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US and Iran takes steps forward, Israel continues Lebanon attack

US and Iran takes steps forward for deal, Israel continues attacks on Lebanon
MENA
11 min read
16 June, 2026
Iran and the US are both progressing forward with the deal, while Israel violently lashes out with attacks on Lebanon and Gaza.

The New Arab's live coverage is now over and will be back tomorrow at 9 AM BST.

Below are the essential updates of the day:

  • US President Donald Trump says the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran has been "all signed" electronically, and the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open by Friday. Iranian media reports the movement of tankers after the US ended its naval blockade
     
  • US Vice President JD Vance says he expects UN nuclear inspectors to return to Iran and there will be "no tolls" in the Strait of Hormuz during the 60-days of talks with Tehran. He also 'hoped' that Israel would eventually join the agreement
     
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior Israeli officials insist Israeli troops will continue to occupy southern Lebanon, Gaza and Syria despite the US-Iran agreement. Israeli attacks also continued in Lebanon and Gaza.