Israel’s Prime Minister conveyed to the U.S. President during a Saturday phone conversation that his nation would continue operating freely against security threats in Lebanon, according to an Israeli government source.
The discussion occurred as the President revealed that Washington and Iran had “largely negotiated” a memorandum of understanding regarding a peace agreement that would restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route that has been essentially blocked since the U.S. and Israel began their military campaign against Iran in February.
“In last night’s conversation with President Trump, the Prime Minister emphasized that Israel will maintain freedom of action against threats in all arenas, including Lebanon, and President Trump reiterated and supported this principle,” the Israeli political source told Reuters on Sunday, asking not to be named.
Hope increased for a possible resolution to the three-month conflict after the President announced that Pakistan was helping broker an emerging deal to restore navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Fars news agency reported the proposed agreement includes provisions preventing the U.S. and its partners from attacking Iran or its allies, while Iran would commit to avoiding preemptive strikes against them.
A prominent Israeli politician expressed opposition to accepting any ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli forces have deployed to combat the Iranian-supported Hezbollah militia, as part of negotiations with Iran.
The Israeli source indicated that the U.S. continues briefing Israel on the ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran.
“President Trump made it clear that he will stand firm in negotiations on his consistent demand for the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program and the removal of all enriched uranium from its territory,” the source said, “and that he will not sign a final agreement without these conditions being met”.
The President posted on Truth Social that his conversation with Israel’s leader had proceeded “very well”.
