The Pentagon has told senators it needs roughly $80 billion, mostly to cover the cost of the US war against Iran, adding to what is already a sizable military spending boost being sought by President Donald Trump.

The White House Office of Management and Budget has yet to make a formal request to Congress. But Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been making the rounds on Capitol Hill, including Monday evening. A top deputy defense secretary told senators about the Iran funding request last week, according to two people familiar with the situation but not authorized to discuss it publicly.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson responded to Vance's remarks, stating that the interaction with the United Nations nuclear watchdog will be based on the "Safeguards Agreements" between Tehran and the IAEA.

Iran War: Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim US-Iran deal last week, more than three months after the US and Israel attacked Iran and Iran responded with its own attacks on Israel and Gulf states with US bases.

Talks between Iran and the U.S. have concluded successfully in Switzerland, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Monday.

"The discussions were held in a positive and constructive atmosphere and yielded encouraging progress, including agreement on a roadmap toward a final deal within 60 days, the establishment of a high-level committee to provide political oversight, and the commencement of further technical talks," he said in a post on X.

(Reuters)

Silver futures rebounded by Rs 5,146 to Rs 2.38 lakh per kg on Monday, tracking firm global trends amid progress in US-Iran negotiations.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the white metal for July delivery increased by Rs 5,146, or 2.21 per cent, to Rs 2,38,331 per kg in a business turnover of 10,463 lots.

Similarly, the September contract also advanced by Rs 5,076, or 2.13 per cent, to Rs 2,43,817 per kg in 5,110 lots.

Analysts said silver prices rebounded following signs of diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran, easing traders' concerns after weeks of heightened tensions in West Asia.

"Silver prices saw a modest recovery in the domestic markets on Monday as progress in US-Iran peace talks provided some support to the precious metals market," Gaurav Garg, Research Analyst at Lemonn Markets Desk, said.

In the international markets, Comex silver futures for July delivery rose nearly 3 per cent at USD 66.71 per ounce in New York.

(PTI)

The Iranian delegation in talks with the United States has left the Swiss venue to return to Tehran after 18 hours of "intensive" negotiations, state media reported Monday. 

The group, headed by chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, "left the building where the talks were held after about 18 hours of intensive talks and consultations", the IRNA state news agency reported, saying they were en route to Tehran.

(AFP)

"You close the Strait of Hormuz and you won't have a country."

US President Donald Trump issued the warning to Iran at a time when officials from both countries were in Switzerland for talks aimed at reducing tensions, keeping the strategic waterway open, and avoiding a broader Middle East conflict.

Iran and the United States wrapped up the first round of talks to end the Middle East war at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland on Monday, with technical talks to continue.

Here are the main points from the joint Qatar-Pakistan statement at the conclusion of first-round talks:

Roadmap to final deal agreed

The High Level Committee set up by Tehran and Washington to oversee the talks has "agreed upon a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days."

Lebanon 'de-confliction cell' 

The United States and Iran "agreed on the creation of a de-confliction cell, between the parties, the Lebanese Republic and facilitated by the Mediators, to ensure the adherence of the termination of military operations in Lebanon", the joint statement read.

Hormuz 'communication line' 

Tehran and Washington have set up a "communication line" to "avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz", according to the statement.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Monday there was "major progress" in talks with the United States. 

"Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War," Araghchi posted on X. "Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran."

Tireless Pakistani and Qatari mediation has delivered major progress to end Lebanon War. Oil and petrochem exports are waived, blockade lifted, some frozen assets released, and major reconstruction & development plan launched for Iran.
1st real test: Lebanon deconfliction cell https://t.co/q0okD2qwSO

— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 22, 2026

The United States and Iran reached several key understandings during their first high-level talks in Switzerland, agreeing on a 60-day timeline to finalise a deal, setting up a High Level Committee to oversee the negotiations, and establishing communication mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz, despite a tense start and a brief walkout by Iranian negotiators.

Iran delegation left talks venue after Trump threat, says news agency AFP citing state media.

After Trump's post, Iran's chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned the US against such threats, vowing that "our armed forces are ready to respond".

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Sunday rejected any Israeli security zone in Lebanon, after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed his troops would remain in the country's south for as long as necessary.

Israeli troops "remaining on Lebanese land is impossible. There are no security zones for Israel... we have a national army which deploys, and it is responsible for preserving sovereignty, and it is who we cooperate with," Qassem said in a televised address, adding that "Israel is an aggressor and must leave."

