Source: Kataeb.org
Sunday 24 May 2026 10:49:22
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed concerns to U.S. President Donald Trump over key provisions in an emerging U.S.-Iran agreement, particularly clauses related to Lebanon and the postponement of negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, according to Israeli and U.S. media reports.
Israel’s Kan public broadcaster reported that Netanyahu raised objections over two central elements of the proposed deal: a provision aimed at ending hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and the decision to delay discussions on Iran’s nuclear activities until after a proposed 60-day ceasefire period.
The reports come as the United States and Iran appear to be nearing a memorandum of understanding intended to de-escalate tensions across the region following weeks of indirect negotiations.
According to Axios, the anticipated agreement would extend a ceasefire for 60 days and include a clause ending fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, an issue Tehran reportedly insisted upon throughout more than a month of talks.
The report said Israel would retain the right to strike Hezbollah targets in Lebanon if the Iran-backed group attempted to rearm or launched attacks against Israel.
Axios quoted an Israeli official as saying Netanyahu conveyed to Trump his “concern regarding the condition related to ending the war against Hezbollah.”
The agreement would reportedly postpone negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program until the beginning of the 60-day truce period, a sequencing that has raised concerns within the Israeli government.
The New York Times, citing three Iranian officials, reported that the proposed agreement would include “ending confrontations on all fronts,” including Lebanon.
Axios also quoted a U.S. official as saying the White House hoped to resolve remaining disagreements within hours and announce the agreement on Sunday.
Ahead of the expected deal, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly sent a message to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem reaffirming Tehran’s support for the Lebanese armed group and stressing that Lebanon would be included in any forthcoming agreement.
According to Hezbollah, Araghchi’s message emphasized that “the Islamic Republic stands alongside Hezbollah and supports it,” adding that Iran “will not give up its support for movements demanding justice and freedom, foremost among them Hezbollah.”
Hezbollah said Iran’s latest proposal, delivered through Pakistani mediators as part of efforts to secure “a permanent and stable end to the war,” specifically emphasized the inclusion of Lebanon in any ceasefire arrangement.
“From the very first moment that some regional countries intervened as mediators with the aim of reducing tensions between the Islamic Republic and the United States, Iran insisted on linking a ceasefire in Lebanon to any agreement,” Araghchi said, according to Hezbollah’s statement.
“This important issue has remained, to this day, an unquestionable principle, and it is among the legitimate demands of the Iranian government and our heroic people, and it will remain so,” he added.