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Tuesday, June 23, 2026

US Senate Rebukes Trump As It Passes War Powers Resolution To End Iran War

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday approved legislation directing President Donald Trump to end U.S. military involvement against Iran, marking the latest challenge to the Republican president from an increasingly assertive Congress. The Senate passed the war powers resolution by a 50-48 vote. The measure had already cleared the House of Representatives earlier this month, highlighting growing unease over the conflict with Iran that began on February 28. The vote reflected concerns extending beyond Democratic lawmakers, with several Republicans also breaking ranks to support the resolution. The development underscores a broader debate in Washington over the costs and consequences of continued military engagement. <h2>Historic Congressional Action on War Powers</h2> The vote marked the first time since the War Powers Resolution was enacted in 1973 that both chambers of Congress have approved a measure directing a president to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities. Although the resolution is widely expected to remain largely symbolic, it nevertheless represents a political setback for Trump. Until recently, the president had enjoyed near-unified backing from Republican lawmakers on most major issues. The Senate's action also comes at a crucial moment, as the administration is expected to seek congressional approval for tens of billions of dollars in additional funding linked to the conflict. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-peace-deal-live-updates-donald-trumpto-release-12-billion-assets-technical-talks-in-switzerland-conclude-successfully-1852174">US-Iran Deal: Washigton To Release $12 Billion Assets; Technical Talks In Switzerland Conclude Successfully</a> <h2>Republican Divisions Emerge Ahead of Mid-Term Elections</h2> Republicans currently hold narrow majorities in both the Senate and the House. However, a small number of lawmakers from Trump's party have increasingly shown a willingness to challenge the president on select issues as November's mid-term elections approach. The elections will determine whether Republicans retain control of Congress, raising the stakes for internal party disagreements and legislative battles in the months ahead. Recent tensions within the party have already surfaced over other proposals. Some Republicans opposed Trump's proposed $1.8 billion "antiweaponization" fund, which he said would compensate political allies targeted by federal authorities. Others helped stall a $70 billion measure intended to support his immigration enforcement agenda. <h2>Public Opinion Adds Pressure</h2> Public sentiment appears to mirror the growing scepticism in Washington. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Tuesday found that only one in four Americans believe the war with Iran has been worth its costs. The survey also indicated that a majority of Americans remain concerned that any truce with Tehran may not endure, reflecting uncertainty about the long-term stability of the situation. The Senate vote largely followed party lines. Four Republican senators joined nearly all Democrats in backing the resolution, while two Republican senators did not participate in the vote. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rn-xcC8Ab-Q?si=jbT3S4mKASEYXe3B" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h2>Legal Questions Surround Resolution's Impact</h2> Under the 1973 War Powers Act, a concurrent resolution approved by both the House and Senate does not require a president's signature. Congress originally designed the mechanism as a way to terminate military operations without White House approval. However, the legal status of such resolutions remains uncertain. Experts note that no previous war powers measure had successfully passed both chambers of Congress. Complicating the matter further is a 1983 Supreme Court ruling, which stated that measures carrying legal force generally must be presented to the president for signature or veto. ALSO READ | <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-peace-deal-live-update-president-pezeshkian-lands-in-pakistan-amid-ongoing-peace-negotiations-1852229">Iran's President Pezeshkian Lands In Pakistan Amid Ongoing Peace Negotiations With US</a> <h2>White House Rejects Constitutional Basis</h2> The White House has maintained that the War Powers Act is unconstitutional and therefore not legally binding on the executive branch. That position sets up a continuing dispute between Congress and the administration over the limits of presidential military authority, even as lawmakers seek greater oversight of U.S. involvement in overseas conflicts. For now, the Senate's vote serves as a powerful political statement, signalling growing concern on Capitol Hill about the direction of the Iran conflict and the role Congress should play in decisions of war and peace.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-senate-rebukes-trump-as-it-passes-war-powers-resolution-to-end-iran-war-1852260

Iranian President meets Pakistan's top leaders, discusses regional and peace initiatives

