Donald Trump Calls for Restraint After Israel Launches Airstrikes on Beirut Suburbs
The situation in Lebanon has become increasingly complex, with both Israel and Hezbollah exchanging blame for the recent escalation of violence. Israeli officials have stated that their strikes on Beirut were a response to Hezbollah's alleged ceasefire violations, while Hezbollah has denied firing into Israeli territory. The Lebanese government has called for calm and restraint, urging all parties to respect the ceasefire agreement.
As the conflict in Lebanon continues to simmer, the United States and Iran are facing significant challenges in their efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement. The agreement, which aims to bring an end to the war that began on February 28, is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the region and easing tensions between the two nations.
Regional officials have indicated that the Qataris are playing a key role in facilitating the negotiations, working to iron out the remaining details of the agreement. However, the recent outbreak of violence in Lebanon has highlighted the difficulties of reaching a lasting peace, and the need for all parties to exercise restraint and commitment to the ceasefire.
The Iranian government has expressed frustration with the Israeli strikes, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator, condemning the attacks and suggesting that they undermine the credibility of the United States. The US has urged all parties to exercise restraint and to respect the ceasefire agreement, but the situation on the ground remains volatile.
Despite the challenges, the United States and Iran are pushing forward with their efforts to finalize the agreement, which is seen as a major priority for both nations. The agreement is expected to include a range of provisions, including the reopening of the strait, the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, and the extension of the ceasefire for 60 days. However, the more contentious issues, such as Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief, are expected to be addressed in a second round of negotiations.
A Qatari delegation visited Tehran on Sunday, according to Iranian news media and an official with knowledge of the situation. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the Qataris, who have been acting as mediators, were seeking to help finalize the agreement between Iran and the United States.
In Israel, details about the agreement being considered have surfaced in news media reports, prompting a flood of criticism and discontent from Israelis spanning the country’s political spectrum. The main headline of Sunday’s Yediot Aharonot, a popular Hebrew daily, summed up the prevailing sentiment in Israel over the emerging cease-fire agreement with Iran: “Bad Deal.”
Regional officials with knowledge of the matter said the Qataris have been leading the negotiations in recent hours to hash out the remaining details. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The potential peace deal has been met with widespread criticism in Israel, with many feeling that the country's concerns have not been adequately addressed. Neither the United States nor Iran has shared publicly the text of the agreement being considered, but the details that have surfaced in news media reports were enough to prompt a strong reaction from Israelis.
Under the initial “memorandum of understanding,” Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports. The cease-fire that the two sides agreed to in April would be extended for 60 days, during which both sides would commit to holding detailed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran.
However, this outline appears to fall far short of the goals that Israel set at the start of the two wars. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared that the objective was “to remove the existential threats” to Israel, including destroying any nuclear threat from Iran and its ballistic missile program. The Israelis have also demanded an end to Tehran’s support of its proxy forces hostile to Israel.
Israeli experts have expressed alarm that elements key to Israel appear not to have been mentioned at all in the nascent deal. Former acting national security adviser to Mr. Netanyahu, Jacob Nagel, said, “No matter what will happen, President Trump will declare victory, a total win.” Mr. Nagel noted that Iran’s ballistic missiles and its support for proxy groups in the region do not even appear as topics in the publicly circulating details.
Criticism of the potential deal has been fierce, with Avigdor Liberman, a former Israeli defense minister,
The public rebuke from President Trump has added to the already heightened tensions between the US and Israel, with many in Israel viewing the comments as a significant departure from the typically strong support the Trump administration has shown for the Israeli government.
The Israeli government has been walking a fine line, attempting to balance its relationship with the US while also addressing the concerns of its citizens regarding the potential deal with Iran. The latest developments have only served to further complicate this delicate situation, with Israeli officials facing increased pressure to respond to the criticism from both within and outside the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, regional officials have expressed concerns that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah could be on the verge of collapse, potentially leading to a wider conflict. The Lebanese government has urged restraint, but the continued exchanges of fire along the border have raised fears of a larger escalation.
