US, Iran sign ceasefire MOU unseen by Israel; Trump promises release within days

The Trump administration's reported electronic signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran for a ceasefire has been met with controversy, particularly regarding Israel's access to the document. Sources indicate that Israel requested to review the agreement but was denied, with concerns about potential leaks before an official release cited as a reason.

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Israel has not yet seen the agreement.

This alleged exclusion has raised questions, especially since Israel is a key party in the ongoing conflict. The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel's request for access was rejected ahead of a formal signing ceremony in Switzerland. However, a U.S. official denied these reports, stating that the claims were "inaccurate" and that the U.S. has maintained close coordination with regional partners, including Israel, throughout the negotiation process.

Amidst the growing debate over the non-disclosure of the agreement, President Trump announced at the G7 summit that the full text would be made public within days, even offering to read it aloud. Vice President J.D. Vance explained the delay in public release, citing requests from Iran and mediator countries like Pakistan and Qatar to adhere to diplomatic protocols and address sensitivities within the Arab and Islamic world. He projected the agreement would be released by Friday.

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The reports are inaccurate. The U.S. has been coordinating closely with regional partners, including Israel, throughout the negotiation process.

A central point of contention appears to be the issue of Lebanon. Reports suggest Hezbollah claims Iran secured a commitment for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon as part of the deal. However, a senior U.S. official clarified that an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon is not included in the MOU, highlighting ongoing disagreements in interpretation among the U.S., Iran, and Israel.

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We will be releasing the full agreement in the next few days.

President Trump also expressed strong disapproval of Israel's recent large-scale airstrikes against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, criticizing the prolonged nature of the conflict and the resulting casualties. He urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon. Netanyahu, in a press conference, offered few specifics on the ceasefire MOU, stating that he and Trump do not always agree and that the details of the agreement remain unclear. The perception of Israel being excluded from the agreement's details could increase political pressure on Netanyahu domestically.

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The reason it has not been released yet is because Iran and the mediator countries, Pakistan and Qatar, have requested that it be released according to diplomatic order.