As per reports, the updates on tensions in the Middle East as of Friday (19 June) are as follows:

• US, Iran: On Thursday (18 June), US President Donald Trump and Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian electronically signed a memorandum of understanding to end the war. Additionally, US Vice President JD Vance stated that the 60-day negotiation period to reach a final deal between Tehran and Washington has begun effective on Thursday (18 June).
• Lebanon, UK, Qatar, France: On Thursday (18 June), Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received a joint ministerial delegation from the US, Qatar, and France to discuss recent developments in Lebanon. During the meeting, the parties reviewed the prevailing situation in the country and reaffirmed support for Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty. Qatar reiterated its commitment to supporting Lebanon, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the country’s security and territorial integrity while advocating for diplomacy and peaceful solutions to address regional challenges.
• Strait of Hormuz: The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday (18 June) announced that it has lifted restrictions on maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, stating that US forces are no longer impeding the transit of vessels operating in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM further indicated that US naval assets will remain deployed in the region to monitor and ensure compliance with all provisions of the agreement reached with Iran, underscoring Washington’s continued commitment to maintaining maritime security and enforcing the terms of the accord.
• Kuwait: The Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC) announced the immediate lifting of all ‘force majeure’ notices that had been imposed during the recent Iran-US conflict, citing improving regional conditions and the resumption of commercial shipping activities on Thursday (18 June).
• US, Lebanon: The US on Thursday (18 June) announced sanctions against several Lebanese officials it says are aligned with Hezbollah and members of the sanctioned Alaa Hassan Hamieh business network for obstructing Lebanon’s peace process and delaying Hezbollah’s disarmament.
• UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait: The UK on Thursday (18 June) has lifted its advisories against non-essential travel to several Gulf states, including the UAE, Qatar, and Kuwait, following the signing of an interim agreement aimed at ending the recent conflict in the region. In its updated guidance, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) indicated the agreement but cautioned that the security environment remains unpredictable, warning that hostilities and attacks could resume with little notice. The revised advisories reflect an improvement in regional conditions while underscoring the continued need for vigilance and monitoring of developments.
• Iran, Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council on Thursday (18 June) announced that the Persian Gulf Strait Authority has been directed to expedite the processing and issuance of permits for commercial vessels seeking to transit the Strait of Hormuz. According to reports, the authority has been instructed to prioritize and rapidly respond to applications in support of the objectives outlined in the recently signed memorandum. The council further stated that no transit-related fees will be imposed on applicants for a period of 60 days, as part of efforts to facilitate the restoration of maritime commerce and navigation through the strategic waterway.
• Strait of Hormuz: As of Thursday (18 June), the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) has further lowered the maritime security threat level for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to ‘moderate’, reflecting an improvement in the regional security environment. The latest adjustment follows an earlier downgrade this week, when the threat level was reduced from ‘severe’ to ‘substantial’.