ronscarpa

IRNA Announces Details of Agreement Reached Between Tehran and Washington Iraqi News Agency Thursday, June 18th, 2026 : 00:44 INA-Sources The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) announced the text of the memorandum between Iran and the United States, outlining a broad framework for ending military operations and launching negotiations toward a final agreement within 60 days, including provisions related to Lebanon, the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions and frozen Iranian assets. IRNA said that “The memorandum states that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the US and their allies in the current war, by signing this document, declare the immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and pledge not to start any war or any military operation against each other from now on, and to refrain from threatening or using force against each other, and to guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon”. The full text of MoU between Tehran and Washington is as follows: Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran 1-The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran and their allies in the current war by signing this MoU, declare the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and undertake from now on not to initiate any war or any military operation against each other, and to refrain from the threat or use of force against each other, and ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. Final deal will confirm the permanent termination of the war on all fronts, including in Lebanon, and other provisions of this paragraph. 2-The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran undertake to respect each other's sovereignty and territorial integrity and to refrain from interfering in each other's internal affairs. 3-The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran commit to negotiating and achieving the final deal in maximum 60 days, extendable with mutual consent. 4-Immediately upon the signing of this MoU, the United States of America will begin the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against the Islamic Republic of Iran, and will fully end the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, the traffic of vessels will be in proportion to the numbers of pre-war traffic being restored by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America further undertakes to remove its forces from the proximity of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days after the final deal. 5-Upon the signing of this MoU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. The traffic of commercial vessels will immediately start, and considering the need for removing the technical and military obstacles and demining by the Islamic Republic of Iran, will be instated within 30 days. The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with other Persian Gulf littoral states in line with the applicable international law and the sovereign rights of coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz. 6-The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The mechanism for the implementation of this plan will be finalized as part of a final deal within 60 days. All required licenses, waivers and permissions needed for the relevant financial transactions will be granted by the United States of America. 7-The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, i.e. IAEA Board of Governors resolutions and all unilateral US sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed-upon schedule as part of the final deal. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America acknowledge the critical importance of the sanctions-termination issue abovementioned, and expressed their intentions to immediately address these issues in the negotiations, in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 8-The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran have agreed to resolve the disposition of stockpiled enriched material, pursuant to a mechanism that will be mutually agreed upon in accordance with the schedule mentioned in Paragraph Seven, with the minimum methodology to be downblending on site under the supervision of the IAEA. The two parties also agreed to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed matters related to the Islamic Republic of Iran's nuclear needs based on a satisfactory framework being agreed upon in the final deal. The final deal will confirm the provisions of this paragraph. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran acknowledge the critical importance of the nuclear issues abovementioned and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations in order to achieve mutual agreement on them. 9-Pending the final deal, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree to maintain the status quo. The Islamic Republic of Iran will maintain the current status quo of its nuclear program, and the United States of America will not impose any new sanctions and will not deploy additional forces in the region. 10-The United States of America undertakes that immediately upon the signing of this MoU until the termination of sanctions, the US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc. 11-The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this MoU. The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree on the procedures related to the release of these funds during the negotiations. Such funds, either retained in the original account or transferred, shall be made fully usable for payment to any ultimate beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States of America undertakes to issue all necessary licenses and authorizations accordingly. 12-The United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran agree that an executive mechanism will be established to monitor the successful implementation of this MoU and the future compliance of the final deal. 13-After signing this MoU and subject to the beginning of the implementation of Paragraphs 1, 4, 5, 10 and 11 of this MoU and the continuing implementation of these measures, the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran will start negotiations regarding the final deal exclusively on the other paragraphs. 14-The final deal will be endorsed by a binding [UN Security Council] resolution. https://ina.iq/en/international/49680-irna-announces-details-of-agreement-reached-between-tehran-and-washington.html

This is a very CRAPPY DEAL for the US, in my opinion.

