clashHezbollah has claimed that its fighters lured an Israeli military force into what it described as a "kill zone" before destroying three Merkava tanks during clashes near the Ali al-Tahir hill in southern Lebanon.In a statement, the group said it detected an Israeli armoured and infantry unit advancing from the northern side of the hill and targeted it with guided missiles, allegedly destroying three tanks. Hezbollah said it then launched heavy rocket and artillery fire at the force.According to the group, a second Israeli unit later moved in under the cover of smoke screens and flares to evacuate casualties. Hezbollah said it responded with a barrage of rockets and mortar shells, claiming to have scored direct hits.08:32 (IST) Jun 19US Iran Deal News: 'Trump is Israel's only ally' - JD Vance's blunt message to Netanyahu over Iran deal criticismUS Vice President JD Vance has issued a strong warning to Israel over its criticism of the US-Iran agreement reached after weeks of conflict and tensions. Defending MAGA supremo, Vance said that "Trump is Israel's only ally."His remarks came amid reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies were "privately unhappy" with the agreement, which was aimed at ending the conflict with Iran.Vance also stressed that Washington remains Israel's strongest and most important ally.Speaking at a White House briefing, Vance defended the agreement amid criticism from critics, who have argued that it fails to adequately address Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and could constrain Israel’s military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon.08:32 (IST) Jun 19US Iran Deal: Vance delays trip to Switzerland to lead new US talks with Iran on its nuclear programThe White House said Thursday night that Vice President JD Vance was delaying a trip to Switzerland to lead a new round of negotiations with Iran over its nuclear program — raising questions about what's next for the tentative agreement to end the war.It said the team lead by Vance had been ready to leave but was postponing, citing difficult logistics for negotiations. The announcement followed a report from Al-Mayadeen, a pan-Arab satellite channel that is politically allied with the Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, that Iran was delaying sending its delegation to Switzerland over Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.The postponement came after the US said it had lifted its blockade, allowing oil tankers to begin freely moving through the Strait of Hormuz after months of being unable to use the critical channel. But the initial agreement has drawn sharp criticism from some in the U.S. — including a few congressional Republicans — who worry Washington ceded too much to Iran with relief from sanctions and a potential $300 billion fund to help with rebuilding.Earlier, Vance took the relatively unusual step of appearing at the White House to defend the deal, arguing that while it offers concessions, Iran first has to comply with US demands.08:31 (IST) Jun 19Iran US Deal News: 'Won't tolerate breach' - Iran's Ghalibaf warns US of 'crushing response'Iran's chief negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned that Tehran will give a "crushing response" if the United States breaches the newly agreed framework, acts in bad faith, or makes excessive demands during negotiations on a final deal.In a post on X, Ghalibaf said Iran remains committed to implementing the terms set out by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, but warned that any violation of the agreement would be met with a strong reaction."We are carrying out the mission assigned by the Supreme Leader to ensure the agreement's conditions are fulfilled. In the event of bad faith, a breach of commitments, or excessive demands by the other side, we will not hesitate to deliver a crushing response to the enemy," he said.Referring to the recent conflict, Ghalibaf added, "They were slapped once during the war. If they choose to follow that path again, they will receive an even harder slap."08:31 (IST) Jun 19US Iran Deal: 'Out of desperation' - Khamenei claims Trump drove Iran-US dealIran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has claimed that US President Donald Trump was eager to secure the newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Tehran and Washington and used "all kinds of leverage" to make it happen. He stressed, however, that Iran agreed to the deal only after ensuring that the rights of the Iranian people and the Resistance Front would be protected.Addressing the nation after the signing of the 14-point framework agreement, Khamenei said Iranian officials had worked hard to advance the negotiations, but argued that the push for an agreement came primarily from Washington."As you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials in charge made extensive efforts in good faith. However, it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about," Khamenei said.While backing the framework agreement, Khamenei cautioned that future direct negotiations with the United States should not be seen as Iran accepting Washington's position."It is clear that the face-to-face negotiations that will take place in the future do not mean acceptance of the enemy's position," he said.Khamenei also revealed that he initially had reservations about the agreement but ultimately approved it after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and members of Iran's Supreme National Security Council.Daily PuzzlesConnectThe Perfect TracePlay Now Loop The LoopPuzzle CircuitPlay Now Daily CrosswordSpecial puzzlePlay Now Classic MatrixNumber PlayPlay Now Mini CrosswordLite ChallengePlay Now

The United States on Thursday lifted its blockade of Iran, allowing oil tankers to resume movement through the Strait of Hormuz as a tentative agreement to end the war took effect.The development came as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei endorsed future direct negotiations with Washington, while making it clear that such talks would not mean Iran accepts the US position. "The face-to-face negotiations that will take place in the future will not mean accepting the enemy's opinion," he said in a statement carried by state media.Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff told lawmakers in a private briefing that Iran would invite the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear facilities and help locate enriched uranium believed to be buried under rubble. According to reports, a separate letter between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog outlines the inspection process.Vice President JD Vance also defended the agreement, arguing that it would force Iran to change its behaviour. Responding to criticism from Israel, Vance said President Donald Trump remains the country's strongest ally and warned against undermining the deal.The agreement, signed by Trump and Iranian leaders, extends the ceasefire and gives both sides 60 days to negotiate a broader settlement. Trump has argued that the deal would help stabilise oil markets and prevent further economic disruption after the conflict sent energy prices soaring.Shipping activity has already begun to recover. Oil tankers carrying millions of barrels of crude have crossed the Strait of Hormuz, while major global shipping companies have resumed limited operations through alternative routes. However, experts warn that the strait is not yet fully operational, with mine-clearance work still required and hundreds of vessels waiting to leave the Persian Gulf.