"Do they not realise that if their threats had been effective, they would not have reached the level of desperation they are in today? We do not attach any significance to American threats. They would do well to be careful about their statements. Our armed forces are fully prepared to respond in a different manner. They can keep talking as much as they want; we are the ones who act," Iran's chief negotiator MB Ghalibaf posts on X as US-Iran talks underway.

با خودشان فکر نمی‌کنند که اگر تهدیدهایشان نتیجه‌ای داشت، به استیصال امروز نمی‌رسیدند؟ ما تهدیدهای آمریکایی‌ها را به جایی حساب نمی‌کنیم.
بهتر است مراقب اظهارنظرهای خود باشند، نیروهای مسلح ما آماده‌اند تا به نحوی دیگر پاسخشان را بدهند. هر چه حرف بزنند، این ماییم که عمل می‌کنیم.

— محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) June 21, 2026

Iranian state television reported on Sunday a pause in the US-Iran talks mediated by Pakistan and Qatar in Switzerland, and said that the Islamic republic's nuclear programme had not been discussed.

"No negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear programme took place during the 80-minute first round of talks," the state broadcaster said, adding that the focus had been on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, and the situation in Lebanon.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says troops to stay in south Lebanon 'as long as necessary'.

Israel's military chief said on Sunday that Hezbollah had suffered a severe blow fighting Israeli forces and was now in a "very difficult position", as he met with troops in southern Lebanon.

He spoke as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland after signing a preliminary agreement to end the broader Middle East war, with the conflict in Lebanon threatening to derail the deal.

"Hezbollah has suffered a severe and significant blow, and we are committed to remaining prepared to continue operating and prevent its rebuilding," Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said, according to a military statement.

"Hezbollah is in a very difficult position," he added.

Hezbollah had pulled Lebanon into the Middle East war in early March when the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's supreme leader in US-Israeli strikes. (AFP)

After four months of fighting, US and Iranian officials are set to sit across the table from each other in the same room. As the talks began on Sunday, US Vice President JD Vance was already calling the moment historic.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday threatened to strike Iran again "harder" as peace talks were underway in Switzerland.

Vance says at US-Iran talks that Mideast is at turning point where it can 'turn over a new leaf' or revert to 'old way.'

Vance hails 'historic meeting', at start of US-Iran talks in Switzerland.

Iran said on Sunday that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and militant group Hezbollah will top the agenda in talks with the United States in Switzerland, as well as issues such as frozen Iranian funds and the sale of the country's oil.

Mediating country Qatar on Sunday confirmed the start of talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland aimed at a permanent end to the Middle East war.

In a statement Qatar's foreign ministry announced "the launch of the Lake Lucerne Summit and the first meeting of the high-level committee with the participation of representatives from the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the two mediating states, the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan".

The gas-rich emirate added it hoped the meetings would "lead to a comprehensive and lasting agreement addressing all aspects covered by the Memorandum of Understanding", referring to an accord signed by the US and Iran earlier this week.

Mediator Qatar confirms launch of US-Iran talks in Switzerland

Iranian state television said on Sunday that delegations from Iran, Qatar and the United States were holding a meeting in Switzerland to discuss a ceasefire in Lebanon and Iran's frozen assets.

"A tripartite meeting involving Iran, the United States and Qatar on the subjects of a comprehensive ceasefire in Lebanon and Iran's blocked assets is currently being held at the negotiation venue," state broadcaster IRIB said in a report.

Israel insists troops will stay in south Lebanon 'security zone'.

#WATCH | Buergenstock, Switzerland: US, Iranian, Pakistani leaders arrive for talks at Swiss resort
The video shows-the motorcade carrying US Vice President JD Vance arriving at the Buergenstock resort, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meeting with Swiss Foreign Minister… pic.twitter.com/FsZv3KyB5q

— ANI (@ANI) June 21, 2026

Iran warned on Sunday that it would not enter into talks on a broader agreement with the United States unless the war in Lebanon comes to an end.

"Without the implementation of these provisions, especially paragraph 1 (termination of the war on all fronts, including Lebanon), entry into the negotiation phase for the final agreement is not possible," foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on X, referring to a provision in the initial deal between Tehran and Washington. (AFP)

Iran has said that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah will top the agenda in talks with the United States in Switzerland.

