A developing memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran is drawing sharply different reactions abroad, with Iran portrayed as pleased while Western and Middle Eastern capitals express unease over what may be a partial deal. Speaking on Wednesday on "Israel HaBoker" with Tal Meir, reserve Lt. Col. Amit Yagur said criticism is also being heard in France, where the absence of key security issues, especially Iran's missile program, is seen as troubling for U.S. allies.
In Lebanon, there is heightened anticipation ahead of publication of the official text. Middle East analyst Yoni Ben Menachem said the Lebanese media has been cautious and is relying mainly on reports from Al-Arabiya and Israeli outlets. The concern in Lebanon and Israel is that Tehran will try to link the deal to parallel talks over southern Lebanon and pressure Washington to drop its demand that Hezbollah operatives be pushed north of the Litani River.
The Trump administration's diplomacy is also provoking sharp responses in the United States. Ben Menachem said comparisons are already circulating between Donald Trump and Barack Obama, including the nickname "Donald Hussein Trump," while Yagur said the "Obama 2" comparison is especially sensitive for Trump as he advances a framework-style deal that reminds some of the Gaza model and worries parts of his American base.
At the same time, Trump's meetings with Gulf leaders are fueling controversy. Yagur highlighted his meeting with Qatar's emir, against the backdrop of a U.S. report on the extent of Qatari influence in American education, and his appearance alongside Pakistani representatives, a country associated with nuclear pathways similar to Iran's in the past. Ben Menachem also accused Trump of double standards for criticizing Israel over civilian harm in Lebanon, noting U.S. military casualties among civilians in Afghanistan and Iraq while saying the IDF issues evacuation warnings. Officials and analysts say Friday is the target date for finalizing the memorandum, followed by a 60-day period for wording refinements, as concern grows over possible concessions to Iran and the battle for public opinion in the U.S. and among its allies.
