Key events

3h agoAnalysis: Trump Iran agreement stems from unrealistic aims in unsustainable conflict
4h agoTrump Iran pact greeted with fury, solace and disbelief
4h agoUS-Iran pact activates right away, reports Pakistan
4h agoSummary: Tehran declares fees for Hormuz strait crossings after 60 days

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, noted the body stands prepared to outline the specific measures required following the US-Iran pact that calls for reducing Iranian uranium reserves under oversight.

It is positive the memorandum exists, he told reporters in Geneva. The detailed efforts now begin.

It falls to us to convene with American and Iranian counterparts to define the precise actions ahead.

One individual died in an Israeli drone attack in southern Lebanon this morning, per the nation's official National News Agency.

The strike targeted a vehicle near Kfar Tebnit, close to Nabatiyeh, where Israeli forces have been active, the agency stated.

Israel has persisted with strikes in Lebanon despite an April truce, yet faces calls to cease amid the new US-Iran accord to de-escalate.

Israel pursues firm talks with the US over maintaining forces in southern Lebanon, a senior official near Benjamin Netanyahu informed Reuters.

Israel plans no retreat from its stances, the official added.

Donald Trump pressed Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cease demolishing structures during a call on Israel's Lebanon operations, according to Wall Street Journal reporting.

The paper referenced witnesses to the leaders' exchange, marked by growing strain amid ongoing hostilities.

This follows Trump's public criticism of Netanyahu's Hezbollah campaign, urging softer tactics at the G7 summit.

We hold a minor difference on Lebanon, he remarked. A gentler approach works better, without leveling sites for every Hezbollah presence.

He clarified support for self-defense but opposed excessive destruction in Beirut over minor threats. Better conduct is possible.

The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed planned US-Iran discussions at the Buergenstock resort proceed tomorrow despite last night's ceasefire signing.

As matters stand, the US, Iran, plus mediators Pakistan and Qatar plus others will convene at Buergenstock for initial implementation talks, the ministry stated.

Further schedule details remain unavailable at present.

Analysis: Trump Iran accord arises from unrealistic goals in unviable war

No battle plan endures initial enemy contact, as the saying notes.

Donald Trump began the Iran conflict with broad objectives: halt the nuclear effort, dismantle ballistic missiles and cease backing for groups like Hezbollah and Hamas.

He concludes with Iran's pledge against bomb development and further nuclear talks, absent written missile references, while Hezbollah claims success under the Lebanon ceasefire that leaves Israel holding a buffer zone.

Iran's leverage centered on the strait of Hormuz, long expected to close rapidly. Reopening it compelled concessions on wider aims to avert a global economic downturn, as Trump described.

Days of hesitation marked the administration's release of the MOU text, finally shared by officials Wednesday without online publication.

The cause is evident: many in Trump's party oppose the terms. Outgoing senator Bill Cassidy labeled it a major foreign policy error.

German defence minister Boris Pistorius stated that mine clearance in the strait of Hormuz requires Iranian and Omani consent plus parliamentary approval before German involvement.

Donald Trump indicated initial reopening would focus on mine removal on Sunday.

Details on mine quantities, clearance methods and associated risks appear in this explainer.

The Israeli military reported one soldier killed and seven injured in southern Lebanon combat on Wednesday.

Master Sergeant Alexander Filin, 29, from Haifa, died in action, with the IDF noting moderate wounds to an officer and two reserves plus light injuries to others.

The US-Iran deal encompasses Lebanon, demanding an end to fighting there. Iran seeks Israeli withdrawal from occupied southern areas, though the pact only broadly supports Lebanon's integrity without explicit withdrawal terms.

Israel vows to retain troops while Hezbollah commits to resistance until full exit.

Trump Iran deal sparks anger, relief and doubt

Jonathan Yerushalmy

Pakistan's prime minister praised the peaceful end to US-Iran fighting and lauded both nations for an accord he said would promptly restore Hormuz access.

Yet the MOU text has divided opinions, mixing outrage with confusion and some relief.

G7 leaders in France hailed it as a key chance to block Iranian nuclear arms.

European voices, though excluded from talks, expressed relief over resumed oil flows. Emmanuel Macron noted it ends severe economic instability.

Israeli reactions proved more skeptical, with Mark Regev questioning Iran's nuclear negotiation seriousness absent prior pressure.

Natasha May adds: Philippines president Ferdinand R Marcos Jr expressed optimism on restored Hormuz navigation as long hoped.

He noted recovery requires time due to crisis scale.

The Middle East events delivered a clear alert on south-east Asia energy weaknesses, per an International Energy Agency report, highlighting import reliance and route concentration.

Unaddressed, these could triple the region's import costs from 80 billion dollars in 2024 to 245 billion by 2035.

Natasha May

South-east Asian states, hit earliest and hardest by energy issues from Middle East oil dependence, welcomed the US-Iran accord and Hormuz reopening.

Prior to conflict, 60 percent of crude imports and a third of gas came from the region, with 45 percent of oil products tied to it. Immediate price spikes prompted measures like reduced air conditioning and remote work.

Thailand's foreign ministry welcomed the deal and anticipated lasting regional stability plus free Hormuz passage.

Thai diesel prices have eased recently, with minister Akanat Promphan forecasting normal levels soon if stability holds.

US-Iran pact activates immediately, per Pakistan

Pakistan's prime minister stated the US-Iran agreement takes effect at once following signatures.

Shehbaz Sharif noted on social media that Iran will reopen the strait of Hormuz instantly while the US ends its naval blockade.

Sharif, as mediator, added a formal signing in Switzerland on Friday to mark the event and begin technical discussions.

Summary: Tehran declares fees for Hormuz crossings after 60 days

Welcome to ongoing coverage of the Middle East crisis.

The US and Iran issued the interim pact text signed by presidents to conclude fighting, though Donald Trump warned of resumed strikes if commitments falter.

At the G7 in France, Trump also dropped one prior attack rationale, deeming it unfair to deny Iran ballistic missiles despite earlier vows to destroy them.

We will strike forcefully on violations, Trump stated, while hoping for compliance.

The 14-point MOU extends the April truce another 60 days, covering Lebanon, for final negotiations.

It enables full maritime traffic without fees in the strait of Hormuz, ends the US blockade, waives sanctions, unfreezes assets and creates a 300 billion dollar reconstruction fund.