US and Iran sign remote memorandum to end war Middle EastbreakingUSiran 2026-06-17 / 15:26 Shafaq News- Washington US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a memorandum of understanding remotely on Wednesday to end hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, in a surprise move that preceded planned talks in Switzerland and launched a 60-day process toward a broader agreement on Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief. Citing US officials, Axios reported that the memorandum has entered into force after Trump signed the document during a dinner in France alongside French President Emmanuel Macron before a copy was transmitted to Iran and the mediators. Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed that both presidents agreed to sign the memorandum electronically, while negotiations between US and Iranian delegations remain scheduled for Friday in Switzerland to discuss a final agreement, particularly issues related to Iran's nuclear program. According to the text published by Reuters, the document, titled the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran," comprises 14 articles establishing a temporary framework to end military operations, lift the maritime blockade, and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while deferring more contentious issues to subsequent negotiations. The memorandum stipulates an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, and commits both sides and their allies to refrain from war, military action, or threats of force, while affirming respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Read more: Trump’s balancing act with Iran tests diplomacy and deterrence Under the agreement, Washington and Tehran pledged to respect each other's sovereignty and refrain from interference in internal affairs, while launching negotiations on a final settlement within 60 days, with the option of an extension by mutual consent. The United States committed to immediately begin lifting maritime restrictions on Iran and to fully remove the blockade within 30 days. The memorandum also calls for the withdrawal of US forces from areas surrounding Iran within 30 days of a final agreement. In return, Iran pledged to ensure the safe, toll-free passage of commercial vessels between the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for 60 days, with shipping traffic expected to resume immediately and gradually return to pre-war levels within a month following demining operations and the removal of technical and military obstacles. The document further requires Iran to engage with Oman and Gulf states bordering the strait on the future management of maritime services in Hormuz per international law and the rights of coastal states. Economically, the United States pledged, in coordination with regional partners, to develop a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran worth at least $300 billion, with implementation mechanisms to be defined in the final agreement. Read more: Iran is losing the war, the US is losing the endgame Washington also committed to lifting all sanctions imposed on Iran, including UN Security Council measures, resolutions by the International Atomic Energy Agency's Board of Governors, and US primary and secondary sanctions, according to a timeline to be agreed upon in the final settlement. On the nuclear file, Iran reaffirmed that it would neither produce nor develop nuclear weapons. Both sides agreed to determine the future of Iran's enriched uranium stockpile through a separate mechanism, with a minimum requirement of reducing domestic enrichment levels under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) supervision. ??? The memorandum postpones decisions on enrichment levels and Iran's broader nuclear requirements until final-status negotiations while maintaining current arrangements during the interim period. ??? Pending the full removal of sanctions, the US Treasury Department will issue waivers allowing exports of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, petrochemicals, and related services, including banking, insurance, and shipping transactions. The agreement also provides for the release and unrestricted use of frozen Iranian assets under procedures to be negotiated by both sides and administered by Iran's central bank. A joint implementation mechanism will oversee compliance with the memorandum and any subsequent final agreement. Under the final article, the permanent agreement is expected to receive binding endorsement from the UN Security Council, providing the settlement with international legal backing. https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-Iran-sign-remote-memorandum-to-end-war

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 6-17-2026 Militia Man Within 24 hours international air traffic will begin flowing through the Iraqi airspace. Returning Iraq's airspace as a major international navigation arteries is clear proof of stability and global confidence of Iraq's capabilities. The place is going to explode [in a good way] probably. 6-17-2026 Guy Definitely the top 5 or 6 banks are going to be doing this. That's Chase, Citi, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs; also PNC, Capital One, US Bank and there may also be regional banks. Credit Unions probably won't exchange foreign currencies. Most of them do not. Some of them might. Credit Unions are member owned. You definitely want to shop; you get the wealth manager contact from three major banks. You say, 'I have roughly $10 million in foreign currency. I want to exchange them. What's your spread and are you going to charge me any fees?' You go shopping just like you would for a car. 6-17-2026 Frank26 If you have the formation of the government then you're going to see the laws of the hydrocarbon law, the HCL. That's the first thing on the docket. 1300 will not function for the HCL. There isn't enough physical 3 zero notes to do that.