In Iran, the call for unity from President Pezeshkian has been seen as an attempt to quell domestic opposition to the potential deal, with many Iranians expressing skepticism about the terms of the agreement. The Iranian government has sought to reassure its citizens that any deal will be in the best interests of the country, but the lack of transparency has only added to the uncertainty.
The US has continued to push for a resolution, with President Trump emphasizing the need for restraint from all parties involved. However, the latest comments from the President have raised questions about the US's role in the region and its ability to broker a lasting peace. As the situation remains precarious, all eyes are on the key players, waiting to see how they will navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region.
The latest developments have put the US-brokered talks between Iran and the US on shaky ground, with Iranian officials expressing outrage over the Israeli strikes. Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the National Security Committee in Iran's Parliament, warned of a "strong response" after the Israeli strike in Dahiya, Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds sway. Azizi's comments on social media suggested that the US lacked credibility in controlling Israel, further complicating the already delicate negotiations.
Despite the setbacks, the Trump administration remains cautiously hopeful that an agreement with Iran can still be signed. President Trump's call for restraint in Lebanon reflects his desire to finalize a deal and bring an end to the war. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with the Israeli military identifying "impacts of several suspicious aerial targets" in Israeli territory, which could be a precursor to further retaliation.
The potential deal between the US and Iran is expected to involve a 60-day negotiation period to hammer out a more permanent peace and an end to Iran's nuclear program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that the US military would end its blockade of Iranian ports once a deal is signed, allowing shipping to flow freely. However, the details of how a stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be removed from Iran remain unclear.
As tensions continue to escalate, the Israeli military is preparing for potential fire aimed at Israel in the coming hours. The military has issued a statement warning of possible retaliation, similar to the one issued last Sunday when Israel came under Iranian missile fire. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator with Washington, has condemned Israel's strikes, suggesting that they undermine the credibility of the US and threaten to derail the negotiations. The situation remains precarious, with all parties involved walking a fine line between diplomacy and military action.
The Israeli airstrikes have not only heightened tensions but also raised questions about the ability of the US to control the situation in Lebanon. President Trump's call for restraint has been met with skepticism by Iranian officials, who argue that the US has failed to rein in Israel's military actions. The lack of coordination between Israel and the US before the strike has further complicated the situation, with Israeli defense officials acknowledging that the bombing could be seen as an attempt to disrupt the emerging deal with Iran.
The conflict in Lebanon has become a major obstacle in the negotiations between the US and Iran, with Iran insisting that any agreement must address the situation in Lebanon. The US has been trying to persuade Israel to scale back its military campaign in Lebanon, but so far, Israel has shown no signs of backing down. The continued violence in Lebanon has resulted in significant casualties, with over 3,700 Lebanese and at least 30 Israelis killed in the past three months.
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with Israeli aircraft launching additional attacks on Sunday in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has continued to attack Israeli troops in Lebanon and has fired rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes. The cycle of violence shows no signs of abating, and the US-brokered talks between the US and Iran are hanging in the balance. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator, has made it clear that the US must demonstrate its ability to control the situation in Lebanon if the negotiations are to move forward.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is watching with growing concern. The US has been trying to broker a peace agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, but the lack of progress has raised doubts about the feasibility of such an agreement. The conflict in Lebanon has become a major test of the US's ability to manage the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region, and the outcome is far from certain. With the stakes high and the situation on the ground becoming increasingly unstable, the US and Iran are facing a critical moment in their negotiations.
The Qatari delegation's visit to Tehran is seen as a significant development in the negotiations, as Qatar has been acting as a mediator between the US and Iran. The delegation's arrival in Tehran comes as Iranian officials are facing growing opposition to the potential cease-fire agreement from conservative factions within the government and military.
