US-Iran Peace Deal Nearly Derailed by Netanyahu's Actions
Iran and the United States have agreed to end hostilities, but the deal was nearly derailed by the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The peace agreement was announced by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who stated that the US and Iran would sign the accord on 19 June. “Both sides have declared an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon. The official signing ceremony will be held on Friday, 19 June in Switzerland,” Sharif said, as reported by CNN and AFP. He noted the agreement was reached following a series of mediator-facilitated meetings, with initial implementation to proceed alongside technical discussions for the signing ceremony.
US President Donald Trump confirmed the deal on his Truth Social network. “The deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now done. Congratulations to all parties!” Trump wrote. He stated the peace agreement would result in the lifting of the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, expressing hope it would ensure smooth global oil supplies. “I hereby fully authorise the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, toll-free, and simultaneously authorise the immediate lifting of the United States naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” he added.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed the country’s commitment to the agreement and that the memorandum of understanding would be signed on Friday in Switzerland. He outlined two immediate outcomes: a permanent end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the lifting of the US naval blockade against Iran. Gharibabadi characterised the deal not merely as a diplomatic success but as a military achievement for Iran, declaring that the enemy had been defeated in all its objectives and that the Islamic Republic had won a great victory.
In an exclusive interview with the New York Times, Trump revealed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nearly sabotaged the peace deal. Trump described Netanyahu as “a very difficult person” and criticised an Israeli attack on a southern suburb of Beirut on Sunday morning, which killed at least three people and injured 15 others despite a ceasefire, stating it “should not have happened” when the US and Iran were on the verge of an agreement. Trump asserted that Netanyahu should be grateful to the US for securing the deal, claiming that without it, “if Iran had nuclear weapons, Israel would not last two hours.”