Iran Updates: Trump claims “settlement” to end war reached, but Tehran says no “final conclusion” yet
Iran Updates: Trump claims "settlement" to end war reached, but Tehran says no "final conclusion" yet
Iran Updates - Updated on: June 12, 2026 / 3:38 AM EDT / CBS News
Military Operations in Southern Lebanon
On Friday, Israeli forces reported the elimination of 80 Hezbollah members and the destruction of around 310 sites linked to the Iran-backed militant group in southern Lebanon during the previous week. The operation targeted infrastructure and facilities associated with Hezbollah's activities, according to a statement released by the Israeli Defense Forces. The IDF emphasized that these strikes were conducted in coordination with ground troops near the forward defense line, aiming to neutralize threats to both civilian populations and military personnel in the region.
Ceasefire Agreement and Hezbollah's Response
Israel and Lebanon finalized an extension of their ceasefire agreement last week, but Hezbollah swiftly dismissed the arrangement. The paramilitary group's rejection of the truce underscores its continued role as a proxy for Iran in the region. Tehran has consistently argued that any peace deal involving the U.S. and Israel must include a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon, highlighting the group's strategic importance in the ongoing conflict.
U.S.-Iran Peace Talks and Trump's Declaration
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu engaged in a late-night conversation with President Trump on Thursday, discussing the potential for a peace accord between the U.S. and Iran. While Israel is not a direct participant in the agreement, the prime minister's office stated that Netanyahu commended Trump's commitment to ensuring the final deal would address key concerns. These included the removal of enriched uranium, the dismantling of nuclear facilities, limitations on missile development, and the halt of Iran's support for regional militant groups.
Iran's Stance on the Peace Deal
An Iranian official denied that a final agreement had been reached, stating that Iran had not yet finalized its position. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, in a statement shared with Agence France-Presse, noted that "Iran has not reached a final conclusion on the agreement." This aligns with Tehran's broader position that any settlement must involve a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon, a condition that has not been met despite earlier assurances.
Strait of Hormuz and Drone Attacks
Meanwhile, U.S. officials revealed that Iran had attempted to strike commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz shortly after dawn on Friday. Two Iranian one-way attack drones were intercepted and destroyed by American forces, according to the same source. Although the attacks were thwarted, some maritime traffic continued to flow through the critical waterway, indicating that the region remains a flashpoint for tension. The incident highlights the strategic significance of the strait as a key conduit for global oil shipments and a potential target in the conflict.
Trump's Claim of a "Great Settlement"
President Trump asserted in a press conference that the U.S. had achieved a "great settlement" to end the war with Iran, signaling a major breakthrough in negotiations. However, this claim was met with skepticism from Iranian state media. The semi-official Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited a "knowledgeable source close to the Iranian negotiating team" who stated that no formal text of the initial memorandum of understanding had been approved. This contradicts Trump's public statements, which have previously framed the agreement as imminent.
Reactions to Trump's Announcement
Iran's Tasnim news agency pointed out that Trump had made similar claims about an impending deal 38 times over the past two months, suggesting a pattern of rhetoric that may not reflect actual progress. "Until Iran announces the matter of a potential understanding, any news from Trump on this subject should be regarded the same as his previous messaging," Tasnim noted. This critique underscores the challenges in verifying the status of diplomatic talks, especially when political statements are made before official documentation is finalized.
Progress Toward the Memorandum of Understanding
Two individuals with knowledge of the diplomatic process informed CBS News that a letter of intent or memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran is expected to be signed within the coming days. This document would mark the beginning of a 60-day negotiation phase aimed at crafting a lasting agreement. The timeframe is designed to allow for detailed discussions, though it may be extended if needed to address complexities in the deal.
Initial Steps and Nuclear Commitments
The proposed agreement includes preliminary measures such as clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz to restore freedom of navigation. In principle, Iran would agree to a 15- to 20-year lockout period during which it would cease uranium enrichment and dismantle its nuclear sites. In return, Iran would receive financial relief, with payments structured over time to align with compliance milestones. These steps are seen as a foundation for broader diplomatic engagement, though their implementation depends on mutual trust and verification.
Global Implications and Regional Dynamics
The potential peace deal has significant implications for regional stability and international relations. If successful, it could reduce the risk of direct conflict between Iran and Israel, while also easing tensions with the U.S. However, the deal's success hinges on Iran's willingness to commit to nuclear restrictions and the U.S.'s ability to secure a ceasefire in Lebanon. The dynamics between the parties remain complex, with each side balancing strategic goals and domestic political pressures.
Key Players and Negotiation Challenges
The negotiations involve multiple stakeholders, including U.S. diplomats, Iranian officials, and regional actors like Lebanon and Hezbollah. The pace of talks has been influenced by the need to address Iran's nuclear program, its support for militant groups, and the economic impact of sanctions. Despite Trump's optimistic statements, the Iranian side has maintained that the process is ongoing, with no definitive resolution in sight. This cautious approach reflects the country's desire to ensure the deal's terms are favorable and binding.
Future Outlook and Unresolved Issues
As the memorandum of understanding nears completion, questions remain about its long-term viability. While the initial steps are promising, challenges such as monitoring compliance and enforcing commitments could test the agreement's durability. The 60-day negotiation period offers a window for resolving disputes, but the outcome will depend on the parties' ability to navigate disagreements. With the region teetering on the edge of a new era, the international community watches closely for any developments that could reshape the geopolitical landscape.