Israel Rejects US-Iran Deal, Vows to Stay in Lebanon as World Welcomes Accord (Jun 15, 1643 UTC, 1943 Israel) (Evening Edition)

US-Iran MoU Signed, Formal Signing Friday

The US and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding, with a formal ceremony set for Friday, June 19, in Geneva. US Vice President JD Vance, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner are expected to attend, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also signed the document N12 Chat. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed a meeting between delegation heads in Switzerland on Friday, followed by an initial round of negotiations IranWire.

Ceasefire and Hormuz Reopening

The MoU includes an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the lifting of the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz TLDR Iran SITREP. President Trump announced that oil tankers are moving through the strait, and a senior US official expects a significant increase in ship traffic within two weeks N12 Chat. However, experts caution that clearing Iranian mines from the strait could take weeks, and shipping remains skeptical, with only one LNG tanker transiting post-announcement Times of Israel. Hormuz transits have collapsed to 2% of pre-war levels, and oil prices dropped 5.9% on deal relief TLDR Iran SITREP.

Iranian Statements

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that ending the war in Lebanon is an "inseparable" part of the agreement and that the US is responsible for implementation Al-Manar TV. Tasnim News Agency reported that the MoU stipulates suspension of implementation if any aggression or assassination occurs in Iran, the "resistance front," or Lebanon Al-Manar TV. Baghaei also noted Iran's deep distrust of the US IranWire.

Domestic Reactions

IRGC-linked Fars News published an op-ed titled "What About My Leader's Blood?" criticizing the deal, while IRNA reported a plunge in dollar and gold prices following the announcement IranWire. Iran's internet has partially returned after a 90-day blackout, though bandwidth remains throttled FDD.

Israel Rejects Ceasefire, Vows to Stay

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon and will maintain security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely, "cleared of local residents, and all terror infrastructure destroyed" Manniefabian. This follows the US-Iran ceasefire announcement, which supposedly includes ending fighting against Hezbollah. Israeli media report the army is reducing operations in Lebanon but awaiting political leadership decisions Al-Manar TV.

Hezbollah Response

Hezbollah congratulated Iran on the MoU, calling it a "great achievement" and warning Israel that there will be "no return to the pre-March 2 period" Al-Manar TV. A senior Hezbollah official said the signing was delayed to Friday to monitor the ceasefire in Lebanon Israel Hayom.

Lebanese Reactions

President Joseph Aoun hailed the MoU's stipulations on cessation of hostilities in the region, including Lebanon Al-Manar TV. The Lebanese Army urged residents of southern border villages to postpone their return, citing safety concerns Al-Manar TV. Despite hopes, Al Jazeera reports that Israeli defiance and past violations overshadow lasting peace Al Jazeera.

Ongoing Violence

An Israeli drone strike killed one person in a car in Kfar Tebnit, southern Lebanon Manniefabian. Israeli forces reportedly detonated homes in southern villages Quds News Network. The IDF targeted a motorcycle approaching Israeli forces in Haris Bint Jbeil News.

IDF Operations

The IDF confirmed killing Ali Mousa Daqduq, a top Hezbollah commander in the Radwan Unit responsible for creating Iran-backed militias in Iraq FDD. The IDF is holding territory in southern Lebanon and planning a permanent base in Jenin, West Bank Times of Israel.

Israeli Strike in Gaza City

An Israeli strike targeted a residential building near Abu Iskandar roundabout in Sheikh Radwan, central Gaza City, reportedly killing at least one Palestinian and injuring multiple others Quds News Network. No further details were immediately available.

Settler Violence and Land Seizure

Israeli settlers, protected by Israeli forces, forcibly blocked Palestinians from reaching their lands on Mount Tarousa in Dura, south of Hebron, in an attempt to seize the lands and establish a new settlement outpost Quds News Network. The Israeli government is reportedly providing 50-shekel daily stipends for hundreds of "hilltop youth" settlers, amid efforts to address violent attacks against Palestinians Times of Israel.

UN Calls for Hormuz Aid Corridor

The UN stressed the urgent need to open an aid corridor through the Strait of Hormuz to prevent a global hunger crisis, as the world awaits details on the US-Iran accord UN News.

International Reactions

The deal has been met with joy in Lebanon and hope in Iran, but despair in Israel Times of Israel. Democrats in Congress have criticized the deal as "surrender" and "humiliation" Responsible Statecraft. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi discussed the MoU with his Turkish, Iraqi, and Egyptian counterparts, emphasizing the US responsibility for implementation Al-Manar TV.

UK Court Upholds Ban on Palestine Action

A UK court upheld a ban on the anti-Israel group Palestine Action, ruling it is a "covert organization operating with secret cells" rather than a civil disobedience group. This comes days after four activists were jailed Times of Israel.

US Domestic Reactions

Democrats have criticized the Trump administration's deal with Iran, with some calling it a "surrender" and "humiliation" Responsible Statecraft. The deal has sparked political debate in Washington, with implications for US-Israel relations.