US-Iran peace memorandum could be signed on Sunday in Geneva, Iranian source says

A memorandum between the United States and Iran to halt the war in ​the Gulf could be signed as soon as Sunday, a Western source told Reuters on Friday, with Geneva emerging as the likeliest venue.

The source said language in ‌the memorandum was still being finalised and Iran was sticking to its position that the deal must also end fighting in Lebanon, where Israel has been bombing Lebanon's civilian infrastructure while saying they are in a fight against Hezbollah.

The aim was to finalise the wording by Saturday so the agreement could be signed by US Vice President JD Vance and Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf. No venue had been established, but Geneva was emerging as the likeliest.

Trump said on Thursday ​he was calling off new strikes on Iran because the deal was now ready.

But the terms of the deal as described on Friday by Iranian officials appear to offer Tehran much of what ⁠it has demanded so far, with Trump appearing to win little of what he has sought, beyond the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran shut after he ordered attacks in ​February.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Friday that the draft would waive sanctions on Iran's oil, unfreeze billions of dollars of its funds, and require a cessation of hostilities on all ​fronts, including in Lebanon.

Nuclear issues would be set aside for later talks. Washington wants a deal to ensure that Iran never develops a nuclear weapon; Iran says it is not seeking one.

The waiving of sanctions, unfreezing of Iranian assets and halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon are essential Iranian demands. The source made no mention of what Iran might offer in return. There was no immediate response from the United States.

Iran's Mehr news agency ​said the terms also included other key US concessions, including a commitment to withdraw its forces from around Iran and present a plan for rebuilding the shattered Iranian economy.

"The United States ​and its allies must submit plans for Iran’s reconstruction worth at least $300 billion," the Mehr report said.

The report also cited a diplomat briefed on the matter as saying that Iranian negotiators had agreed to a deal, though it remained unclear whether it had been approved by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has final authority over major foreign policy and military decisions.

Israeli Prime Minister states that he will not let Iran have nuclear weapons

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday on X that "as long as" he is the PM, "Iran will not have nuclear weapons."

"There is full agreement between me and President Trump on this issue."

He further claimed that for "30 years, I have been at the forefront of the international campaign against Iran's nuclear program," adding that were it not for him, "Iran would long ago have had atomic bombs to destroy Israel."

Iran has repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons.

Iranian media reveals details of 14-point draft memorandum with US

Iranian media on Friday published the details of a 14-point draft memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, revealing significant differences from provisions previously reported by Axios regarding sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, reconstruction commitments, and the scope of future negotiations.

According to Mehr, the draft has 14 points and remains subject to final review and approval by relevant Iranian authorities.

The two reported versions share several key elements, but significant differences emerge in how those objectives would be implemented.

Axios reported a 60-day “extension” of the existing ceasefire, including in Lebanon, while nuclear negotiations continue.

The draft published by Mehr instead calls for an “immediate and permanent” cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, followed by 60 days of negotiations toward a final nuclear agreement.

The two accounts also differ on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Axios reported an “immediate” reopening of the strategic waterway without tolls and restoration of normal shipping volumes. The Iranian-reported draft stipulates reopening the strait within 30 days and in coordination with Iran.

Sanctions relief represents another major point of divergence.

According to Axios, US sanctions relief would be linked to Iranian compliance with the agreement. The draft published by Mehr goes significantly further, calling for suspension of sanctions on Iranian oil, petrochemical products, and derivatives, full access to Iran's financial resources, and eventual lifting of all primary and secondary US sanctions, as well as related measures imposed through the UN Security Council and the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors.

The treatment of frozen Iranian assets also differs substantially.

Axios reported that Iran could gain access “to some” frozen funds for humanitarian purchases through a mechanism discussed with Qatar. By contrast, the draft published by Mehr calls for the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets during the 60-day negotiating period, with half of the funds to be made available before final negotiations begin.

Another major difference concerns reconstruction and post-war guarantees.

While the Axios report did not refer to reconstruction assistance, the draft published by Mehr states that the US and its allies would be required to present plans for rebuilding Iran worth at least $300 billion.

The Iranian-reported draft also includes several provisions not mentioned in the Axios account, including a US commitment not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs, respect for Iranian sovereignty, and withdrawal of US forces from areas surrounding Iran.

It also includes a US pledge not to increase military deployments in the region and not to impose new sanctions during negotiations.

On the nuclear issue, the two versions overlap to some degree.