Trump threatens Iran with bombing if it does not abide by the agreement latest news Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Washington - One News - 6/17/2026 US President Donald Trump warned Iran against failing to comply with the terms of the anticipated agreement, stressing that Washington might resume bombing it if it does not implement its conditions. Trump said the past two days had been very difficult, and that Washington had informed the Iranians that it would resume bombing if no agreement was reached. He added that technical discussions regarding Iran’s nuclear stockpile would begin immediately, and that his country would initiate negotiations to remove enrichment materials, in addition to discussing the ballistic missile file and Iran’s proxies in coordination with the Gulf states. https://1news-iq.net/ترمب-يهدد-إيران-بالقصف-إذا-لم-تلتزم-بال/

Al-Halbousi and the Private Sector Development Council discuss encouraging local, foreign investment Iraqi News Agency Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 : 20:48 INA - BAGHDAD - June 17th, 2026 Speaker of Parliament Haybat al-Halbousi met with a delegation from the Private Sector Development Council on Wednesday to discuss the state of the private sector in Iraq and the legislation needed to encourage local and foreign investment in the country. Al-Halbousi received a delegation from the Private Sector Development Council headed by Abdullah Saleh al-Jubouri, according to the Speaker's media office statement received by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. During the meeting, the current state of the private sector in Iraq was discussed, along with the most prominent challenges and obstacles facing the business environment and ways to address them, in order to contribute to strengthening economic activity. The meeting addressed “the necessary legislation that contributes to strengthening the role of the private sector and encouraging local and foreign investment, and the importance of refining this legislation by utilizing the proposals and opinions of specialists and experts, so that it is passed in a way that meets the requirements of economic development and supports the business environment in Iraq." https://ina.iq/en/politics/49674-al-halbousi-and-the-private-sector-development-council-discuss-encouraging-local-and-foreign-investment.html

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 6-17-2026 Stephen Iraq has strategically and intentionally had certain economic and monetary policies in place for years and years because they knew that in the future the Iraq dinar was going to be revalued at a certain point in time. A lot of that corruption, a lot of the Iranian influence that had to be rooted out is happening right now and has been happening over the last few months. I only see upside from here moving forward. If you hold Iraqi dinar then you are well positioned for something great in the near future. We're positioned very very well. 6-17-2026 Samson Article: "THE US ENVOY: I WILL MEET WITH PRIME MINISTER ALI AL-ZAIDI TO INFORM HIM OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S SUPPORT FOR HIS GOVERNMENT"

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening in Iraq... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 6-17-2026 Jeff In order for them to complete the government the last remaining 9 ministers have to go through a parliamentary vote. The government formation is the lynch pin to the rate change. When they finish the government formation, the [rate] is going to change quickly after that. (only Jeff's opinion - not a fact) They're not ready to complete the government because they need to do this closer to the rate change. Everything is close. It just all has to happen at the right time. (true..!)

Sources to Alwan News: Two shipments of US dollars in cash arrive in Baghdad coinciding with Tom Barrack's visit to Iraq latest news Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Sources to Alwan News: Two shipments of US dollars in cash arrive in Baghdad coinciding with Tom Barrack's visit to Iraq Baghdad - One News - 6/17/2026 Informed Iraqi sources told Alwan News that two shipments of cash dollars arrived in the capital, Baghdad, coinciding with the visit of the US Special Envoy to Iraq and Syria, Tom Barrack. According to the sources, the incoming funds will support the stability of the exchange market and maintain the value of the Iraqi dinar, as well as enhance import operations and finance foreign trade. This step comes in light of Iraqi-American talks related to financial and economic files, in addition to energy and arms files, amid a government trend to avoid any pressures or sanctions that may affect the local market. https://1news-iq.net/مصادر-لوان-نيوز-وصول-دفعتين-من-الدولار/

Added @ 8:14 AM PDT: 6-17-2026 Reset Intelligence The man losing his immunity is the key to the entire HCL blockade. Nuri al-Maliki did not only block the oil law for 19 years, he built and armed the militia that Iraq's dollar auction quietly funded. The daily sale of hard currency in Baghdad that bled billions toward Iran since 2004. Dinar walked in the dollar walked out. A settled revenue split and a cleaned up banking system are exactly what ends it. The law was never going to pass while the man guarding the skim sat untouchable. Strip his immunity and the figure who buried that law becomes for the first time chargeable. If Iraqi press has it right that is the lock coming off a door we have stood at for two decades.

