30 June 2026

The Iran Deal Comes at a Cost to Israel. The White House Hasn’t Acknowledged It.

Council on Foreign Relations  |  Elliott Abrams

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran has significantly sidelined Israel, a critical U.S. ally, on issues directly impacting its core security interests. Israel was excluded from negotiations, leading to an MOU that mentions Lebanon three times and declares "immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon" without referencing Israel.

A new "deconfliction mechanism" for Lebanon, involving the U.S., Iran, Pakistan, and Qatar, also excludes Israel. Israelis view the linking of Lebanon's affairs to Iran as a major Iranian victory and an incomprehensible U.S. concession, with 92.1 percent agreeing Iran gained most from the MOU and 86 percent holding a negative view. Core grievances include anticipated U.S. constraints on Israeli actions against Hezbollah, the lifting of all U.S. sanctions on Iran, the absence of any mention of Iran's missile program or proxy support, and the postponement of nuclear weapons program discussions. The U.S. approach, including Vice President JD Vance's "browbeating" rhetoric, contrasts with previous affirmations of Israel as a "steadfast partner," deepening Israeli suspicions and highlighting a lack of consultation and clear communication.

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