Trump to Decide on Iran Ceasefire Deal After Meeting Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, a meeting that could determine the fate of a recent ceasefire memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran. The decision on whether to revive the MOU, signed last month, will reportedly be made by Trump after his talks with Netanyahu.

According to Israeli media, citing Arab sources and others familiar with the matter, mediating countries like Pakistan, Egypt, and Qatar believe the U.S.-Iran MOU can be reinstated. However, the final decision rests with President Trump. Tensions have escalated since the MOU was signed on May 17, with both the U.S. and Iran exchanging airstrikes starting May 11.

Mediators have been working to bridge the gap between the two nations regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims the MOU grants it a degree of control over the strait, while the U.S. denies this interpretation. Sources indicate that Iran and Oman have agreed to a proposal drafted by the mediators, awaiting Trump's final approval.

Netanyahu's visit to the White House, his first since the conflict with Iran began in February, is seen as a crucial test for U.S.-Israel relations. While the U.S. and Israel share the goal of dismantling Iran's nuclear weapons program, the prolonged conflict has revealed differences in their approaches to further military action and ceasefire negotiations.

Reports suggest Israel was largely excluded from the U.S.-Iran MOU negotiations. Politico speculated that the meeting might not significantly improve the already strained relationship between the two countries. Meanwhile, Israeli Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu pressured his security cabinet to approve the entry of the International Stabilization Force (ISF) into Gaza to secure a tangible diplomatic achievement for his U.S. visit.