Islamabad, Jun 23 (PTI): Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Tuesday met with Pakistan's top civilian and military leadership and discussed regional developments and peace initiatives involving the US.Pezeshkian, who arrived in Pakistan on a day-long visit, held separate talks with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir."The peace deal between the US and Iran would bring a new era in the region," Prime Minister Sharif said during a joint press conference with President Pezeshkian following their delegation-level talks.His visit comes days after Iran held talks with the US in Switzerland, where the two sides agreed on a roadmap to seal a final deal in 60 days.The high-level talks at the Lake Lucerne Summit in Switzerland, held on Sunday and Monday, took place under the framework of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the US and Iran to advance negotiations on regional security and other contentious issues.The US and Iran signed the Islamabad MoU on Thursday to restore peace in West Asia, advance negotiations on regional security and other contentious issues.Sharif praised the Iranian nation for showing unity and dignity during the entire crisis.Recalling the Islamabad MoU, he said it is “a matter of great happiness that this war has come to an end, which could have engulfed the entire region and beyond”.He hailed the “sagacious” leadership of Pezeshkian and his colleagues, and highlighted Pakistan’s role as an “honest and sincere mediator” in the US-Iran peace process.Referring to the US-Iran technical talks held in Switzerland, he said, “God-willing, this arrangement will usher in a new era of peace, stability and prosperity for this entire region.” Responding to a question about Iran's nuclear and missile technology, Sharif said that Iran’s ballistic missile programme was not a subject of discussion between the US and Iran. "It is not possible that others have missiles and Iran does not have them," he added.He thanked Iran for placing its trust in Pakistan to initiate and mediate the peace process. “We have done it with full honesty of purpose and sincerity,” he said.Sharif also announced that he will visit Iran next month to attend the funeral of assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.On his part, Pezeshkian said that relations between Pakistan and Iran are based on trust and mutual respect, and the recent events have given a new direction to these ties.Iran believes that peace in the region is possible through dialogue and mutual respect, he said. He also called for new security arrangements in the region for lasting peace.“We are here to appreciate the role of Pakistan and the support of the people of Pakistan since the start of the war,” he said. “If it were not the effort of Pakistan, we would not be here.” The premier asked Pezeshkian to convey his warm regards to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for his “sagacious leadership that Iran has been able to achieve this MoU and as a result, a ceasefire with dignity and honour”.According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar were also present in the meeting, which was also attended by Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.During his meeting with Zardari, Pezeshkian lauded Pakistan's "constructive contribution" to Iran-US dialogue and reaffirmed Tehran's commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and regional peace.Zardari welcomed Pezeshkian on his first state visit to Pakistan after the recent conflict with the US and said that his visit reflects the longstanding brotherly relations between the two countries.According to a statement issued by the President's Office, the two leaders discussed bilateral relations, mainly regional peace and security, bilateral and regional connectivity, economic cooperation and other issues of mutual interest.Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled support for Iran’s peace, stability, national unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity.Pezeshkian said Iran attaches great importance to its relations with Pakistan and looks forward to further expanding cooperation in political, economic, security and regional matters.In his meeting with Field Marshal Munir, Pezeshkian “appreciated Pakistan's constructive and responsible role in promoting dialogue, de-escalation, and regional stability”.“He acknowledged Pakistan's consistent efforts to encourage peaceful resolution of disputes and foster understanding among regional stakeholders at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges,” the army said in a statement.Field Marshal Munir reiterated Pakistan's unwavering commitment to peace and stability in the region.“Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening Pakistan-Iran relations and maintaining close consultations on issues of mutual interest, with the shared objective of advancing peace, prosperity and stability across the region,” the army said.Earlier, the Iranian leader landed at Nur Khan airbase, where he was received by President Zardari, PM Sharif and other high officials.Pakistan's JF-17 Thunder jets escorted the plane of President Pezeshkian when it entered the country's airspace.Ahead of his departure from Tehran, the Iranian president said his visit "aims to secure full implementation of the memorandum under international law". He added that the agreement would help strengthen stability and security in West Asia, Iran's state-run Press TV reported.In a post on X, Pezeshkian cautioned that “the effectiveness of the talks depends on full commitment to the agreed obligations and their precise implementation.” "Progress on this path will be measured by practical adherence to accepted responsibilities. Statements outside the agreed text do not help advance the negotiations," he added.Security was on high alert in Islamabad due to the visit of the Iranian leader. The government closed bus terminals in the capital to restrict the movement of people coming to the city. PTI SH/ZH AMS(This story is published as part of the auto-generated syndicate wire feed. No editing has been done in the headline or the body by ABP Live.)

