UK condemns Israeli minister over inflammatory Lebanon remarks

US President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, which has drawn criticism from some Republican lawmakers. The 14-point agreement, signed on Wednesday, commits both nations to an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts and includes Iran's pledge to not procure or develop nuclear weapons. In return, the US has pledged to develop a plan to provide $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction and development, and Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Republican Senators Bill Cassidy and Thomas Massie have voiced strong opposition, with Cassidy calling the MoU "the worst foreign policy blunder in decades" and Massie criticizing the financial assistance plan.

Iran's top diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, stated that a peace deal with the US hinges on Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territories occupied during the current conflict. This assertion comes as concerns grow that Israeli actions could jeopardize diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East war. US President Donald Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's conduct in Lebanon, calling a recent bombing of Beirut "vicious" and suggesting Syria might handle Hezbollah more effectively. Trump's remarks indicate potential impatience with Israel's stance, which could impact a 60-day ceasefire negotiated with Iran. European leaders are also expressing concerns about the durability of the peace plan, particularly regarding the lack of detail in a memorandum of understanding concerning the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program.

Republican leaders and conservative allies are expressing strong reservations and condemnation regarding President Trump's agreement to end the fighting in Iran. The memorandum of understanding initiates a 60-day negotiation period for a final deal on Iran's nuclear program. Key points of criticism include the lifting of economic sanctions on Iran's oil sales and a proposed $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction, which some senators view as overly generous. While Trump allies acknowledge the deal is not final and that U.S. taxpayers would not fund the reconstruction, critics like Senator Roger Wicker and Senator Ted Cruz argue against providing significant financial aid to Iran. President Trump has dismissed these criticisms as "fake news" and called his critics "fools."

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper has condemned inflammatory remarks made by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who posted "all of Lebanon must burn" following a Hezbollah attack that killed four Israeli soldiers. Ben-Gvir's comments, made on X, also stated that "for every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep" and called for Lebanon to be "obliterated." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded by calling Israel a "genocidal death cult" and a threat to humanity. Additionally, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that 200,000 displaced residents of southern Lebanon would not be allowed to return to their homes. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also called for "opening the gates of hell" in Lebanon.

The United States announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah following continued clashes in southern Lebanon. These exchanges reportedly began when Hezbollah ambushed an Israeli group, killing four soldiers, including a battalion commander. In response to the deaths, Israel's National Security Minister made inflammatory remarks about Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Minister accused Israel of seeking permanent war and warned that any breaches would be attributed to the US. Both Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Hezbollah face domestic pressure to continue military operations, with Hezbollah vowing to persist as long as Israel's invasion of southern Lebanon continues. An Israeli military spokesperson stated that Israel would continue to address threats and respond to Hezbollah's violations.

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Israeli forces will not withdraw from territory seized in southern Lebanon. This comes after the US and Iran announced a preliminary agreement to end hostilities in the Middle East, pending a final settlement in approximately two months. The interim deal, which includes a ceasefire in Lebanon, has reportedly caused anger and concern among Israeli officials who were not involved in the negotiations. Despite the agreement, Israel intends to maintain its presence in occupied territories indefinitely and has warned of strong retaliation if Iran attacks in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon. The exact details of the US-Iran agreement remain unclear, but it appears to include a halt to Hezbollah's attacks on Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israeli forces will maintain a "security zone" in occupied Lebanon. The article does not specify when this statement was made or provide further details on the extent or duration of this security zone. The prime minister's declaration indicates Israel's intention to continue its military presence in the region. The article also mentions Syria and Gaza in relation to Israel's security posture, though specific actions or intentions regarding these areas are not elaborated upon in the provided content.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will continue its occupation of Lebanese and Syrian territory, despite a US-Iran ceasefire agreement. Netanyahu announced at a press conference that Israeli forces will remain in Lebanon, occupying approximately 570 square kilometers, as long as deemed necessary for security. This stance comes as a memorandum of understanding, reportedly including the termination of military operations in Lebanon, is expected to be signed by Iran and the US. Israel has been engaged in conflict with Hezbollah since October 2023, which escalated into a full-scale invasion of Lebanon. Netanyahu indicated Israel will continue to target "Iran's terror arms" and maintain its presence to counter Iran.

