US-Iran meeting in Switzerland on June 19 cancelled - Israel provokes: We will attack Iran - Vance is furious

The warmongering state of Israel wants war, blood, and assassinations, not peace. The scheduled meeting of US and Iran representatives in Switzerland on June 19, 2026, to sign the 14-point Memorandum of Understanding in person, and not just online, was cancelled due to the provocative Israel, which is trying to blow up the ceasefire and agreements by striking Lebanon again and planning attacks on Iran. The Israeli army chief of staff ordered the military to prepare for an attack scenario against Iran, and not just Lebanon; a plan that, if implemented, obviously shatters the Memorandum of Understanding. Israel is provoking and sabotaging the Memorandum of Understanding, which constitutes a clear victory for the Iranians, and the Zionists of Israel cannot accept that they have been shamed. In any case, the American side is furious; US Vice President Vance directly accused Israel, emphasizing that without American aid, Iran would have razed Israeli cities to the ground, and that 20% of major cities have already been destroyed.

Al-Mayadeen: The Iranian negotiating team's trip to Switzerland on June 19 was cancelled

The news network Al-Mayadeen reported, citing an informed source, that the negotiating team of the Islamic Republic of Iran is suspending its trip to Switzerland for June 19 due to the ongoing attacks by the Israeli military in southern Lebanon. On June 19, the 14-article US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding was scheduled to be signed in Switzerland. The Memorandum of Understanding has, however, already been signed online by US President Trump and the Iranian side. The Foreign Minister of Pakistan announced that the Tehran-Washington diplomatic meeting in Geneva was cancelled. Following the suspension of the Iranian negotiating team's trip to Switzerland, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan announced the postponement of the diplomatic meeting between the US and Iran in Geneva.

Israel's Defense Minister and army chief provoke: We are independently planning offensive operations in Iran

Israel, through its Defense Minister and Army Chief, is attempting to sabotage the Memorandum of Understanding by emphasizing that they are studying plans for offensive operations in Iran independently of the US. It is obvious that the warmongers of Israel do not want the Memorandum of Understanding, which represents a defeat for both the US and Israel.

Vance is furious with Israel: We are your only ally in the world, respect the Memorandum of Understanding, the US saved you

US Vice President J.D. Vance called on Israel not to "attack" the memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran. The 60-day period designated for the final peace treaty began on June 18, 2026, and ends on August 18, 2026. "Israel, like everyone else, must respect this peace process, which is fundamentally beneficial for itself and the entire region." At the same time, media reports indicate that US President Trump is tired of phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu. Vance also called Trump the only head of state in the world who still maintains a favorable attitude toward Israel. Vance called on all those in Israel who consider the US president a problem to "wake up and face reality." "If I were in the Israeli government, I would not attack my only powerful ally," he emphasized. He also stated that the US protected Israel from Iranian attacks and that without the US, Israel would have been leveled. Already, Israel's northeastern cities have been almost 20% destroyed. Over the last three months, 66% of the weapons that have protected Israel have been funded by the money of the American people. Regarding the funding of the $300 billion fund, there is great interest in the Arab world and beyond for investments in Iran. "What we are saying is that we will return our forces to pre-conflict levels. We are not going to keep aircraft carriers there. The Iranians don't want that. Honestly, we don't want that either," stated J.D. Vance. On the night of June 18, 2026, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum remotely that seeks to end the military conflict that began on February 28, 2026.

J.D. Vance cancelled his flight to Switzerland to sign the agreement with Iran on June 19, 2026...

US Vice President J.D. Vance cancelled his flight to Switzerland for Friday, June 19, 2026, to sign the memorandum with Iran, a White House spokesperson said. "The progression of these negotiations has never been simple or predictable. At this point, the Vice President is not departing tonight," the statement says. At the same time, the White House expressed hope that technical negotiations with Iran would begin as soon as possible. On June 18, 2026, J.D. Vance confirmed he would lead the American delegation for talks with Iran. He noted that a trip to Switzerland was planned for the weekend of June 20-21, but the departure time of the negotiators depends on the arrival of Iran's representatives. Commenting on the initial plans to sign the agreement in Switzerland, the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated that the memorandum had already been signed by the presidents of the two countries and there was no need for the formal ceremony. However, they also stated Iran's plans to participate in the negotiations with the United States.

China warns Israel not to undermine the Iran-US agreement

China warned Israel not to hinder the implementation of the Iran-US Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), calling on all parties to take concrete steps to support regional peace and create conditions for future negotiations. The spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry warned Israel not to undermine the implementation of the agreement, as he expressed concerns regarding the first phase of the agreement and the next round of negotiations between Iran and the US. "At this critical stage, the involved parties, including Israel, must follow the dominant trend of peace and stability in the region and do more to help Iran and the US implement the agreement and promote negotiations in the second stage, rather than doing the opposite." China focused on the strategic character of the ties between China and Iran, describing the two countries as long-term partners committed to deepening their cooperation. "As a comprehensive strategic partner of Iran, China is ready to consolidate and deepen political mutual trust with Iran, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields, and promote the comprehensive strategic partnership of China-Iran."

Combative Hegseth (US Secretary of Defense): We will attack and blockade Iran if it does not fulfill its commitments...

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the United States is ready to resume military action and re-impose a blockade if Iran does not fulfill its commitments under the US-Iran agreement. "The president has made it clear that we will be prepared to restart our actions if, during the timeline of these talks, Iran does not do what it has committed to do," Hegseth said in Brussels, following his meeting with NATO defense ministers. "If Iran does not comply, then we are absolutely in a position to reinstate a completely impenetrable blockade," Hegseth added.

John Bolton: The US agreement means surrendering control of the Strait of Hormuz to Iran; it will be able to turn the flow on and off

Former US official and National Security Advisor John Bolton addressed the consequences of the recent US agreement in his new stance and warned that the US agreement means surrendering control of the Strait of Hormuz to Iran. Referring to Iran's increasing power in the region, he added: "Under these circumstances, Tehran can now turn the flow of energy on and off like a light switch."

Full text of the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the US and Iran on June 18, 2026:

1. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America and their allies in the current war, by signing this Memorandum of Cooperation, declare the immediate and final cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon, and commit that from now on no war or military operation will be initiated against the others, they will refrain from the threat or use of force against the others, and will guarantee the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon. The final agreement will confirm the definitive end of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the remainder of this clause.

2. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America commit to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each other and to refrain from any interference in the internal affairs of the other.

Final Peace Treaty in 60 days

3. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America commit to conduct negotiations and reach a final agreement within a maximum period of 60 days, which may be extended by mutual consent.

Naval Blockade lifted, US withdraws from the Middle East

4. Immediately after the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation, the United States will begin the lifting of the naval blockade and any harassment or obstruction against the Islamic Republic of Iran and will fully terminate the naval blockade within 30 days. During this period, shipping traffic will be maintained proportional to pre-war traffic levels, as determined by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States also commits to withdraw its military forces from the surrounding area of the Islamic Republic of Iran within 30 days of the final agreement.

Free passage in Hormuz

5. Upon the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements, to the extent of its capabilities, for the safe passage of commercial ships, free of charge for 60 days, from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa. Commercial shipping will begin immediately and will be fully established within 30 days, subject to the removal of technical and military obstacles and demining operations to be carried out by the Islamic Republic of Iran. The Islamic Republic of Iran will consult with the Sultanate of Oman regarding future administration and shipping services in the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of the coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, and will also exchange views with other coastal states of the Gulf.

Iran will receive at least 300 billion, but with US approval

6. The United States commits, together with its regional partners, to establish a definitive program to be agreed upon by both sides for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran, with a minimum funding of 300 billion dollars. The mechanism for implementing this program will be finalized within the framework of the final agreement within 60 days. All necessary approvals, waivers, and licenses for the relevant financial transactions will be issued by the United States.

End of sanctions

7. The United States commits to terminate all kinds of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including United Nations Security Council resolutions, International Atomic Energy Agency Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral US sanctions, both primary and secondary, in accordance with a schedule agreed upon as part of the final agreement. Both the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States recognize the fundamental importance of terminating the aforementioned sanctions and express their intention to immediately address these issues in the negotiations to reach a mutual agreement.

Iran will not produce nuclear weapons

8. The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it will not produce or acquire nuclear weapons. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States agree to resolve the status of stored enriched materials through a mutually agreed mechanism and in accordance with the schedule defined in paragraph 7, at least through on-site dilution under the supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The two sides also agree to discuss the issue of enrichment and other mutually agreed issues related to Iran's nuclear needs, based on a satisfactory framework to be agreed upon in the final agreement. The final agreement will confirm the provisions of this clause. Both sides also recognize the fundamental importance of the above issues regarding nuclear matters and express their intention to address them immediately in the negotiations to reach a mutual agreement.

9. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States agree to maintain the status quo until a final agreement is reached. Iran will maintain the status quo in its nuclear program, and the United States will not impose new sanctions on Iran nor will it deploy additional military forces in the region.

Iranian oil exports begin

10. The United States commits to immediately issue, upon the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation and until the lifting of sanctions, Treasury Department waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petrochemical products, and derivatives, and all related services, including banking transactions, insurance, transport, and others.

Frozen funds are released

11. The United States commits to fully make available all restricted or frozen funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran upon the implementation of this Memorandum of Cooperation. The United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran will mutually agree regarding the procedures for releasing these funds during the negotiations. These funds, whether held in primary accounts or transferred, must be fully usable for payments to any final beneficiary designated by the Central Bank of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States commits to issue all necessary approvals and licenses regarding this.

Establishing a Monitoring Mechanism

12. The Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States agree to establish an implementation mechanism to monitor the successful execution of this Memorandum of Understanding and future compliance with the final agreement.

13. After the signing of this Memorandum of Cooperation and subject to the commencement of the implementation of Clauses 1, 4, 5, 10, and 11 and the continuation of said measures, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States will begin negotiations for the final agreement exclusively on the remaining clauses.

14. The final agreement will be ratified by a binding decision of the United Nations Security Council.

David Hale (former US ambassador): 60 days is not a long time – Many unanswered questions in the US-Iran deal

David Hale, former US ambassador and special envoy for the Middle East, estimates that the new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Iran leaves critical strategic issues unanswered as the 60-day negotiation period begins. Hale stated that the viability of the agreement will be tested during this period, as both sides attempt to resolve "issues that remain quite vague," including those regarding Iran's nuclear program. "One would have expected a declaration of principles to have preceded this, which would define with greater clarity what the real goals are and what commitments are to be undertaken," Hale said, speaking to Al Jazeera.

However, he emphasized that the main challenge remains the limited time frame, given that the Memorandum of Understanding still lacks substantive content. "The important thing is that 60 days is not a long period of time. Therefore, how far can we really go? Because at this moment, the agreement includes only two tangible elements: the lifting of sanctions on Iran, which is a significant concession, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz," noted Hale. "What follows from here? That is exactly where I believe our attention should be focused," concluded the analyst.

www.bankingnews.gr