"The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon, this issue will be the main topic of discussion in today's talks," foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a video shared by IRNA state news agency. 

"The issue of making available Iran's frozen or restricted assets, as well as the discussion related to issuing the necessary licenses for the sale of Iranian oil," will also be on the agenda, he added.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the head of the military, Asim Munir, have arrived in Switzerland for talks over the Middle East war.

"Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will participate in the High-Level Talks on the implementation of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," the Prime Minister's Office wrote on X, referring to the US-Iran deal to end the war.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir are heading to Switzerland to take part in US-Iran talks, the government has announced.

As a follow-up to the signing of Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, technical-level talks will be held in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, on 21 June 2026.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and COAS & CDF Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir will participate in these talks.
The… pic.twitter.com/GTkR9hDFnz

— Prime Minister's Office (@PakPMO) June 20, 2026

JD Vance has now arrived at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex for high-level talks aimed at advancing a deal to end the Middle East war.

(Photo: AFP)

JD Vance and his wife, Usha, arrived at Emmen Air Base in Switzerland at 5:59 a.m. (0359 GMT), a vice presidential spokesperson said.

JD Vance has landed in Switzerland to help formally launch negotiations with Iranian leaders.

The US and Iran are set to begin a new round of negotiations in Switzerland today, with President Donald Trump warning he would impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil and gas shipping lanes, if talks fail.

Donald Trump has warned that the US could impose tolls on the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway if negotiators are unable to complete a deal to end the war in Iran.

There will be no tolls "unless they are imposed by and for the United States of America, should the deal not be completed, for services rendered as the Guardian Angel to the countries of the Middle East for purposes of both past, present, and future reimbursement of costs," Trump posted on Truth Social.

An Israeli army official has said that the military had received orders from the country's political leadership to halt fighting in southern Lebanon.

The announcement came amid intense clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon, with both sides accusing the other of breaching the US renewed ceasefire.

"The IDF has received updated directives from the political echelon to cease fire," the official said in a statement.

"The IDF is not conducting proactive strikes, rather the IDF is only operating in a defensive manner within the security zone" in southern Lebanon, the official said.

"These defensive activities include the right to respond if Hezbollah does not abide by the ceasefire and continues to target our troops or our civilians."

The official said the military was operating in the area of Tebnit which contains "terrorist infrastructure".

"This includes significant underground infrastructure that directly threatens Israeli troops and civilians," the official said.

"The terrorist infrastructure that the IDF targets is substantial and serves as a major Hezbollah stronghold, particularly for Hezbollah's Badr Unit. It extends more than one kilometre underground and spans hundreds of kilometres," the official added.

US Vice President JD Vance is traveling to Switzerland for talks with Iran on implementing a deal to end the Middle East war.

"I can only be there for a day or two. I think we're going to hopefully make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue. Those are the two big things that I think we're to be focused on," Vance told reporters before departing from Joint Base Andrews.

Vice President JD Vance is wheels up from Washington, D.C., en route to Switzerland 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/uEeFTnx5Dn

— Luke Schroeder (@VPPressSec) June 20, 2026

An Iranian delegation landed in Switzerland late Saturday for talks at the Burgenstock resort on the preliminary US-Iran deal to halt the war in the Middle East.

The Israeli military said Saturday it had carried out a strike that killed Al Jazeera journalist Ahmed Wishah in Gaza, saying he was a "Hamas terrorist".

"The IDF confirms it carried out a strike on Ahmed Wishah, who was a Hamas terrorist," a military spokesman told AFP.

The spokesman did not immediately provide evidence to support the military's claim about Wishah, but said "there will be a statement issued with further details".

(AFP)

The US military said Saturday it remained "present and vigilant" in the Strait of Hormuz, shortly after Iran announced it was closing the critical shipping lane.

"US forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to, obeyed, and in full force and effect," US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement.

CENTCOM, which oversees US forces in the Middle East, said 55 commercial vessels had transited the strait on Saturday and that "safe passage through the international waterway remained intact today."

(AFP)

Israel says Hezbollah 'constantly' violating ceasefire

(AFP)

An Iranian negotiating team left Iran for Switzerland on Saturday for discussions on the implementation of the US-Iran agreement.