Trump: The deal with the Iranians prevented them from acquiring a nuclear weapon forever, and the naval blockade could return latest news Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Trump: The deal with the Iranians prevented them from acquiring a nuclear weapon forever, and the naval blockade could return Washington - One News - June 17th, 2026 US President Donald Trump asserted that the agreement with Iran is a good agreement for many reasons, including that Tehran will not be able to acquire a nuclear weapon. Trump said the Strait of Hormuz had been partially opened and was expected to be fully reopened within the next two days. He added that one of the results of the agreement with Iran was a rise in market indicators and a decrease in fuel prices, noting that oil prices fell immediately after the announcement of the signing of the agreement. He explained that the memorandum of understanding does not include any payment of American money to Iran, but he stressed at the same time that Washington cannot prevent any party from investing there. Trump stressed that the embargo imposed on Iran was effective, warning that if the Iranians did not comply with the understandings, the United States would return to using military force against them. https://1news-iq.net/ترامب-الاتفاق-مع-الإيرانيين-منعهم-من-ا/

Smokey, it's Iraq..! Besides, he is a former president, as well as our current president. The Iraqi's often see things differently than we do....

REMEMBER, no one really knows what will happen, or when. They're simply stating their opinions based on what they perceive to be happening ... So, take everything with a grain of salt ... RON 6-17-2026 Henig Article: "Phú Thọ establishes first three industrial clusters after provincial merger" Quote: "New clusters will create fresh momentum for industrial development while marking the start of infrastructure investment projects aimed at improving the province’s investment climate and promoting modern, synchronised and sustainable industrial growth" IMO: New industrial clusters equals more industrial output, meaning more money coming into Vietnam. Interesting.

Al-Hurra: After Barak's visit...Washington asks Baghdad for a timetable to inventory weapons and dismantle armed groups latest news Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Baghdad - One News - 6/17/2026 The US-based Al-Hurra website reported that Washington has asked Baghdad to set a clear timetable for restricting weapons to the state and dismantling armed groups operating outside its authority, in a move that could change the calculations of the factions allied with Tehran in Iraq. The website added that the circle of factions refusing to hand over weapons has expanded to include, in addition to Kataib Hezbollah and Harakat al-Nujaba, Harakat al-Awfiya and Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada. Al-Hurra noted that the team concerned with the arms inventory file confirmed that the message conveyed by Barak’s visit focused on moving Iraqi pledges from the level of political discussion to specific procedures. The website noted that Barak’s visit emphasized the need to set a timetable for this issue, and not to leave the matter open-ended without a specific date. https://1news-iq.net/بعد-زيارة-باراك-الحرة-واشنطن-تطلب-من-ب/

Al-Arab: Al-Zaidi is in a complicated situation between factions entrenched in the state, supported by Iran, and an American administration that wants to dismantle them latest news Wednesday, June 17, 2026 Baghdad - One News - 6/17/2026 The London-based Al-Arab newspaper reported that Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zubaidi finds himself in a very complicated position between Iranian-backed armed groups on one hand, and the US administration led by Donald Trump on the other, amid escalating pressure related to the issue of armed factions loyal to Tehran. The newspaper pointed out that the challenges facing al-Zaidi go beyond simply being described as difficult, as Iran’s allies in Iraq do not want an independent prime minister who responds to American demands, at a time when Washington seems determined to reduce Iranian influence and deal firmly with the factions linked to Tehran. She added that al-Zaidi faces a delicate equation, as his failure to strike a balance between the two sides could lead to him losing the internal political support he needs to ensure the stability of his government, or losing the American support that greeted the new government with cautious welcome. https://1news-iq.net/العرب-الزيدي-في-وضع-مُعقد-بين-فصائل-متو/