The protests outside the foreign ministry office in Mashhad and the criticism from conservative members of Parliament highlight the challenges Iranian negotiators face in selling the agreement to hardline elements within the country. Despite these challenges, Iranian officials have expressed optimism that a deal can be reached, with some suggesting that the US and Iran are close to finalizing the agreement.
The US has been pushing for a comprehensive agreement that addresses not only the conflict in Lebanon but also Iran's nuclear program and its support for militant groups in the region. However, the negotiations have been complicated by the ongoing violence in Lebanon, which has raised concerns about the ability of the parties to commit to a cease-fire.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, there are growing fears that the conflict could spread to other parts of the region. The Israeli military's statement that it remains "on high alert and prepared for a range of defensive and offensive scenarios" has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for restraint and a return to negotiations. The US, in particular, is facing pressure to demonstrate its ability to manage the crisis and broker a peaceful resolution. With the stakes high and the situation on the ground becoming increasingly unstable, the US and Iran are facing a critical moment in their negotiations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain held a telephone conversation with President Trump on Saturday to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran. Starmer's office stated that he welcomed the progress made towards a deal and emphasized the importance of achieving a durable and lasting peace. Trump has assured that the initial agreement with Iran will lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil tankers to pass through again, which would help alleviate the damage to the global economy caused by the strait's closure.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, announced on Saturday that there are no plans for an Iranian negotiating team to travel to Geneva or any other location in the next 48 hours, according to Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB. This statement appears to contradict reports that Iranian officials may soon travel abroad to finalize or sign a memorandum of understanding with the US.
The potential signing of the Iran agreement is likely to be done electronically, deviating from the traditional in-person ceremony. The reasoning behind this arrangement is not yet clear. Typically, diplomatic agreements of this nature are signed in person by the parties involved. Trump is expected to remain in Washington on Sunday, his 80th birthday, to attend a U.F.C. fight at the White House.
As a draft deal between the US and Iran is now on the table, speculation has been circulating about the agreement's contents. President Trump denied reports about the proposed deal's details on Friday, stating that the terms "Iran leaked" to the media are incorrect and have no relation to the agreed-upon terms. Iranian media outlets have provided conflicting accounts of the deal, with one hard-line news outlet reporting terms more favorable to Iran and the state news agency offering a more measured description.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Friday that a deal "has never been closer" but cautioned the media against speculating about its content. Much of the emerging deal remains unclear, with both sides attempting to frame it as a victory. It is known that a "memorandum of understanding" between the two sides is being discussed. Two Iranian officials and one regional official briefed on the agreement's terms stated that the US and Iran have agreed to a preliminary deal that would end the fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the US naval blockade on Iran.
The agreement is similar to previous iterations of a deal that have emerged in recent weeks of negotiations, according to the three officials, but with some changes to the wording
Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz for the passage of ships and the United States would lift the naval blockade on Iran’s ports in the Persian Gulf. During the 60-day negotiation period, Iran and countries in the region would discuss the future management of the strait, the three officials said. Last month, it emerged that Oman had discussed partnering with Iran to charge service fees for ships to pass through the strait, ignoring Trump administration warnings against such a plan.
If the agreement is finalized, a signing ceremony was expected to take place in the coming days in Geneva, Switzerland. Negotiators from the United States and Iran met there for talks in February before the war began. Vice President JD Vance is supposed to lead the U.S. delegation, according to the regional official. Mr. Trump said on Thursday that he would send Mr. Vance to sign the agreement if it was finalized. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator and the speaker of parliament, was expected to lead the Iranian delegation, all three officials said.
In the memorandum, Iran would reiterate its commitment to not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon, the officials said. The agreement does not resolve the question of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, or the future of its nuclear program, and leaves those issues to later negotiations, according to the three officials. The two Iranian officials said the next phase of talks would include discussion of the lifting of American sanctions, including on Iran’s oil sales and international banking transactions, in exchange for concessions on the Iranian nuclear program.