Israel is reacting with a mix of caution and criticism to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between President Trump and Iran, which reportedly ends the war and halts military operations. While Prime Minister Netanyahu has not yet commented, Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the IDF will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, emphasizing Israel's security interests. Experts express concern over the unclear details of the deal, particularly regarding Iran's nuclear program and missile capabilities. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the agreement, claiming it fails to achieve Israel's war goals. Israeli officials have conveyed their security concerns to U.S. counterparts, with some asserting that Israel is not bound by the MOU.

Prospects for a US-Iran peace deal remain uncertain due to conflicting claims from both sides. President Trump initially suggested a preliminary agreement was imminent but later expressed frustration, calling Iran "dishonorable." Iranian state media denied a deal was fully agreed upon, while Pakistan's Prime Minister claimed a final text had been reached. A senior US official indicated an 80-85% chance of an agreement within days, mentioning economic rewards for Iran and relief of sanctions. However, significant disagreements persist, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the terms of Iran's nuclear program and frozen assets.

Iran and Pakistan state a deal to end fighting is "never been closer," echoing a similar sentiment from US President Donald Trump. Iran's conditions for final negotiations include the release of half its frozen assets, suspension of oil sanctions, and lifting of a naval blockade, alongside ending the Israeli conflict with Hezbollah. From the US perspective, the deal requires Iran to dismantle its nuclear program and destroy nuclear material. A senior US official stated no funds would be released until Iran meets US demands, including opening the Strait of Hormuz and ceasing funding for terrorist groups. US Vice-President JD Vance clarified that economic benefits would only flow to Iran and the region if Iran meets its obligations. The Pakistani prime minister acknowledged misinformation campaigns aiming to sabotage the peace deal.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the war is closer than ever, urging an end to media speculation until its finalization. US President Donald Trump reposted Araghchi's statement on Truth Social, after previously dismissing reports about the deal's details as "fake news." The article also mentions that four activists from Palestine Action were jailed by a British court on "terror" charges for a protest raid on an Israeli arms firm in the UK. The publication date for this information is June 13, 2026.

President Donald Trump has denied reports of leaked Iran ceasefire terms, calling them "fake news" and "dishonorable." He stated on Truth Social that the published terms had no relation to what was agreed upon in writing. This statement comes amidst ongoing efforts to reach a more lasting end to the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28. Trump had previously indicated a deal was approved and could be signed soon. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested an "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding" for a ceasefire was close to finalization, urging against speculation on terms until they are officially announced. The Iranian state news agency IRNA had published what it described as seven main points of the deal, reportedly showing little Iranian compromise on key issues.

U.S. and Iranian officials indicate they are close to an agreement to end their war, with a senior U.S. official stating the tentative deal includes terms for removing and destroying Iran's nuclear material and dismantling its nuclear program. Regional officials suggest the emerging deal will facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, phased lifting of sanctions, and release of frozen Iranian assets. This breakthrough follows recent exchanges of fire between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. The war, which began on February 28, has significantly disrupted oil and natural gas shipments from the Persian Gulf. While a fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 7, President Trump has expressed optimism about a deal, though he also issued a warning to Iranian officials. Israel is not a party to the negotiations but maintains that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons.

Funeral processions for Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, are scheduled to take place between July 4 and 9. Khamenei was killed in late February during a war initiated by Israel and the United States against Iran. His son, Mojtaba, has succeeded him as Supreme Leader. This announcement comes as mediators report an agreement to end the war is nearing finalization. Pakistan's Prime Minister stated that a deal is closer than ever and expected to be concluded within 24 hours, with technical talks to follow.

As a potential Iran-US ceasefire agreement nears, Gulf states are prompted to reassess their long-term security arrangements. The recent war on Iran, initiated by the US and Israel, has exposed vulnerabilities in the existing US-Gulf security model, with Gulf nations hosting US facilities becoming targets of Iranian attacks. Despite relying on US forces for security, their presence has made them targets, highlighting the need for new solutions as Iran remains a regional neighbor. The conflict has also impacted Gulf economies, particularly those reliant on the Strait of Hormuz, encouraging new thinking on economic and security strategies. This situation may lead Gulf states to consider engagement with Iran rather than continued confrontation.