IRNA reported that under the current MOU, Iran makes no commitment regarding the transfer of management of the Strait of Hormuz, and the future of its management will be undertaken by a joint decision-making framework between Tehran and Oman.

Axios reported a framework for addressing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, with further nuclear measures contingent on a follow-up agreement. The draft published by Mehr states that Iran would reaffirm its commitment under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty not to produce nuclear weapons.

Perhaps the most consequential difference concerns the scope of future negotiations.

According to the draft published by Mehr, the final agreement would be limited to enriched nuclear material, enrichment activities, sanctions relief, and Iran's economic reconstruction program. It explicitly excludes discussions on Iran's missile program and support for “resistance groups.”

IRNA stated that no agreement is made regarding the nuclear file under the current memorandum, and nuclear talks will take place within 60 days after signing.

The draft further states that any final agreement would be endorsed through a UN Security Council resolution and that a monitoring mechanism would be established to oversee implementation—provisions not mentioned in the Axios report.

Mehr noted that the text still requires review and approval by Iran's relevant authorities before it can be formally adopted.

A deal to permanently end the US-Israeli war on Iran could be signed as soon as this weekend, President Trump said Thursday, in a day dominated by whiplash developments.

Iran said Thursday that the “main part” of the text of understanding with the US had been finalised, while accusing Washington of undermining progress through shifting positions.

US forces carried out a second day of strikes on Thursday against multiple targets in Iran, following the downing of an Apache helicopter above the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), for its part, said 18 major US military targets had been struck at the Ali Al Salem and Ahmad Al Jaber air bases in Kuwait, Sheikh Isa Air Base in Bahrain, and a base hosting American fighter jets in Jordan.

The latest escalation has heightened regional tensions following US strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent announcement that it was closing the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.

Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger

The deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, if confirmed, would be the most significant diplomatic breakthrough yet, which has killed thousands in Iran and Lebanon and sent global energy prices sharply higher after Iran all but closed the Strait of Hormuz to shipping.

"We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran," Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday.

"The strait will officially open as soon as we sign, which could be soon, very soon, maybe over the weekend in Europe," he said, adding that Vice President JD Vance would attend the deal signing.

Since mid-March, Trump has repeatedly claimed a deal with Iran to end the war was close. The two sides have traded strikes this week, straining a ceasefire announced in April.

Iranian media reported Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying large parts of the agreement have been finalised, but Iran would not compromise on its red lines.

"We have not reached a conclusion on this matter," he said. "This is a very important issue that is currently being reviewed by the relevant decision-making bodies."

Trump says G7 support ‘irrelevant,’ claims ‘victory’ in Iran war

US President Donald Trump has dismissed any support from G7 as “irrelevant” and claimed that “we have won the war in Iran,” in a brief phone interview broadcast by Italian channel La7 on Friday.

Trump made remarks during a call with La7's Washington correspondent.

Asked whether he had a message for G7 leaders, Trump said the US had not needed external support.

“We didn’t need any support. So, we have won the war. It was a bit irrelevant, irrelevant! I have to go. I’m in an important meeting, but we have won the war in Iran. We didn’t need their help,” Trump said.

The comments came ahead of the G7 summit scheduled for June 15-17.

Regional tensions that began on February 28, after Israeli and US strikes on Iran triggered a cycle of military confrontations, retaliatory attacks and diplomatic disputes.

Iran and Israel also exchanged strikes in recent days before pulling back, highlighting the fragility of a ceasefire and ongoing efforts by regional and international mediators to revive diplomacy and prevent a broader conflict.

Trump, allies working on plan to void his impeachments, WSJ reports

US President Donald Trump and his allies are pushing lawmakers to pass a resolution aimed at voiding his first-term impeachments, a White House official said on Thursday, confirming a report in the Wall Street Journal.

Trump was impeached twice by the US House of Representatives during his first four years in office. The first alleged an abuse of power, and he was acquitted in early 2020. The second accused him of incitement of insurrection over the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol by his supporters.

Trump escaped an ouster from power in both cases, and his anger over the impeachments helped fuel his 2024 presidential campaign in which he defeated Democrat Kamala Harris.

The WSJ reported that Trump and his team want lawmakers to pass a resolution aimed at voiding the impeachments.

White House officials have strongly urged forward progress on this issue, the White House official told reporters.

The Journal said the resolution would allow Trump to claim a symbolic victory on a matter that has dogged him since his first term, but would have little legal significance since the Constitution provides no procedure for undoing an impeachment.