As the conflict in Lebanon continues to simmer, the United States and Iran are facing significant challenges in their efforts to finalize a ceasefire agreement. The agreement, which aims to bring an end to the war that began on February 28, is seen as a crucial step towards stabilizing the region and easing tensions between the two nations.
Regional officials have indicated that the Qataris are playing a key role in facilitating the negotiations, working to iron out the remaining details of the agreement. However, the recent outbreak of violence in Lebanon has highlighted the difficulties of reaching a lasting peace, and the need for all parties to exercise restraint and commitment to the ceasefire.
The Iranian government has expressed frustration with the Israeli strikes, with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator, condemning the attacks and suggesting that they undermine the credibility of the United States. The US has urged all parties to exercise restraint and to respect the ceasefire agreement, but the situation on the ground remains volatile.
Despite the challenges, the United States and Iran are pushing forward with their efforts to finalize the agreement, which is seen as a major priority for both nations. The agreement is expected to include a range of provisions, including the reopening of the strait, the lifting of the US blockade on Iranian ports, and the extension of the ceasefire for 60 days. However, the more contentious issues, such as Iran's nuclear program and sanctions relief, are expected to be addressed in a second round of negotiations.
A Qatari delegation visited Tehran on Sunday, according to Iranian news media and an official with knowledge of the situation. The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, said the Qataris, who have been acting as mediators, were seeking to help finalize the agreement between Iran and the United States.
In Israel, details about the agreement being considered have surfaced in news media reports, prompting a flood of criticism and discontent from Israelis spanning the country’s political spectrum. The main headline of Sunday’s Yediot Aharonot, a popular Hebrew daily, summed up the prevailing sentiment in Israel over the emerging cease-fire agreement with Iran: “Bad Deal.”
Regional officials with knowledge of the matter said the Qataris have been leading the negotiations in recent hours to hash out the remaining details. They spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.
The potential peace deal has been met with widespread criticism in Israel, with many feeling that the country's concerns have not been adequately addressed. Neither the United States nor Iran has shared publicly the text of the agreement being considered, but the details that have surfaced in news media reports were enough to prompt a strong reaction from Israelis.
Under the initial “memorandum of understanding,” Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States would lift its blockade on Iranian ports. The cease-fire that the two sides agreed to in April would be extended for 60 days, during which both sides would commit to holding detailed negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran.
However, this outline appears to fall far short of the goals that Israel set at the start of the two wars. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had declared that the objective was “to remove the existential threats” to Israel, including destroying any nuclear threat from Iran and its ballistic missile program. The Israelis have also demanded an end to Tehran’s support of its proxy forces hostile to Israel.
Israeli experts have expressed alarm that elements key to Israel appear not to have been mentioned at all in the nascent deal. Former acting national security adviser to Mr. Netanyahu, Jacob Nagel, said, “No matter what will happen, President Trump will declare victory, a total win.” Mr. Nagel noted that Iran’s ballistic missiles and its support for proxy groups in the region do not even appear as topics in the publicly circulating details.
Criticism of the potential deal has been fierce, with Avigdor Liberman, a former Israeli defense minister,
The public rebuke from President Trump has added to the already heightened tensions between the US and Israel, with many in Israel viewing the comments as a significant departure from the typically strong support the Trump administration has shown for the Israeli government.
The Israeli government has been walking a fine line, attempting to balance its relationship with the US while also addressing the concerns of its citizens regarding the potential deal with Iran. The latest developments have only served to further complicate this delicate situation, with Israeli officials facing increased pressure to respond to the criticism from both within and outside the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, regional officials have expressed concerns that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah could be on the verge of collapse, potentially leading to a wider conflict. The Lebanese government has urged restraint, but the continued exchanges of fire along the border have raised fears of a larger escalation.
In Iran, the call for unity from President Pezeshkian has been seen as an attempt to quell domestic opposition to the potential deal, with many Iranians expressing skepticism about the terms of the agreement. The Iranian government has sought to reassure its citizens that any deal will be in the best interests of the country, but the lack of transparency has only added to the uncertainty.
