Iran, U.S. Said Near Framework Deal as Israel Warns of Delay and Lebanon Fighting Continues

Israeli intelligence assessments shared in recent days with the political leadership say Iran is likely trying to stall for time during the 60-day window that will begin after the expected signing of a framework agreement on Friday. Israeli officials fear that period would bring Iran significant relief, including major easing of economic sanctions and restrictions on fuel and oil trade. According to the assessments, Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei probably does not want a final deal, and the talks by the Revolutionary Guards and approval of the framework are meant to relieve pressure on the Strait of Hormuz and secure an economic boost from the United States.

At 21:34, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters accused Israel of violating the ceasefire in southern Lebanon at least 84 times since the war’s end was announced. It warned that if the strikes continue, Israel will face a “hard response” from the Islamic Republic’s armed forces.

At 20:00, Channel 12’s main broadcast revealed the main points of the memorandum of understanding signed by the United States and Iran. The document reportedly includes an Iranian pledge not to develop nuclear weapons, while the issue of enriched material is postponed to later talks on a final agreement during the two months after the framework is signed. The outline says the parties will stop hostilities, including in Lebanon; Iran will reaffirm it will not develop or acquire nuclear weapons; the U.S. and Iran will address removal of the enriched uranium stockpile and discuss enrichment and Iran’s nuclear needs; Iran will keep the status quo in its nuclear program during negotiations; the U.S. will lift the naval blockade, avoid new sanctions and avoid reinforcing forces in the area; Iran will ensure safe, fee-free passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days; frozen Iranian assets will become available once the memorandum is implemented; and if a final accord is reached, the U.S. will withdraw its forces within 30 days and lift all sanctions. The final agreement would also include a plan for a $300 billion fund to rebuild Iran.

Earlier, at 18:22, Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri that Israel must withdraw from occupied areas in Lebanon and that residents of southern Lebanon should return home. Ghalibaf said, “The war must end on all fronts, including Lebanon.”