"It’s no surprise that sane individuals are recognising these sham efforts and are interested in undoing those shameful actions," said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson when asked for a comment on the story.

Hezbollah confident any US-Iran deal will include Lebanon, politician says

Hezbollah is confident that Iran will insist on Lebanon being included in a deal with the United States, a leading Hezbollah politician said on Friday, as hopes grew for an agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Hezbollah, founded by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982, entered the regional conflict in support of Tehran on March 2, opening fire at Israel and prompting an Israeli offensive that has killed thousands of people in Lebanon.

Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted on an end to fighting in Lebanon as part of any wider agreement.

"If the agreement happens, we have complete confidence in the Islamic Republic ... we have confidence that it will insist on any agreement including the file of Lebanon," Hassan Fadlallah, a Hezbollah politician, said in an excerpt of a speech broadcast by the group's al-Manar TV.

Israeli forces have occupied swathes of southern Lebanon, where Lebanon's NNA reported new Israeli airstrikes in several towns and villages on Friday, harming mostly civilians and civilian infrastructure.

A Western source said a memorandum between the United States and Iran to halt the war in the Gulf could be signed as soon as Sunday. The source said that language in the memorandum was still being finalised and Iran was sticking to its position that the deal must also end fighting in Lebanon.

Last week, Mohsen Rezaei, an adviser to Iran's supreme leader, said Hezbollah had "made great sacrifices" in the war and that Lebanon "will be an inseparable part of any agreement and any ceasefire", in comments reported by the semi-official Mehr news agency.

The war in Lebanon has continued despite several "ceasefires" announced by the United States, which has been mediating talks between the Lebanese and Israeli governments.

Israeli army issues forced displacement order for three villages in southern Lebanon

Israel has issued a forced displacement order to residents of three villages in southern Lebanon. These include Sarafand, a village in southern Lebanon located 10km south of Sidon by the Mediterranean Sea, as well as Tuffaha and Mazraat Sinai, both also in the Sidon district, according to Al Jazeera.

“To ensure your safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately and move north of the Zahrani River,” the army’s Arabic language spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, said in a post on X. He added the threat that “anyone present near Hezbollah elements, their facilities, and their combat means is endangering their life!”

Despite a “ceasefire” in effect in Lebanon, fighting continues to intensify between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as Israel has not stopped its attacks or forced displacement orders on residents of southern Lebanon.

The NNA reported more Israeli attacks on the Tyre district of southern Lebanon, according to Al Jazeera.

One air raid hit the town of Majdal Zoun, and a separate one hit Maarakeh. The extent of the damage or number of casualties was not immediately known.

Israeli warplanes strike southern Lebanon’s Arid Debbine area

Lebanon’s NNA news outlet is reporting Israeli air attacks on Arid Dbeibine, an agricultural area surrounding the southern town of Dibbin, in Lebanon’s southern Marjayoun district, according to Al Jazeera.

The attack follows an overnight strike on the nearby town of Khiam.

Lebanon’s National News Agency and Al Jazeera also reported an Israeli drone strike on the southern Lebanese town of Jebchit in the Nabatieh district.

The extent of the damage and the number of casualties were not immediately known.

US aircraft head to Europe ahead of possible trip by Vance for Iran deal signing: Axios

Four US Air Force C-17 transport aircraft departed for Europe on Thursday carrying equipment for a possible trip by Vice President JD Vance to Geneva for the signing of a prospective agreement between the US and Iran, Axios reported.

The online outlet, citing sources familiar with the preparations, said the military flights were linked to a potential signing ceremony that could take place in the coming days if ongoing efforts to finalise the agreement succeed.

According to Axios, the proposed memorandum of understanding would extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while opening negotiations on a broader deal covering Iran's nuclear program.

The draft agreement reportedly calls for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz without transit fees and seeks to restore shipping volumes to pre-war levels within 30 days.

In return, Iran would commit not to pursue a nuclear weapon and would address concerns over its stockpile of enriched uranium. Any concrete steps regarding Tehran's nuclear program would be subject to a separate, more detailed agreement, according to the report.

Axios said the deal would also provide Iran with phased sanctions relief tied to compliance with its commitments, including temporary waivers allowing oil exports.

The report said the tentative agreement was reached Wednesday night following talks between Qatari mediator Ali Al-Thawadi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with Trump's envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner – also Trump’s son-in-law – involved in the negotiations.