The US has continued to push for a resolution, with President Trump emphasizing the need for restraint from all parties involved. However, the latest comments from the President have raised questions about the US's role in the region and its ability to broker a lasting peace. As the situation remains precarious, all eyes are on the key players, waiting to see how they will navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region.
The latest developments have put the US-brokered talks between Iran and the US on shaky ground, with Iranian officials expressing outrage over the Israeli strikes. Ebrahim Azizi, the head of the National Security Committee in Iran's Parliament, warned of a "strong response" after the Israeli strike in Dahiya, Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah holds sway. Azizi's comments on social media suggested that the US lacked credibility in controlling Israel, further complicating the already delicate negotiations.
Despite the setbacks, the Trump administration remains cautiously hopeful that an agreement with Iran can still be signed. President Trump's call for restraint in Lebanon reflects his desire to finalize a deal and bring an end to the war. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with the Israeli military identifying "impacts of several suspicious aerial targets" in Israeli territory, which could be a precursor to further retaliation.
The potential deal between the US and Iran is expected to involve a 60-day negotiation period to hammer out a more permanent peace and an end to Iran's nuclear program. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has suggested that the US military would end its blockade of Iranian ports once a deal is signed, allowing shipping to flow freely. However, the details of how a stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be removed from Iran remain unclear.
As tensions continue to escalate, the Israeli military is preparing for potential fire aimed at Israel in the coming hours. The military has issued a statement warning of possible retaliation, similar to the one issued last Sunday when Israel came under Iranian missile fire. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator with Washington, has condemned Israel's strikes, suggesting that they undermine the credibility of the US and threaten to derail the negotiations. The situation remains precarious, with all parties involved walking a fine line between diplomacy and military action.
The Israeli airstrikes have not only heightened tensions but also raised questions about the ability of the US to control the situation in Lebanon. President Trump's call for restraint has been met with skepticism by Iranian officials, who argue that the US has failed to rein in Israel's military actions. The lack of coordination between Israel and the US before the strike has further complicated the situation, with Israeli defense officials acknowledging that the bombing could be seen as an attempt to disrupt the emerging deal with Iran.
The conflict in Lebanon has become a major obstacle in the negotiations between the US and Iran, with Iran insisting that any agreement must address the situation in Lebanon. The US has been trying to persuade Israel to scale back its military campaign in Lebanon, but so far, Israel has shown no signs of backing down. The continued violence in Lebanon has resulted in significant casualties, with over 3,700 Lebanese and at least 30 Israelis killed in the past three months.
The situation on the ground remains volatile, with Israeli aircraft launching additional attacks on Sunday in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah has continued to attack Israeli troops in Lebanon and has fired rockets into Israel, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes. The cycle of violence shows no signs of abating, and the US-brokered talks between the US and Iran are hanging in the balance. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's lead negotiator, has made it clear that the US must demonstrate its ability to control the situation in Lebanon if the negotiations are to move forward.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, the international community is watching with growing concern. The US has been trying to broker a peace agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, but the lack of progress has raised doubts about the feasibility of such an agreement. The conflict in Lebanon has become a major test of the US's ability to manage the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the region, and the outcome is far from certain. With the stakes high and the situation on the ground becoming increasingly unstable, the US and Iran are facing a critical moment in their negotiations.
The Qatari delegation's visit to Tehran is seen as a significant development in the negotiations, as Qatar has been acting as a mediator between the US and Iran. The delegation's arrival in Tehran comes as Iranian officials are facing growing opposition to the potential cease-fire agreement from conservative factions within the government and military.
The protests outside the foreign ministry office in Mashhad and the criticism from conservative members of Parliament highlight the challenges Iranian negotiators face in selling the agreement to hardline elements within the country. Despite these challenges, Iranian officials have expressed optimism that a deal can be reached, with some suggesting that the US and Iran are close to finalizing the agreement.
