Iran Live Updates: Israel Refuses to Withdraw from Lebanon, Katz Says After Memorandum of Understanding Announcement
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that a deal with Iran will be signed on Friday, marking a significant development in the region. The announcement comes after a tumultuous period, which saw the US launch "major combat operations" against Iran on February 28, with joint US-Israeli strikes targeting military, government, and infrastructure sites.
Initial talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan in April failed to yield a peace deal, but a two-week ceasefire was announced, followed by an open-ended extension and the continuation of a US blockade. Trump has now confirmed that the US and Iran have reached a "great deal," which he claims will bring "peace and security" to the region.
The deal has sparked a response from Israel, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's predecessor, Israel Katz, stating that Israel will not withdraw from any territory it has seized. Ben-Gvir emphasized that Israel is an independent and sovereign state, while Katz said the Israel Defense Forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely.
According to Trump, the deal will lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil to flow from "both ends of the region." He has authorized the removal of the US Naval blockade and the toll-free opening of the Strait. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has confirmed that the deal has been finalized, stating that all of Iran's key positions are included in the draft understanding, which is set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday.
Initial talks between the US and Iran in Pakistan in April failed to yield a peace deal, but a two-week ceasefire was announced, followed by an open-ended extension and the continuation of a US blockade. Trump has now confirmed that the US and Iran have reached a "great deal," which he claims will bring "peace and security" to the region.
The deal has sparked a response from Israel, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant's predecessor, Israel Katz, stating that Israel will not withdraw from any territory it has seized. Ben-Gvir emphasized that Israel is an independent and sovereign state, while Katz said the Israel Defense Forces will remain in security zones in Lebanon, Syria, and Gaza indefinitely.
According to Trump, the deal will lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, allowing oil to flow from "both ends of the region." He has authorized the removal of the US Naval blockade and the toll-free opening of the Strait. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has confirmed that the deal has been finalized, stating that all of Iran's key positions are included in the draft understanding, which is set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday.
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