Israel launched additional airstrikes in southern Lebanon after ordering evacuations from over 20 locations, amid reports that the United States and Iran are close to finalizing a joint agreement.,
On Saturday, 13 June 2026 GMT+7, Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israel initiated airstrikes again in the city of Marakeh in the Tyre district, southern Lebanon, following prior orders by the Israeli military for civilians to evacuate approximately 20 areas. The attack resulted in one fatality.
These airstrikes occurred as Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as mediator between the US and Iran, posted on X that "We are closer to achieving a peace agreement than ever before," adding that the finalization "is expected within the next 24 hours."
Although Iranian officials denied that a signing would occur by Sunday, the Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not rule out the possibility of the agreement being signed within a few days.
However, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the agreement covers the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of US sanctions, and the resolution of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Regarding negotiations on Iran's nuclear program, Minister Araghchi stated these will commence at a later stage.
US officials confirmed some details of the agreement, indicating that Iran’s economic benefits depend on Tehran fulfilling its obligations, though it remains unclear whether Lebanon is included in the latest deal.
The US and Israel began striking Iran on 28 February 2026, sparking a Middle East war, followed by a ceasefire agreement in April. Nonetheless, sporadic clashes and retaliatory attacks continued in the subsequent weeks.
On the previous Thursday, US President Donald Trump said he had canceled "plans to attack" Iran because the negotiation team "had just reached a major joint agreement," which is expected to be signed soon.
However, on Friday, Iranian media published details of a purported 14-point agreement, which Trump denied, saying, "None of this relates to the agreed terms," and "It is not even close to the truth."
A few hours later, Pakistan's Prime Minister revealed that a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the US and Iran had been mutually approved and is awaiting finalization.
On Saturday, Sharif posted on X that his country is "preparing for signing a peace agreement electronically... followed by technical-level negotiations next week."
Minister Araghchi acknowledged that within Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, there are both supporters and opponents of the latest agreement terms, and no consensus has been reached yet. "For now, we must wait. If approved, the agreement will be signed remotely."
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Source:bbc