The US has been pushing for a comprehensive agreement that addresses not only the conflict in Lebanon but also Iran's nuclear program and its support for militant groups in the region. However, the negotiations have been complicated by the ongoing violence in Lebanon, which has raised concerns about the ability of the parties to commit to a cease-fire.
As the situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, there are growing fears that the conflict could spread to other parts of the region. The Israeli military's statement that it remains "on high alert and prepared for a range of defensive and offensive scenarios" has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation.
The international community is watching the situation closely, with many calling for restraint and a return to negotiations. The US, in particular, is facing pressure to demonstrate its ability to manage the crisis and broker a peaceful resolution. With the stakes high and the situation on the ground becoming increasingly unstable, the US and Iran are facing a critical moment in their negotiations.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain held a telephone conversation with President Trump on Saturday to discuss the ongoing conflict with Iran. Starmer's office stated that he welcomed the progress made towards a deal and emphasized the importance of achieving a durable and lasting peace. Trump has assured that the initial agreement with Iran will lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil tankers to pass through again, which would help alleviate the damage to the global economy caused by the strait's closure.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, announced on Saturday that there are no plans for an Iranian negotiating team to travel to Geneva or any other location in the next 48 hours, according to Iran's state broadcaster, IRIB. This statement appears to contradict reports that Iranian officials may soon travel abroad to finalize or sign a memorandum of understanding with the US.
The potential signing of the Iran agreement is likely to be done electronically, deviating from the traditional in-person ceremony. The reasoning behind this arrangement is not yet clear. Typically, diplomatic agreements of this nature are signed in person by the parties involved. Trump is expected to remain in Washington on Sunday, his 80th birthday, to attend a U.F.C. fight at the White House.
As a draft deal between the US and Iran is now on the table, speculation has been circulating about the agreement's contents. President Trump denied reports about the proposed deal's details on Friday, stating that the terms "Iran leaked" to the media are incorrect and have no relation to the agreed-upon terms. Iranian media outlets have provided conflicting accounts of the deal, with one hard-line news outlet reporting terms more favorable to Iran and the state news agency offering a more measured description.
Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated on Friday that a deal "has never been closer" but cautioned the media against speculating about its content. Much of the emerging deal remains unclear, with both sides attempting to frame it as a victory. It is known that a "memorandum of understanding" between the two sides is being discussed. Two Iranian officials and one regional official briefed on the agreement's terms stated that the US and Iran have agreed to a preliminary deal that would end the fighting, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the US naval blockade on Iran.
The agreement is similar to previous iterations of a deal that have emerged in recent weeks of negotiations, according to the three officials, but with some changes to the wording
Iran would open the Strait of Hormuz for the passage of ships and the United States would lift the naval blockade on Iran’s ports in the Persian Gulf. During the 60-day negotiation period, Iran and countries in the region would discuss the future management of the strait, the three officials said. Last month, it emerged that Oman had discussed partnering with Iran to charge service fees for ships to pass through the strait, ignoring Trump administration warnings against such a plan.
If the agreement is finalized, a signing ceremony was expected to take place in the coming days in Geneva, Switzerland. Negotiators from the United States and Iran met there for talks in February before the war began. Vice President JD Vance is supposed to lead the U.S. delegation, according to the regional official. Mr. Trump said on Thursday that he would send Mr. Vance to sign the agreement if it was finalized. Gen. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s top negotiator and the speaker of parliament, was expected to lead the Iranian delegation, all three officials said.
In the memorandum, Iran would reiterate its commitment to not develop or acquire a nuclear weapon, the officials said. The agreement does not resolve the question of Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, or the future of its nuclear program, and leaves those issues to later negotiations, according to the three officials. The two Iranian officials said the next phase of talks would include discussion of the lifting of American sanctions, including on Iran’s oil sales and international banking transactions, in exchange for concessions on the Iranian nuclear program.
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