Jerusalem, June 18 (UNI)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly seeking to influence the next phase of US-Iran negotiations by rallying support among conservative media personalities and pro-Israel lawmakers in Washington, according to a CNN report.

Netanyahu and many members of Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, have remained deeply sceptical of Iran’s intentions throughout the diplomatic process, arguing that Tehran is not negotiating in good faith and is unlikely to make meaningful concessions regarding its nuclear programme.

Israel has neither publicly endorsed the memorandum of understanding (MoU) reached between Washington and Tehran nor participated directly in the negotiations that produced the agreement. The exclusion has further fuelled concerns and scepticism within Israeli political and security circles.

Although the MoU has initiated a 60-day period of negotiations aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement, Netanyahu reportedly believes that a final agreement remains far from certain.

According to sources cited by CNN, the Israeli leader is working to strengthen opposition to the deal among influential conservative voices in Washington and within Republican political circles.

Among the agreement’s vocal critics is conservative commentator and pro-Israel broadcaster Mark Levin, who described the deal as one that “doesn't make any sense” and criticised the proposed reconstruction fund for Iran as a “slush fund.”

Netanyahu is also expected to rely on support from pro-Israel members of the US Congress to shape the debate surrounding the ongoing negotiations.

However, not all Republican lawmakers share the same concerns. Several GOP figures who previously advocated a tougher stance on Iran have expressed support for the diplomatic process. Senator Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican voice on national security issues, stated earlier this week that an agreement with Iran “will be beneficial to the United States.”

The CNN report further stated that Netanyahu has informed President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by provisions in the MoU related to Lebanon. Those provisions reportedly call for the immediate withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon and a permanent cessation of hostilities across all fronts.

While Israel has scaled back some military operations in Lebanon under pressure from Washington, Israeli officials have maintained that military forces will remain deployed until the threat posed by Hezbollah is adequately addressed.

Officials from Israel and Lebanon continue discussions on possible arrangements to resolve tensions linked to the Iran-backed militant group and to prevent further escalation along the border.

Washington/Tehran, June 18 (UNI)

Senior US officials have clarified that Iran will not automatically gain access to frozen assets, sanctions relief, or a multibillion-dollar economic reconstruction package merely by signing the upcoming memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Washington.

The clarification follows the release of the 14-point memorandum on Wednesday, which prompted varying and sometimes contradictory interpretations in both Washington and Tehran.

During a background briefing, US officials emphasized that the MoU is a broad framework designed to facilitate future negotiations rather than a final agreement. As such, it does not commit the United States to providing immediate economic benefits. Any incentives, they said, would be contingent upon Iran’s compliance and measurable progress toward a comprehensive settlement, according to Iran International.

Officials also rejected claims circulating in Iranian media that the agreement would unlock substantial financial gains before a final deal is reached.

Addressing the provision outlining a reconstruction and economic development plan valued at at least $300 billion, they stressed that the text does not obligate Washington to provide post-war funding or direct financial assistance. Instead, the clause establishes a pathway toward potential sanctions relief if Iran fulfills its commitments, potentially encouraging future investment from governments and private-sector entities.

The officials further noted that any sanctions relief would be tied to verifiable advances in addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear programme. Economic benefits, they said, would be granted only in exchange for meaningful nuclear concessions, including measures related to Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

Regarding Iran’s frozen assets, the Trump administration stated that the MoU links any asset release to the implementation of the agreement and progress in broader negotiations. Officials said Tehran had already accepted provisions stipulating that no funds would be released automatically and that access would depend entirely on Iranian compliance and demonstrations of good faith.

While some funds could potentially be made available during the negotiation process, officials stressed that this would occur only if Iran undertakes specific actions requested by Washington.

US officials also dismissed broader interpretations of the memorandum’s provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the agreement focuses on reopening the strategic waterway and restoring commercial shipping rather than creating a broader Gulf security framework.

On military matters, officials said Washington has no immediate plans to reduce its military presence in the region following the signing of the memorandum. Any future adjustments would depend on Iran’s adherence to the agreement and progress in negotiations.

The officials highlighted the importance of direct communication channels established during the conflict between US forces and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), noting that these channels helped reduce misunderstandings and facilitated diplomatic contacts during and after the conflict.