Faiq Zidan legal role in building the Iraqi State Iraqi News Agency Wednesday, June 17th, 2026 : 11:44 Iraq - INA - June 17th, 2026 In politics and international relations, trust is placed in institutions and visions that foster stability, rather than in individuals. Consequently, key global capitals—foremost among them Washington—view leaders committed to the state and its institutions as vital partners in forging a stable, sovereign Iraq. At the heart of this equation stands Judge Faiq Zidan, a loyal national judicial figure whose presence has been inherently linked to the concept of the state and the rule of law during one of the most complex phases in Iraq’s history. Zidan is widely recognized for his deep conviction that Iraq's strength stems from the robustness of its institutions, and that an independent judiciary serves as the ultimate safety valve for protecting the constitutional system and consolidating justice. Historical experience has demonstrated that lasting stability is achieved only when the state maintains a monopoly on the legitimate use of force and when its lawful institutions are solely responsible for ensuring security and upholding the rule of law, accordingly, the initiative to confine weapons exclusively to the state's authority represents a fundamental step toward building an institutional state and strengthening its sovereignty, authority, and standing. Faiq Zidan is seen as the architect of this approach, driven by a national vision that believes Iraq can achieve progress only through a strong and just state, where the rule of law stands above all, and governance is exercised through constitutional institutions rather than through chaos or multiple centers of decision-making. What also distinguishes this vision is the belief that Iraqi decisions must be independent national decisions, made by Iraqis in accordance with their own best interests, free from external pressures and influence. Iraq, given its size, history, and regional position, deserves to be the master of its own destiny and to build its foreign relations on the basis of balance, mutual interests, and respect for sovereignty. In light of current challenges, an institutional state remains the safe path to the future, while an independent and effective judiciary remains one of the most important pillars for protecting the state, consolidating justice, and upholding the constitution. https://ina.iq/en/politics/49660-faiq-zidan-legal-role-in-building-the-iraqi-state.html

Al-Zidi reveals preparation of the “Iraq Development Plan 2050” to be presented as a law to the House of Representatives latest news Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Al-Zidi reveals preparation of the “Iraq Development Plan 2050” to be presented as a law to the House of Representatives Baghdad - One News - 6/16/2026 Prime Minister Ali al-Zidi confirmed that his government is preparing the development plan for Iraq until the year 2050, to be in the form of a law to be presented to the House of Representatives, noting that the priorities of this plan is to complete the project of one million residential plots of land, which is being implemented in all governorates, according to the criteria of population size and poverty rates, and in a way that ensures justice in the distribution of services and development opportunities. During his meeting with the Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Director of the Development Program, Abdullah Al-Dardari, Al-Zaidi stressed the importance of the relationship between Iraq and the programs operating for the United Nations, especially in the economic and development fields, pointing to the nature of the economic policy pursued by the government, which aims to achieve comprehensive development in various sectors. https://1news-iq.net/الزيدي-يكشف-عن-إعداد-الخطة-التنموية-لل/

U.S. Senate Rejects Resolution Limiting Trump’s War Powers against Iran Iraqi News Agency Tuesday, 6/16/2026 : 23:55 A INA - Washington - 6/16/2026 The United States Senate has voted down a resolution aimed at restricting the war powers of former President Donald Trump with regard to Iran. U.S. media reported that the United States Senate rejected the bill, which sought to curb presidential military authority in relation to Iran. The U.S. House of Representatives had previously passed a similar Democrat initiated measure intended to limit military operations against Iran. https://ina.iq/en/international/49657-us-senate-rejects-resolution-limiting-trumps-war-powers-against-iran.html

The Iraqi's WIN, and the French company bites it to the tune of $800M. Justice is served..!

