Netanyahu welcomes US assurances
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has welcomed assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump that any final agreement with Iran would include strict limits on Tehran’s nuclear and missile programs. Netanyahu’s office said the two leaders discussed the proposed framework and that Israel appreciated Washington’s commitment to addressing Iran’s enriched nuclear material, enrichment infrastructure, missile production and support for regional proxy groups.
Trump pauses planned strikes
The statement followed Trump’s announcement that he had halted planned strikes on Iran after discussions with Tehran reached senior levels of Iranian leadership. Speaking later at the White House, Trump described the proposed arrangement as a possible “great settlement” and said Iran would agree not to possess or purchase a nuclear weapon. He also said a threatened strike on Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub, was no longer under consideration.
Trump did not provide a firm timeline for finalizing the agreement, saying he did not want to set a deadline before negotiations were complete. His remarks suggested that Washington is seeking to keep military pressure available while giving diplomacy more time to produce a formal memorandum of understanding.
Deal terms remain sensitive
Netanyahu’s office said Israel is not a party to the memorandum of understanding but expects any final agreement to include the removal of enriched material and the dismantling of enrichment infrastructure. Israel has long argued that any nuclear deal with Iran must go beyond temporary limits and permanently reduce Tehran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons.
The proposed agreement has also highlighted differences between Washington and Jerusalem. Reports have said Netanyahu was not informed in advance that Trump would halt further strikes and publicly signal that a deal could be near. The development comes amid broader debate over whether U.S. and Israeli interests are fully aligned as the Iran crisis continues.
US-Israel tensions surface
Vice President JD Vance added to that discussion by saying Netanyahu had “certainly gotten some things wrong,” while also describing him as a leader acting in what he believes are Israel’s interests. Vance said the United States would continue working with Israel but would follow its own national priorities where the two countries’ interests diverge.
The Iran negotiations remain uncertain, with nuclear limits, missile restrictions and regional security concerns still central to any final settlement. For now, the pause in strikes has reduced immediate escalation risks, but the outcome will depend on whether Washington, Tehran and regional partners can turn the proposed framework into a binding agreement.