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iranian-president-meets-pakistan-s-top-leaders-discusses-regional-and-peace-initiatives-1852246

Iran's President Pezeshkian Lands In Pakistan Amid Ongoing Peace Negotiations With US

Iran-Pakistan talks have taken centre stage as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a lasting end to the conflict between Iran and the United States. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian travelled to Islamabad on Tuesday for high-level discussions with Pakistani leaders, who are playing a mediating role in negotiations aimed at ending the war permanently. The visit comes a day after senior American and Iranian officials met in Switzerland, where both sides began working through the technical details of a proposed agreement. <h2>Diplomatic Push Gains Momentum</h2> During talks in Islamabad, President Pezeshkian met Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to discuss regional stability and economic cooperation. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi joined the delegation amid heightened security. The visit marks Pezeshkian’s first trip abroad since the conflict erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military action against Iran. Officials from both countries are currently engaged in a 60-day diplomatic process designed to produce a permanent settlement. Among the preliminary agreements reached during negotiations in Switzerland was the creation of a “de-confliction cell” intended to address clashes in Lebanon involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/giorgia-meloni-early-election-italy-political-pressure-sergio-mattarella-1852215">Giorgia Meloni Weighs Early Election Option Amid Political Pressure, Report Says</a> <h2>Disputes & Security Concerns Persist</h2> Despite signs of diplomatic movement, questions remain over key aspects of the negotiations. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there were no plans for inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit nuclear facilities previously targeted by US strikes. His comments appeared to contradict claims made by US Vice-President JD Vance, who said inspectors would be granted access under the emerging framework. The United States has also indicated that discussions have included measures to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping after Iran effectively restricted access during the conflict. Although maritime traffic has begun to recover, uncertainty remains over future control and security arrangements. Also Read: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/business/key-oil-route-reopens-shipping-activity-picks-up-in-strait-of-hormuz-1852228">Key Oil Route Reopens: Shipping Activity Picks Up In Strait Of Hormuz</a>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-peace-deal-live-update-president-pezeshkian-lands-in-pakistan-amid-ongoing-peace-negotiations-1852229

Monday, June 22, 2026

Iran Agrees To 'Telephone Hotline' For Hormuz, Says Strait Will ‘Never Return’ To Pre-War State

Iran has agreed to establish a dedicated "telephone hotline" in the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate communication with the United States and other countries, marking a significant development in the management of one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. Speaking to Iranian state media while returning from negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran and Washington had reached an understanding to create new coordination mechanisms aimed at avoiding incidents and addressing concerns involving vessels navigating the strategic waterway. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/txEMw3OXM8g?si=T4sKLfqmSCduR1iV" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3>Hotline To Address Maritime Concerns</h3> According to Ghalibaf, the two sides agreed to set up "a telephone hotline and a centre so that if any ambiguity or issue arises, ships can contact that centre." The Iranian negotiator said the initiative is designed to help "prevent and resolve any misunderstandings" and ensure smooth maritime operations in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a substantial share of the world's oil shipments passes. He stressed that the waterway would now be "managed under Iranian arrangements" and declared that it would "never return to what it was before the war." Ghalibaf said Iran would continue to uphold international maritime regulations while responding rapidly to any emerging incidents. "Naturally, just as problems may arise in Lebanon or elsewhere, problems can also arise in the Strait of Hormuz," he said, adding, "As you've seen, on some nights there have even been clashes." Describing the purpose of the hotline, he said it was intended to ensure "the highest level of safety and traffic flow." Explaining its operation, Ghalibaf added: "If Americans have any objection to anything, or if any vessels or ships need clarity on any route or anything … they [can] call." He also claimed that negotiations had concluded arrangements related to Iran's access to $12 billion in frozen funds and addressed matters concerning the easing of oil sanctions. <h3>Progress Reported In Switzerland Talks</h3> The comments came after the latest round of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, where officials said discussions continued for around 80 minutes. According to Iranian officials, the talks focused on sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and the implementation of commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. The meeting marked the first round of quadrilateral discussions held under the framework of the memorandum and was aimed at advancing a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran. <h3>Vance Signals Optimism</h3> US Vice-President JD Vance struck an optimistic tone following the talks, describing Sunday as a "very, very good day" and saying negotiators had made "a lot of good progress." On Monday, Vance said Iran would permit nuclear inspectors to return to the country after what he again described as a "very, very good" opening day of negotiations. He said the outcome had created a "good foundation" for a potential final agreement. Separately, the United States confirmed a temporary suspension of sanctions on Iran's oil sector, allowing the country to produce, market and transport crude oil and related products until August 21. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary sanctions relief was linked to Tehran's commitment to maintaining "free and open transit" through the Strait of Hormuz and its agreement to permit inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-agrees-to-telephone-hotline-for-hormuz-says-strait-will-never-return-to-pre-war-state-1851992

