US Forces to Stay in Middle East Until Iran Nuclear Deal Reached, Axios Reports

15/06/2026

US Forces to Stay in Middle East Until Iran Nuclear Deal Reached, Axios Reports

WASHINGTON / JERUSALEM, Jun 15: US forces deployed in the Middle East will remain in the region until a nuclear agreement with Iran is finalized, according to a report by Axios citing US officials.

The report said officials believe recent damage inflicted on Iran has increased the likelihood of securing a deal, while also noting that US President Donald Trump retains “tools in his arsenal” should diplomatic efforts fail.

In a parallel development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran would be prevented from obtaining nuclear weapons “with or without a deal,” underscoring Israel’s continued hardline stance despite ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance said Washington is open to Gulf states funding reconstruction in Iran, potentially through a $300 billion investment mechanism, provided Tehran agrees to dismantle its nuclear program and accept strict international inspections.

Vance told CBS Mornings that such funding could be available only if Iran ends enrichment activities and fully complies with verification requirements, describing inspections as essential to ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear weapons capability.

The developments come as regional and international actors continue to closely monitor fragile negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive US-Iran nuclear understanding.