Pakistan said technical talks to implement the US-Iran deal to end the Middle East war would be held in Switzerland on Sunday.

"As a follow-up to the signing of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, technical-level talks will be held in Burgenstock, Switzerland, on 21 June," the foreign ministry said in a statement on Saturday, adding Pakistani and Qatari mediators would participate in the discussions with US and Iranian representatives.

An Iranian negotiating team left Iran for Switzerland on Saturday for discussions on the implementation of the agreement signed between it and the United States to halt the Mideast war, state media reported.

"Iranian negotiators have left for Switzerland," state news agency IRNA reported, after quoting foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei as warning that the deal was "in trouble".

"I expect that I will leave sometime in the next couple of days, but you know it's always a delicate coordination dance and the diplomatic protocols," Vance says in an interview with Fox News.

Iran said that the closure was the "first step" in response to what it described as breaches of commitments.

Iran's top joint military command, ​Khatam al-Anbiya Central ‌Headquarters, said on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to vessel traffic, citing alleged violations of a ceasefire agreement by the U.S. and Israel, Iran's Mehr state news agency reported.

It said that the closure was the "first step" in response to what it described as breaches of commitments and warned that further measures would be taken if "aggression" continued.

(Reuters)

Diplomats from several countries were meeting Saturday at a Swiss retreat in a bid to maintain dialogue on the preliminary US-Iran deal to halt the Middle East war, said Bern.

The Swiss foreign ministry said diplomats were in discussions at the luxury Burgenstock resort near Lucerne in central Switzerland, without giving further details.

A diplomatic source told AFP the discussions under way on Saturday were preparatory in nature.

Senior-level talks at the hotel complex were initially planned for Friday, but were called off, with the process shrouded in layers of uncertainty, as Israel carried out deadly strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday.

(AFP)

Lebanese state media says Israeli strike on south kills seven

(AFP)

Israel carried out deadly strikes in south Lebanon on Saturday and Hezbollah maintained it had the right to respond, hours after the United States announced a renewed ceasefire in fighting that had strained a fledgling deal with Iran.

US President Donald Trump and his Iranian counterpart Masoud Pezeshkian this week signed a preliminary agreement to halt the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon -- a key demand of Tehran's.

But follow-up talks scheduled for Friday in Switzerland were indefinitely postponed as Israel launched a wave of strikes in Lebanon that left dozens of people dead after four of its soldiers were killed in combat, sparking a furious reaction at home.

(AFP)

Pakistan's interior minister arrived in Iran on Saturday after planned talks between Iran and the United States in Switzerland were postponed, Iranian media reported.

Tehran and Washington were due to hold talks in Switzerland on Friday, after signing a memorandum of understanding ending the war in the Middle East, but the latest negotiations have been postponed with no new date announced.

Iranian media including Tasnim news agency said Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi landed on Saturday in the northeastern city of Mashhad.

Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei had earlier told ISNA news agency that "Pakistan's interior minister will arrive in Iran at noon today, Saturday, as part of Pakistan's efforts regarding the Iran-US negotiations."

(AFP)

The Israeli military has said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon in response to overnight projectile launches from the Iran-backed group.

"Overnight, the Hezbollah terrorist organisation launched more than 50 projectiles at Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Following the attacks, the IDF has been striking Hezbollah terrorist targets in southern Lebanon," an Israeli military official said.

The Lebanese army said an Israeli strike killed one of its soldiers in the country's south.

"An Israeli enemy strike targeted an army soldier on the Kfar Rumman-Nabatieh road, leading to his martyrdom," an army statement said, charging that "the continuation of brutal Israeli attacks aims to obstruct any solution that would allow for restoring stability in Lebanon".

At least five people were killed in Israeli air strikes and drone attacks in southern Lebanon on Saturday, Lebanese state media reported, hours after a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group took effect.

Israeli warplanes and drones carried out a series of strikes across the Nabatieh area overnight and into Saturday morning, destroying residential buildings and homes, while Israeli artillery shelled Nabatieh and its outskirts before dawn, state news agency NNA reported. 

Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to the ceasefire on Friday, according to a US official.

US Vice President JD Vance had on Thursday cancelled his trip to Switzerland amid rising tension in Lebanon between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Donald Trump's other envoy and his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is also expected to be in Switzerland for talks.

US President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi are reportedly headed to Switzerland for talks, after scheduled negotiations due to take place there were postponed.