US Grants 60-Day Waiver For Iranian Oil Sales Following Progress In Talks

The United States on Monday authorised limited Iranian oil sales, marking a significant easing of long-standing sanctions as Washington seeks to advance negotiations with Tehran towards a comprehensive peace agreement. The US Treasury Department issued a general licence permitting the production, delivery and sale of Iranian crude oil, as well as petrochemical and petroleum products, until August 21. The licence also allows Iranian oil to enter the United States when necessary to facilitate its sale, delivery or offloading. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move was linked to progress in ongoing negotiations in Switzerland. According to Bessent, Iran has committed to ensuring free and open transit through the Strait of Hormuz and to allowing inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) access to the country. <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">Temporary 60-Day License Established</h2> The temporary 60-day licence forms part of a broader framework established under a memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran last week. Under the arrangement, the United States agreed to grant waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and related services, including banking, insurance and transportation. The licence also permits payments to Iran in US dollar-denominated funds. However, entities linked to Cuba, North Korea and Crimea remain excluded from the authorisation. The move represents a notable shift in US policy towards Iran. Washington first imposed sanctions on Tehran following the 1979 hostage crisis and later expanded restrictions over concerns regarding Iran's nuclear programme and its support for groups designated by the US as terrorist organisations. Before the reimposition of sanctions in 2018, countries such as India, Japan, South Korea, Turkey, Italy, Greece and Taiwan were among the major importers of Iranian crude. In recent years, independent Chinese refiners have remained the primary buyers of Iranian oil, benefiting from discounted prices. The announcement came as mediators reported "encouraging progress" during the first round of US-Iran talks aimed at securing a permanent peace agreement. The negotiations are taking place under the terms of last week's memorandum, which extended a fragile ceasefire for at least 60 days. <h2 class="isSelectedEnd">Dollar Climbed As US-Iran Talks Laid 'Good Foundation'</h2> Global oil markets have closely monitored developments. Oil prices surged earlier when Iran moved to restrict traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting a US response targeting Iranian ports. Following the interim agreement, however, prices retreated to their lowest levels since before the conflict began in late February. The dollar climbed on Monday as the first round of US-Iran talks buoyed optimism for a peace deal. US Vice President JD Vance said talks &zwnj;with Iranian officials in Switzerland had laid a "good foundation" for a final peace deal, despite tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and Lebanon. U.S. crude fell 2.61% to $74.60 a barrel and Brent fell to $77.98 per barrel, down 3.21% on the day.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-grants-60-day-waiver-for-iranian-oil-sales-following-progress-in-talks-1851964

Sunday, June 21, 2026

US-Iran Talks Paused, Not Ended After Negotiations Turn Tense Over Trump Threats, Hormuz Closure

