U.S. Reportedly Denies Israel Access to Iran Understanding Document

Israel asked the United States to review the memorandum of understanding signed with Iran, but the request was denied, according to a report published today (Tuesday) on Channel 12 News. Following the American refusal, officials in Jerusalem still do not know the full details of the agreement, which is expected to be formally signed this coming Friday. Switzerland’s Foreign Ministry announced that the signing ceremony is expected to take place at the Bürgenstock resort.

Despite the lack of any official publication from Washington or Tehran, Iranian media outlets reported over the past day on 14 clauses included in the memorandum of understanding. According to those reports, the agreement includes an IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, the full and immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the blockade over it, the cancellation of all sanctions imposed on Iran, the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian funds, and the formulation of an American rehabilitation plan for Iran totaling 300 billion shekels.

Meanwhile, sources in the Hezbollah terrorist organization claimed today that Iran made clear to them it would not sign the agreement unless it included an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory. 

Yechiel Leiter, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, responded: ״We are staying in southern Lebanon to protect the citizens of Israel, just as any self-respecting country would do." As previously reported, Defense Minister Israel Katz made clear yesterday that the IDF will not withdraw from Lebanon, in keeping with the policy set by him and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said today that the ceasefire in Lebanon, together with the other clauses included in the memorandum of understanding, is expected to take effect on Friday, after the formal signing of the agreement in Switzerland. He also said that any Israeli attack in Lebanon would be considered a violation of the agreement that was reached.

Meanwhile, Trump also addressed Lebanon and said during the G7 summit that "The fighting in Lebanon has been going on for far too long. I suggested that Syria handle Hezbollah; they would do a better job." The American president added: "I have a good relationship with Bibi, but right now he needs to show more respect for Lebanon."