They also rejected suggestions that nuclear issues had been excluded from the memorandum, pointing out that the text explicitly commits both sides to discussions on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and broader nuclear activities.

The memorandum is expected to be formally signed on Friday, after which negotiations aimed at reaching a final settlement are scheduled to begin.

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Washington, 15 Jun 2026

US Vice President JD Vance said the Trump administration plans to publish the full text of its agreement with Iran this week, saying "We want the American people to see it," adding that only a handful of diplomatic and technical issues remained before the document could be made public.

"Sometimes with these agreements, there are some diplomatic protocols, some technical things to work out, but we plan to release the full text this week," he told CBS News.

Vance said the agreement is designed to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, as well as reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz corridor.

According to the VP, the framework offers Iran a path towards economic reintegration if it complies with its commitments.

"It fundamentally extends a hand to Iran and says, 'look, if you guys are willing to honour your obligations, if you're willing to allow real inspections of your nuclear programme, then we will welcome you back into the world economy,'" he said.

He added that Tehran could enjoy a more prosperous future if it fulfils the terms of the agreement, but stressed that any sanctions relief or access to frozen assets would be tied to compliance. He further rejected reports that Tehran would automatically receive $24bn in frozen funds after meeting specific benchmarks.
"That figure doesn't appear anywhere in any of the texts," Vance said.

"What we have said is that we're willing to talk about unfreezing assets, but a much, much bigger deal is unsanctioning their economy — so long as they make the long-term commitments on the nuclear programme."
The vice president said discussions on frozen assets would continue during technical negotiations scheduled to begin after the formal signing ceremony expected on Friday.

Vance also said the US had discussed with Iran how to deal with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, which international inspectors believe remains buried beneath the rubble of a nuclear facility struck during the war.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses around 900 pounds of highly enriched uranium which is enriched to over 60%.

"We certainly talked with the Iranians about how we're going to destroy that enriched stockpile. The technical details are one of the things that we're going to work on when we start those technical talks on Friday," Vance said.
He did not rule out a role for the US military in verifying Iranian compliance, though he suggested military involvement would likely be limited.

"We're talking about working with the IAEA and working with the Iranians to go in and destroy that enriched stockpile of material," he said.

"Whether we play an observer role or whether we play a more active role, these are the sorts of things that we'll figure out in technical talks."

Vance added that President Donald Trump had it made clear that Washington would ensure the destruction of the enriched uranium stockpile.

"The United States will be there to confirm that that enriched stockpile of material is destroyed," he said.

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Tehran, June 15 (Sputnik/UNI)

Iran has confirmed the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States; it will be signed in Switzerland on June 19, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said.

"The text of the Memorandum of Understanding has been finalised, and the official signing of the memorandum will take place in Switzerland on Friday," Gharibabadi said live on Iranian state television. The lifting of the US naval blockade against Iran will begin on the night of Monday, he said.

The Iran-US memorandum includes an immediate cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, starting on the night of Monday, Gharibabadi confirmed.

"This memorandum does not signify trust in the enemy. The memorandum was drafted with no confidence in it. We will monitor the actions of the United States, as well as its fulfillment of its obligations," he noted.

Iran will discuss sanctions relief, nuclear issues, and economic recovery with the United States after signing a memorandum on June 19, the deputy foreign minister added.

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Washington, June 15 (Sputnik/UNI)

US President Donald Trump on Sunday confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Iran, describing it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.

"The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!" Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Following the announcement, Trump said he had authorised the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and ordered the immediate removal of the US naval blockade.

"I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!" Trump said in a post on social media.

Earlier, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had announced that a peace agreement between the United States and Iran had been successfully negotiated. According to Sharif, both sides agreed to an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.

"Following intensive talks, we are pleased to announce that the Peace Deal between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran has been reached," Sharif said in a post on X.

He added that the two countries would formally sign the agreement in Switzerland on June 19.

"Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The official signing ceremony will be on Friday, June 19, in Switzerland," Sharif stated.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil transit routes, has long been a focal point of tensions in the Gulf region. The reported agreement and reopening of the waterway could have significant implications for global energy markets and regional stability.