Full story
U.S.-Iran deal, Israel rift
The United States and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding to end the war between the two countries, with Pakistan confirming that the ceremony would be held in Switzerland on Friday.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the Islamabad MoU would take effect immediately, adding that “as a first step, the Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade.”
In Jerusalem, Benjamin Netanyahu said he and Donald Trump “many times see eye-to-eye and there are times when we see eye-to-eye less so,” and he insisted, “I am in charge of Israel's security interests.”
The Business Standard described Netanyahu as on a “collision course” with Trump as the U.S. sought to extricate itself from the war and as Israeli military operations in Lebanon were tied down, with Israeli officials calling the negotiating period likely to be extended.
The Business Standard also reported that Trump ordered Netanyahu not to strike Beirut while the U.S. was seeking a deal with Iran, and that Netanyahu called off attacks that day but struck Beirut’s southern suburbs a week later.
Vance rebukes Netanyahu
At a White House press conference, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance condemned members of Benjamin Netanyahu’s government who were criticizing the Washington–Tehran understanding, saying they should “wake up” and “face reality.”
Vance told reporters, “If I were in the Israeli government cabinet, perhaps I would not attack the only powerful ally I have left in the world,” as he closed the press conference.
The Business Standard said Netanyahu acknowledged his differences with Trump at a press conference in Jerusalem late on Monday, while also arguing that Israel would keep “freedom of action” against Hezbollah attacks in Lebanon.
AP reported that Iran’s top diplomat Abbas Araghchi said the tentative U.S.-Iran deal would require Israel to withdraw from Lebanon, warning that without withdrawal “the war has not fully come to an end.”
AP also said a U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated the deal does not call for an Israeli withdrawal, leaving Israel facing a dilemma as it tries to degrade Hezbollah’s military capabilities without undermining the U.S.-backed agreement.
What’s at stake next
The Business Standard said the interim deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint while leaving the fate of Tehran’s nuclear programme to be resolved during a 60-day negotiation period toward a final deal.
“Iran and the United States officially sign a Memorandum of Understanding to end the war, and Pakistan confirms that the ceremony will be held on Friday in Switzerland”
CBS News reported that the Trump administration emphasized the U.S.-Iran agreement is not a final deal and that the U.S. could resume bombing Iran “if they don't behave,” while also noting that the memorandum was “in effect.”
CBS News added that Tehran said if Israel keeps troops in Lebanon and continues attacks in the country, it would be considered a violation of the agreement with Washington, as Israel continued limited strikes in Lebanon after Trump announced the agreement.
The Business Standard described Israeli officials as cautious in public for fear of angering their most important ally, while also saying in private conversations that the preliminary agreement was “terrible for Israel,” and that there is “no one in the Israeli leadership who views it otherwise.”
In Switzerland, the Swiss Foreign Ministry said the first negotiations on the implementation of the agreement “are expected” to take place on Friday at the resort city of Burgenstock, with the plan for the United States and Iran, along with mediators Pakistan and Qatar, to meet for initial talks.