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have been temporarily paused after talks in Switzerland became increasingly strained over President Donald Trump's latest warnings to Tehran and disputes surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the setback, diplomatic engagement has not collapsed, with both sides continuing to communicate through unofficial channels in an effort to keep the negotiation process alive, CNN reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions. <h3>Talks Suspended, Backchannel Contacts Continue</h3> The report said that formal discussions have stalled for now but remain recoverable and that efforts are underway behind the scenes to encourage Washington and Tehran to resume direct negotiations. According to the report, the atmosphere around the talks deteriorated following comments made by Trump on Sunday while the negotiations were ongoing, adding to tensions already surrounding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. <iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iLcF-XYPWQs?si=KgP90T2rnmhGwfcv" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <h3>First Session Ends After 80 Minutes</h3> The latest round of technical discussions was held under the framework of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) agreed between the United States and Iran. Iran's Fars news agency reported that the opening session lasted around 80 minutes before being suspended to allow both delegations to conduct "internal consultations." ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/indian-and-a-pakistani-jd-vance-s-remark-on-usha-vance-asim-munir-goes-viral-1851732">'One Indian, One Pakistani': JD Vance's Remark On Usha Vance, Asim Munir Goes Viral</a> US Vice President JD Vance met senior Iranian officials in Switzerland on Sunday as part of efforts to find a broader resolution to the crisis in West Asia. The talks are being facilitated by Pakistan and Qatar and focus primarily on Iran's nuclear programme, regional security concerns and unresolved issues linked to the operation of the Strait of Hormuz under the interim agreement. <h3>Vance Signals Openness To New Relationship</h3> During the discussions, Vance conveyed Washington's willingness to reset ties with Tehran and said the Trump administration was prepared to pursue a different path if progress could be achieved through diplomacy. According to reports, he communicated Trump's message encouraging both sides to turn "a new leaf" in bilateral relations. The negotiations are viewed as a critical test of the fragile agreement reached earlier this month following months of military confrontation in the region. <h3>Trump's Warning Draws Sharp Iranian Response</h3> As negotiations continued, Trump issued a warning to Iran over the activities of groups aligned with Tehran in Lebanon. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: "Iran must immediately stop their highly paid PROXIES in Lebanon from causing trouble. If they don't, we'll hit Iran very hard again, just like we did last week, only harder!!!" The remarks triggered a strong response from Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is leading Tehran's negotiating team. In a post on X, Ghalibaf dismissed the warning as evidence of American weakness and insisted Iran would not alter its position under pressure. "Don't they think to themselves that if their threats had any effect, they wouldn't have reached the point of despair today? We don't count on the threats of the Americans. They better be careful with their statements, our armed forces are ready to respond in another way. Whatever they say, we are the ones who will act," he wrote. ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/starmer-under-pressure-uk-minister-admits-challenges-to-pm-s-leadership-1851742">Starmer Under Pressure? UK Minister Admits Challenges To PM's Leadership</a> <h3>Strait Of Hormuz Remains Key Sticking Point</h3> Beyond the exchange of threats, the operational status of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most contentious issues in the negotiations. The strategic waterway, through which a significant share of global energy supplies passes, is a central element of the interim agreement and remains closely tied to broader discussions on regional security and de-escalation. While the formal talks have been put on hold, mediators and officials from both sides continue efforts to bridge differences and bring the delegations back to the negotiating table.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/iran-talks-paused-not-ended-after-negotiations-turn-tense-over-trump-threats-hormuz-closure-1851752

36-Year-Old Charged Over Edinburgh Attack Spree Being Probed By Counterterror Police

Edited by: Louis Oelofse Scottish police on Sunday said they had charged a 36-year-old man in connection with a series of attacks in Edinburgh on Friday. "A 36-year-old man has been charged in connection with a number of incidents which took place in Edinburgh on Friday, 19 June, 2026," the Scottish police statement read. "A report has been submitted to the procurator fiscal, and the individual will appear at court in due course.” On Saturday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the attacks appeared to be motivated by "anti-Muslim hatred." <h2>Starmer Condemns 'Appalling' Edinburgh Attacks</h2> Britain's prime minister condemned the attacks. "Absolutely appalling. No one should face violence on our streets," Starmer said in a post on X. "The suspect appears to be motivated by anti-Muslim hatred. I will not tolerate this – he will face the full force of the law." Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, also condemned the attacks. "I am deeply concerned by these incidents," he said in an X post. "There is no place for violence, racism or intolerance in our country. I met community groups last week to assure them of the strong support of the Government.” <h2>What Were The Friday Attacks In Edinburgh?</h2> On Friday, police said that they had responded to reports of "violent attacks including threats, robbery and vandalism" across the city and that counterterrorism police had launched a probe into the incidents Police closed off the major Leith Walk road that connects the city center to the Leith coastal suburb. British media reported the attacks appeared to have begun near a mosque in western Edinburgh and continued through other parts of the city. Footage on social media appeared to show a shirtless man walking along the street carrying a weapon, and with another video showing him being restrained by police and shouting about "protecting the country." Some five people were injured in the attacks, including three that required hospital treatment. The incidents come amid a wave of anti-Muslim and anti-migrant sentiment in Britain, including riots in the Northern Irish capital of Belfast and in other cities. Disclaimer: This report first appeared on Deutsche Welle, and has been republished on ABP Live as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by ABP Live.

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/36-year-old-charged-over-edinburgh-attack-spree-being-probed-by-counterterror-police-1851744