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Iran updates: Iran's top negotiator says military 'ready to respond' amid Trump threats

PHOTO: President Donald Trump speaks during a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House, June 18, 2026, in Washington.
1:49
Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo
US-Iran talks resume after threats from Trump
By David Brennan, Nadine El-Bawab, Kevin Shalvey, Jon Haworth
Last Updated: June 20, 2026, 3:58 PM

President Donald Trump announced "major combat operations" against Iran on Feb. 28, with massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes targeting military, government and infrastructure sites.

Following the announcement of a two-week ceasefire, initial U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan in April failed to reach a peace deal. Trump later announced the open-ended extension of the ceasefire and the continuation of a U.S. blockade until negotiations concluded.

On Sunday, Trump announced that the U.S. and Iran had reached a "great deal." The memorandum of understanding was read to reporters on Wednesday, and the U.S. and Iranian presidents signed it that day, a White House official said.

Key Headlines

  • Vance says 'great progress' being made in negotiations, downplays fighting in Lebanon
  • Israel will not withdraw from its 'security zone' in Lebanon, minister says
  • US and Iranian delegations arrive for Swiss talks
  • IDF official says Hezbollah fired over 50 rockets overnight
  • Vance lands in Switzerland
Here's how the news is developing.

Jun 20, 2026 3:58 PM

Iran delegation to travel to Switzerland for talks

The Iranian delegation will travel to Switzerland for talks with the U.S., Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei said Saturday.

"We intend to demand the implementation of the other party's commitments and clarify how they plan to fulfill their obligations. If part of the other party's commitments is not fulfilled, the entire understanding will be jeopardized," he said.

"The first clause is the most important in the memorandum of understanding, and the other party has not fulfilled its commitment to compel the Zionist regime to stop its attacks on Lebanon," Baqaei said.


Jun 20, 2026 2:34 PM

Iran closing Strait of Hormuz over deadly Israeli attacks on Lebanon

Iran said it is going to close the Strait of Hormuz again due to violations of the memorandum of understanding reached between the U.S. and Iran.

Vice President JD Vance asserted that the Strait of Hormuz is open on Saturday, just minutes before Iranian state media announced that the critical shipping channel was closed as of Saturday morning.

PHOTO: Cargo vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos on June 20, 2026, in Muscat, Oman.
Getty Images
Cargo vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos on June 20, 2026, in Muscat, Oman.
Getty Images

Vance confirmed that U.S. representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were in Switzerland as of a few hours ago and said that “things are going well,” and that he would leave to join them there for negotiations in the "next couple of days."

But Vance indicated that the principal officials from the Iranian side had not yet arrived in Switzerland yet.


Jun 20, 2026 2:03 PM

Israel, Hezbollah exchange fire despite agreement, possibly prompting Hormuz Strait closure

The ceasefire is already fraying, with Israel and Hezbollah accusing the other of violations, raising real doubts about whether this is a pause in fighting or the start of a new phase. The strikes also raising questions about whether the broader deal will hold, as U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff heads to Switzerland for initial talks with Iran.

More than a dozen people are reported killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon, less than 24 hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced. Local officials say at least 16 people were killed in the Nabatieh district and seven in neighboring Saida, with others wounded, after Israeli strikes hit multiple areas.

Israel said it targeted Hezbollah positions in response to incoming fire, while Hezbollah accuses Israel of striking first. Both sides showing a lack of restraint and testing this agreement.



Jun 20, 2026 10:55 AM

Death toll rises to 16 in new Israeli strikes on Lebanon

The Lebanese Civil Defense said Saturday morning that at least 16 people have been killed in a mixture of airstrikes, drone strikes and artillery shelling that has been hitting Lebanon, with at least 12 more injured.

"Civil defense elements continue to carry out their humanitarian and relief missions in response to the calls of citizens, despite difficult field conditions and challenges," Lebanese authorities said.

The Lebanese Civil Defense added that at least 47 others were evacuated from the area.

The IDF has not yet commented on the alleged strikes.

-ABC News' Rashid Haddou


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