Netanyahu Surprised by Trump's Announcement on Iran Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was reportedly taken by surprise by US President Donald Trump's announcement on Thursday regarding a shift in military strategy towards Iran. The United States had previously been engaged in a joint operation with Israel against Iranian targets, but Trump stated he had cancelled planned military strikes and was moving toward a potential agreement with Tehran.

According to a report from Axios, Netanyahu was not notified in advance about the US decision to explore discussions with Iran. Trump made the public announcement that Iranian leadership had approved a draft memorandum of understanding, which could initiate a 60-day ceasefire, enable the reopening of the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, and lead to renewed negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.

Following this announcement, Trump had a conversation with Netanyahu, who subsequently expressed gratitude to the US president for his actions. Netanyahu’s office noted that even though Israel is not a signatory to the proposed memorandum, the Prime Minister valued Trump's assurance that any final agreement would necessitate the removal of enriched uranium, dismantling of enrichment infrastructure, limits on missile development, and the cessation of Iran's support for regional militant groups.

Trump's declaration followed intensive diplomatic manoeuvres involving Qatar, which has acted as a mediator between Washington and Tehran. Sources who were informed about the talks indicated that Qatari officials and Iranian representatives had worked persistently late into the night prior to the announcement to reconcile differences on several critical issues. These included the release of Iranian assets that are currently frozen, the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and the outline for future discussions regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions.

The American president stated on Truth Social: "Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes."

Trump further informed reporters that he believed Iran's senior leadership had endorsed the understandings achieved during recent negotiations, and claimed that the broad framework of the proposed agreement had support from various regional actors, including Israel and several Gulf nations.

However, Iranian officials refuted claims that a final deal had been established, while acknowledging that negotiations were in their final stages. Iran's Foreign Ministry remarked that while the core elements of the text were nearly complete, American demands had become excessive.

Trump indicated that the memorandum of understanding might be signed in Europe over the coming weekend, with Vice President JD Vance expected to head the US delegation. Nevertheless, officials advised caution, noting that past negotiations had appeared close to concluding successfully but ultimately failed, leaving the prospects of the proposed agreement uncertain.