From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
Report: US-Iran deal will halt regional hostilities, lift blockade; Israel kept out of loop amid leak concerns
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleStav Levaton is a military reporter for The Times of Israel
The US-Iran memorandum of understanding set to be signed in person on Friday provides for a full cessation of hostilities by Iran, the US, and their allies, including in Lebanon, Channel 12 reports, citing a senior US official.
The framework reportedly sees Iran reaffirm its commitment not to develop or acquire nuclear weapons. In 60 days of negotiations beginning immediately after the deal is signed, the MOU further reportedly states, Washington and Tehran are to work to resolve the issue of Iran’s existing stockpile of enriched uranium and to hold talks on future enrichment and the Islamic Republic’s civilian nuclear needs.
Under the reported terms, the US will lift its naval blockade, refrain from imposing new sanctions or reinforcing military forces in the region during the negotiations, and grant Iran sanctions relief for oil sales. Iran, meanwhile, will maintain the status quo regarding its nuclear program and ensure free commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for the 60 days of nuclear talks.
The report says the memorandum will also make Iran’s frozen assets available upon implementation and, if a final lasting agreement is reached, will lead to a US withdrawal of forces deployed to the region and the lifting of all sanctions on Iran. A final deal would also reportedly include a $300 billion fund for investment and reconstruction in Iran.
Channel 12 further reports that senior US officials were divided over the proposal, with Vice President JD Vance and envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff supporting it, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe expressed doubts that Iran would uphold its commitments.
Meanwhile, Israel has yet to be briefed on the agreement’s official terms.
According to Channel 12, Jerusalem requested to review the memorandum, but Washington declined, reportedly out of concern that the details would be leaked.
The Times of Israel Community.