US-Iran Peace at the Doorstep, Yet the Key Remains in Israel's Hands

Iran has stressed that a peace agreement with the United States will not truly be achieved if Israel continues to maintain its forces in Lebanese territory occupied during the conflict. The statement emerged amidst diplomatic efforts to end tensions in the Middle East. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi asserted that resolving the conflict depends not only on an agreement between Tehran and Washington, but also on Israel’s actions in Lebanon. “Without the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territories they occupied during this war, the war is not completely over,” Araghchi said. The statement was reinforced by a Hezbollah media relations official who said Iran had given assurances it would continue to demand the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon in the next phase of negotiations with the US. This stance indicates that the Lebanon issue is one of Tehran’s key conditions in the peace process. At the same time, US President Donald Trump openly criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During a G7 leaders’ meeting, Trump assessed that Israel needs to act more responsibly regarding its military operations in Lebanon. “Israel has been fighting Hezbollah for too long and too many people have been killed. You don’t need to tear down an apartment building when you are looking for someone,” Trump said, describing Israel’s latest attack in Beirut as a “cruel” act. Nevertheless, Trump affirmed that his personal relationship with Netanyahu remains good. He even referred to the conflict in Lebanon as merely a “pinprick” compared to efforts to reach a larger deal with Iran concerning its nuclear programme and regional stability. Trump’s remarks signalled that Washington is beginning to lose patience with Israeli actions deemed capable of disrupting the 60-day ceasefire negotiated with Iran. Trump also admitted he did not like Israel’s attack on Beirut, which occurred just hours before Iran was scheduled to sign a peace memorandum of understanding. On the ground, tensions persist. Israeli drone strikes in Lebanon reportedly killed at least four people. One incident occurred in the village of Mayfadoun, where a vehicle was attacked before a second strike was launched as residents gathered at the scene. Meanwhile, European countries are increasingly concerned about the viability of the peace plan. They are questioning the details of the memorandum of understanding that forms the basis for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming talks on Iran’s nuclear programme. One point under scrutiny is a proposal for up to US$300 billion in investment from Gulf countries into Iran. The funds would be provided as an incentive if Tehran fulfils its commitment to verifiably limit its nuclear programme. US Vice President JD Vance stressed that the investment would only proceed if Iran dismantles its nuclear programme, ends its stockpile of enriched uranium, and grants full access to the international inspection regime. According to him, the funds are not a grant but a commercial investment that could boost Iran’s economic recovery. In addition to new investment, Iran also hopes that some of its assets frozen due to US sanctions can be released. Tehran is known to have around US$24 billion in assets still held abroad, including approximately US$8 billion in Qatar. Iranian sources said the draft agreement still allows the country to enrich uranium for civilian needs with a maximum purity level of 3.67%, while also opening an option for the disposal of highly enriched uranium. This provision is considered important because it maintains Iran’s right to carry out uranium enrichment domestically, which has long been Tehran’s main red line in every nuclear negotiation.