Iran's Foreign Ministry has said Tehran has not yet made a final decision on the proposed accord, while Axios reported that the agreement is still awaiting final approval from Iran's top leadership.

If signed, the deal is expected to be known as the "Islamabad Agreement," reflecting the mediation efforts of Qatar and Pakistan.

Israel says it struck 310 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

Israel’s military said it attacked 310 Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon and “about 80 terrorists were eliminated” in the last week, according to Al Jazeera.

Meanwhile, in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army said more than 20 Palestinian fighters were killed, and in the occupied West Bank, “50 terrorist apprehensions” were made.

Despite agreeing to “ceasefires” in both Lebanon and Gaza, Israel’s military continues to bomb, invade and occupy territory, and kill hundreds of civilians.

Iranian commander warns US over ‘ futile cycle’ of lies, contradiction

The commander of Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters warned the US over a "false and futile cycle" of lies and contradictions in its behavior, after Washington first threatened to strike Iranian energy infrastructure and then claimed negotiations had been approved, according to IRNA.

"The United States, on one hand, speaks of agreement and negotiation, and on the other hand commits villainy," Major General Ali Abdollahi said in a statement on Thursday.

His warning came after resident Donald Trump first threatened to "hit Iran very hard tonight" and seize Kharg Island, then hours later announced he had "cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening," claiming negotiations had been "brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved."

Markets rally despite tension

Trump's announcement of a deal - hours after he threatened again to hit Iran "very hard" on Thursday night - prompted global ‌shares to ⁠rally and oil prices to slip on Friday. Brent crude prices were down more than 2% in European morning trade.

Throughout the war, which began on February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Trump has made similar declarations that a deal was at hand, only for no deal to emerge.

But markets took comfort that his latest words signalled the end of a particularly tense few days of escalation, which began with Iran and Israel trading fire for the first time since an April ceasefire, and continued through two days of US strikes on Iran and Iranian return fire ​at US regional bases.

Read: Trump says ‘great settlement’ reached with Iran, signing expected in Europe

Asked if Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei had approved the deal, Trump said, "I understand the answer is yes."

Earlier, US attacks on Indian commercial ships in the Gulf of Omar left three Indian sailors dead. Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the attack on X on Friday, stating that the attacks were "clear evidence of America's policy of armed robbery and state piracy."

US forces down two Iranian drones

Iranian media ​reported Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei as saying on Thursday that large parts of the agreement had been finalised, but Iran would not ​compromise on its red lines.

Tension ⁠remained high around the Strait of Hormuz, with US forces shooting down two Iranian one-way attack drones after Tehran attempted to strike commercial ships transiting the vital waterway, a US official said on Thursday.

Iran's military stopped a tanker from transiting the strait, state media said, reporting the sound of explosions early on Friday.

The conflict has become a political headache for the White House, with polls showing Trump's approval ⁠ratings sinking amid ​voter anger over high gasoline prices.

Some Republicans have openly worried that the war's unpopularity could cost them control of ​Congress in November's midterm elections.

Curbs on fighting in Lebanon could be difficult to accept for Israel, which started the war alongside the United States in February but has not been included in peace negotiations.

Netanyahu's office said ​in a statement that Israel was not a party to any memorandum of understanding with Iran.

Continuous strikes

Earlier on Thursday, Trump said the United States would hit Iran "very hard tonight" and wanted eventually to take its oil infrastructure hub, Kharg Island.

The conflict has become a political headache for the White House, with polls showing Trump's approval ratings sinking amid voter anger over high gasoline prices.

Some Republicans have openly worried that the war's unpopularity could cost them control of Congress in November's midterm elections.

But Trump's political considerations also include satisfying Iran hawks within his Republican Party, who scuttled a prior effort that any agreement closes Tehran's path to developing a nuclear weapon.

The reaction of other Middle East powers will also be crucial.

Trump said on social media the agreement had been approved by countries including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement after the Israeli leader and Trump spoke that Israel was not a party to the memorandum of understanding with Iran.

Netanyahu expressed his appreciation for Trump's commitment to securing a deal that includes removing enriched material, dismantling enrichment infrastructure, limiting missile output and ending support for regional proxies, the summary showed.

Tehran has been demanding an end to Israeli attacks in Lebanon, where fighting has continued in a parallel war between Israel and Hezbollah, where Israel is consistently killing Lebanese civilians and destroying civilian infrastructure.