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Russia's Foreign Ministry has welcomed the agreement between the US and Iran to end their military conflict, as reported by TASS. The agreement, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, includes a ceasefire and an end to the US maritime blockade, with a signing ceremony expected in Switzerland.
Newly revealed Hamas internal documents, provided by IDF intelligence to Israel's Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center, detail a deception plan aimed at surprising Israel on October 7, 2023. According to the center's analysis, the documents show how Hamas exploited Israel's assumptions and sent misleading signals, including using Jewish festivals as tactical opportunities.
South Korea's benchmark KOSPI closed above 9,000 points for the first time in its history on June 18, 2026, rallying 2.25 percent to 9,063.84. The surge was led by semiconductor heavyweights Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, with foreign investors purchasing a net 1.3 trillion won, despite a hawkish Federal Reserve stance and ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced that a US-Iran memorandum of understanding has been signed electronically, with immediate effect, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of the naval blockade. The deal marks a diplomatic resolution to the conflict that began in February.
The US and Iran have signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding, brokered by Pakistan, that takes immediate effect and extends an April ceasefire by 60 days. Tehran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while nuclear inspectors will return to Iran, and the US considers a $300bn fund if the deal holds. Meanwhile, regional events continue, including Israeli operations in Lebanon and reports of blasts near Hormuz.
The Russia-ASEAN summit, marking 35 years of relations, is being held in Kazan on June 17-18, with Russian President Vladimir Putin hosting leaders from Southeast Asia. The summit features bilateral meetings, a business forum, and the adoption of joint documents, including the Kazan Declaration and a comprehensive action plan through 2030.
South Korea plans to apply zero tariffs on LNG and LPG within quotas in the second half of 2026 to ease inflation amid global energy price volatility. The government also announced discount events for agricultural and fishery products worth 350 billion won to keep consumer price inflation around 3 percent.
The U.S. Senate confirmed Michelle Steel, a former two-term congresswoman, as ambassador to South Korea in a 55-39 vote. Steel, the second Korean American to hold the post, will face tasks including modernizing the alliance and implementing bilateral agreements. Seoul granted agrement for her appointment.
Despite the announced US-Iran peace deal, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely devoid of commercial traffic, with hundreds of ships stranded and only a patrol vessel moving. Shipping companies are cautious, and analysts question the practicalities of reopening amid security and sanctions concerns.
US President Donald Trump has criticized Israel's military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon and suggested that Syria under President Ahmed al-Sharaa could take on the group more effectively. Syrian officials have denied any intent for military intervention while expressing openness to talks, as Israeli and regional figures voice concerns over the proposal.
The US and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to end their 15-week war, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and initiating 60 days of technical talks. While President Trump hailed it as a major win, analysts and critics note that the agreement leaves many contentious issues unresolved, including Iran's nuclear program and ballistic missiles.
The U.S. Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged for the fourth consecutive meeting, its first decision under new Chair Kevin Warsh. New projections show a majority of policymakers expect rates to rise by year-end amid inflation running well above the 2% target, driven partly by Middle East conflict-related energy costs.
Nearly three years after Hamas's October 7 attack, assessments of Israel's strategic position diverge sharply. One analysis highlights military gains across multiple fronts, while another underscores unresolved conflicts, international isolation, and a complicated relationship with the US.
US President Donald Trump has suggested he might delay his departure from Europe to take part in the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran, while also joking about assigning credit or blame to Vice President JD Vance. The deal, which has already been electronically signed, is set for a formal ceremony in Switzerland, with negotiations expected to begin on a 60-day path toward a final agreement.
As the US and Iran move toward signing an agreement to end their months-long war, hardline factions in Iran are staging protests and voicing criticism against the deal and its negotiators, reflecting internal tensions over the terms.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has described Pakistan's federal budget for 2026-27 as 'people-friendly' and aimed at promoting an export-oriented economy, even as opposition leaders criticized the freezing of development funds for provinces. The budget includes new taxes on social media earnings and a fixed tax scheme for small traders, alongside measures for women's empowerment.
President Donald Trump has rejected media reports that the US-Iran framework agreement includes a $300 billion investment fund, calling such claims false. The reports, attributed to Reuters, described a private fund funded by companies, not the US government. The denial comes amid confirmed reports of a ceasefire and other developments in US-Iran relations.
China has released a white paper on global governance, urging a more just and equitable world order with stronger representation for emerging economies. Foreign Minister Wang Yi presented the document in Beijing, warning of multiple crises and calling for reinvigorated multilateralism while reaffirming support for the UN's central role.
A $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran is central to the US-Iran memorandum of understanding, but details on who will contribute remain unclear. US officials have distanced Washington from direct financial involvement, while reports suggest private investors and Gulf states may play a key role.
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has revised down its 2026 global oil demand forecast by 735,000 barrels per day (bpd), now expecting a decline of 1.1 million bpd, according to its June report. The agency attributes the drop to the Middle East crisis, though it anticipates conditions to improve in the second half of the year. Separately, the IEA slightly raised its 2026 supply forecast, expecting a decline of 3.9 million bpd, with a recovery in Strait of Hormuz exports from the third quarter.