Netanyahu discusses Iran memorandum with Trump, insists on nuclear dismantlement

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed with US President Donald Trump on Thursday a memorandum of understanding being developed with Iran to begin negotiations. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that Netanyahu expressed appreciation for Trump’s commitment that the final agreement would include the removal of enriched material, dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, restrictions on missile production, and the cessation of Iran’s support for its terrorist proxies in the region. “Even though Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding, the prime minister expressed his appreciation for President Trump’s commitment,” the statement said.

Israel caught off guard

Earlier, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Israeli officials were caught off guard by Trump’s Truth Social post announcing the cancellation of strikes on Iran. CNN, citing an Israeli source, said Netanyahu was briefed on Trump’s announcement while attending a Cabinet meeting and that “Israel was not aware of any impending agreement with Iran or of any approval to an agreement.” Trump announced Thursday that he had canceled planned strikes, stating that discussions had been approved “by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Türkiye, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others.”

Continued hostilities

Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, US forces carried out a second day of strikes on Iranian targets following the downing of an Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC said it struck 18 major US military targets in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. Iran has announced the closure of the strait to maritime traffic.