Iraq prevails in $800M arbitration case against French company SocietyiraqFranceMinistry of JusticeOrange 2026-06-15 / 09:40 Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq won an international arbitration case filed by French telecommunications company Orange, avoiding potential compensation payments estimated at $800 million, the Ministry of Justice announced on Monday. The ministry said the arbitration panel rejected all claims brought by the company against the Republic of Iraq and the Communications and Media Commission (CMC), while ordering Orange to pay $10 million to Iraq to cover legal fees and related expenses. f وزارة العدل العراقية ontprSdseohgh hiuM5619 A1a5861 guu:mt8e3n9g1a tJa3t09985g0f9 · Ministry of Justice / Legal Circle wins international arbitration lawsuit in favor of Iraq and avoids Treasury paying 800 million dollars The Ministry of Justice has announced an important legal achievement of winning the international arbitration lawsuit filed by Orange Company against the Republic of Iraq/Media and Communications Authority, which resulted in the response of all claims of the plaintiff company and the Iraqi state avoiding paying financial damages estimated at (800) million US dollars. The Ministry affirmed that this achievement was the result of the continuous legal efforts made by the legal sector in following up the file of the claim and defending Iraq's position before the international arbitration, by strengthening the protection of public money and maintaining the rights of the state and its institutions in international legal conventions, reflecting the level of competence and experience that legal angels possess Iraqi in managing complex international affairs. The Ministry added that the decision of the jury also includes the obligation of Orange to pay (10) million US dollars to Iraq to meet the difficulties of the legal and legal expenses, in a step that reflects the strength of the Iraqi legal position and the safety of the procedures taken in the management of this file. The legal sector in the Ministry of Justice also expressed its appreciation for the fairness and objectivity of the specialized arbitration, which is based on its decision on the legal foundations and established records, with a contribution to justice in Iraq and protection of its rights and financial interests. A statement from the Ministry of Justice Between 2023 and 2025, Iraq won 32 legal and arbitration cases, resulting in combined recoveries of about $2.6 billion and €40 million. https://shafaq.com/en/society/Iraq-prevails-in-800M-arbitration-case-against-French-company

Washington to cut Iran oil sanctions only after deal completion InternationaliranUSAIranian oilmemorandum of understandingsanctions relief 2026-06-17 / 03:15 Shafaq News- Washington The United States will ease sanctions on Iranian oil and petrochemical exports, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday, as Washington and Tehran move toward signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Citing US officials, the outlet stated that the US Treasury Department is expected to issue exemptions immediately after the formal signing on June 19. The outline of the emerging agreement has already been shared with US allied countries during the ongoing G7 summit in France. While some details have been circulated, technical teams continue working on implementation mechanisms, indicating that the final text could still change before official approval. “Iran would only gain access to economic relief if it complies fully with its obligations,” the official noted, adding that these commitments include preventing the development of nuclear weapons, reducing its stockpile of enriched uranium, and safeguarding freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Last week, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said a US-Iran agreement had been reached, ending military operations across all fronts, including in Lebanon. US President Donald Trump later confirmed the development on Truth Social, writing that “the Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete.” “I hereby fully authorize the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he posted. https://shafaq.com/en/World/Washington-to-cut-Iran-oil-sanctions-after-deal-completion

Vance: US-Iran deal extends to Lebanon InternationaliranIsraelHezbollahLebanonmemorandum of understandingJD Vance 2026-06-17 / 03:59 Shafaq News- Washington US Vice President JD Vance declared on Wednesday that the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran constitutes a broader regional peace agreement covering Israel, Lebanon, and the Arab Gulf states. Speaking in a TV interview, Vance acknowledged that ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon could complicate the settlement. "This is a regional peace agreement. It will include the Gulf, Israel, and Lebanon. The key point is that it is a genuine regional peace agreement." Leaders of the Group of Seven industrialized nations (G7) welcomed the US-Iran agreement the same day and voiced support for Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability. Iran's state-affiliated Mehr News Agency and Bloomberg both published draft texts of the MoU, each containing a US commitment to ceasefire provisions across all fronts, including Lebanon. Iran's chief nuclear negotiator and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told his Lebanese counterpart, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, by phone that Washington must compel Israel to end its military campaign in Lebanon, halt home demolitions, and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel would continue to occupy southern Lebanon regardless of the Washington-Tehran framework. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group, said it had received assurances from Tehran that Iran would press for Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanon in the next phase of negotiations with Washington. The formal signing of the US-Iran MoU is scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland. Read more: US-Iran ceasefire deal leaves Lebanon without guarantees https://shafaq.com/en/World/Vance-US-Iran-deal-extends-to-Lebanon

Kurdish president, US envoy, SDF commander discuss Syrian Kurds rights Kurdistan RegionerbilNechirvan BarzaniMazloum AbdivisitTom Barrak 2026-06-16 / 08:06 Shafaq News- Erbil Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani, US Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack, and Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) Commander Mazloum Abdi reviewed the political and security developments in the region, the situation in Syria, and cooperation between Kurdish parties and the Damascus government, the Kurdish presidency stated on Tuesday. The meeting also focused on strengthening coordination and joint efforts to confront terrorism threats and achieve lasting peace and stability across the region. Dialogue, mutual understanding, and guaranteeing the rights of Kurds and other communities in Syria remain the key to resolving disputes, Barzani said, expressing the Kurdistan Region's readiness to provide support and cooperation aimed at promoting security. Barrack pointed to continued US support for maintaining stability and for finding appropriate solutions to Syria's challenges. Earlier this month, Syrian authorities began reviewing applications under Presidential Decree No. 13 of 2026, which restores citizenship rights to Kurds stripped of nationality after the 1962 census in Hasakah province. Read more: Trump's new Iraq-Syria envoy faces an Iran test Syria never posed https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/Nechirvan-Barzani-US-envoy-SDF-commander-discuss-Syrian-Kurds-rights

Erbil talks focus on US investment and energy cooperation Kurdistan RegionUSmasrour barzanivisitTom Barrack 2026-06-16 / 04:41 Shafaq News- Erbil US Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria Tom Barrack and Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Tuesday discussed expanding US economic engagement in the Kurdistan Region during a meeting in Erbil, the PM’s office stated. Both sides agreed on the importance of expanding trade relations between the United States, Iraq, and Erbil, as well as increasing the presence of US companies, particularly in the energy sector. They also expressed support for the new Iraqi government led by Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, pointing to the need to promote economic prosperity for all Iraqis and address outstanding issues between Baghdad and Erbil in accordance with the constitution. According to the PM’s office, Barrack and Barzani stressed the need of activating the Kurdistan Parliament and ending the political deadlock to pave the way for the formation of the Kurdistan Regional Government's new cabinet as soon as possible. Barrack praised the Region's development and reconstruction efforts, saying Trump holds the Kurdish people, the Kurdistan Region, and the leadership of Masoud Barzani in particular, in high regard. The talks were attended by US Embassy Chargé d'Affaires in Baghdad Joshua Harris and the commander of Coalition forces in Iraq and Syria, General Kevin Lambert. X Kurdistan Regional Government @Kurdistan Prime Minister @masrourbarzani met with U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Tom Barrack Prime Minister Masrour Barzani received a U.S. delegation led by Tom Barrack, the U.S. Special Presidential Envoy to Iraq and Syria and U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye. In the meeting, which was attended by Joshua Harris, Charge d'Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, and Major General Kevin J. Lambert, Commander of the Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve, they discussed the situation in the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and the wider region. Prime Minister Barzani expressed the Kurdistan Region's gratitude for the continued cooperation and support of the United States and stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral relations in various fields. Ambassador Tom Barrack, while praising the progress and prosperity of the Kurdistan Region, said that President Trump has a special respect for the Kurdish people, the Kurdistan Region and the leadership of President Masoud Barzani. Both sides agreed on the importance of further developing trade relations between the United States, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, as well as the participation of U.S. companies in Iraq and Kurdistan, particularly in the energy sector. They also stressed the need to support the new federal government led by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, to promote economic development and serve all Iraqi citizens and communities equally and without distinction, as well as resolving issues with the Kurdistan Region on the basis of the constitution. Both sides also agreed on the importance of reactivating the Kurdistan Parliament, forming a new KRG cabinet and ending the political stalemate as soon as possible. — Kurdistan Regional Government (@Kurdistan) June 16, 2026

Israeli media: Washington rejected Israel's request to review the memorandum of understanding with Iran latest news Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Israeli media: Washington rejected Israel's request to review the memorandum of understanding with Iran Washington - One News - 6/16/2026 Israeli Channel 12 reported on Tuesday that the United States rejected Israel's request to review the memorandum of understanding with Iran. The channel reported that “Israel asked the United States to review the memorandum of understanding with Iran, but its request was rejected.” The channel explained on its website that this means that “Israel is still unaware of the full details of the agreement, which is expected to be signed next Friday in Switzerland.” She noted that US President Donald Trump promised that he would read “word by word” the document of understanding expected to be signed with Iran, adding that Trump did not specify a date for the full disclosure of the agreement. The channel noted that “no official details of the supposed agreement between the United States and Iran have been published yet, but Iranian media reported that it includes 14 clauses.” https://1news-iq.net/إعلام-عبري-واشنطن-رفضت-طلب-إسرائيل-الا/