Israeli Minister Says Trump’s Iran Deal “Doesn’t Bind Us”

The US-Iran memorandum leading to a tentative peace deal reportedly does not include restrictions on Iran’s ballistic missile program or the operations of allied paramilitary groups in other countries, according to Haaretz.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump amid reports of a tentative US-Iran peace agreement. (Photo: Trump White House Archived)

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thus far remained publicly quiet about the tentative agreement struck between the US and Iran overnight into Monday, US President Donald Trump claimed the Israeli premier is “OK with it,” saying the terms ensure that “Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon under any circumstance.”

In an interview with CNBC, Vice President JD Vance said Israel would have “a seat at the table” in shaping the new Middle East and that some factions within Israel support the deal.

Hours later, Trump told the New York Times that Netanyahu is “a very difficult guy,” adding that “he should be very thankful to us” for securing the agreement because “if Iran had a nuclear weapon, Israel wouldn’t be around for two hours.”

On Sunday evening, after Israel struck Hezbollah targets in Beirut and Iran threatened retaliation, Trump told Israel’s Channel 12 News that Netanyahu “has no fucking judgment” and that he was attempting to prevent escalation.

Iranian officials quoted by The New York Times said Tehran opted against retaliatory strikes due to Trump’s intervention, with some leaders believing military action would play into Israel’s hands and derail negotiations.

According to Iran’s Mehr news agency, the reported 14-point memorandum of understanding includes an immediate and permanent ceasefire on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets over a 60-day negotiation period, with half released before talks begin.

The reported framework does not include Iran’s missile program or support for regional allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen.