"Middle East Tensions Ease as Iran and Israel Extend Truce, but Fallout from Trump's Iran Deal Lingers. A fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel has been extended, with both sides signing a memorandum of understanding to maintain the truce for at least 60 days. However, the development comes as a stark reminder of the tumultuous diplomatic landscape that has been shaped by former US President Donald Trump's ill-fated Iran deal. Trump's presidency was marked by a series of bold but ultimately unsuccessful attempts to broker a lasting peace in the region, and his phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he allegedly urged Netanyahu to 'stop blowing up buildings', is a stark illustration of the tensions that have defined their relationship. As the international community breathes a sigh of relief at the extension of the truce, questions remain about the long-term implications of Trump's Iran deal and whether it has set back efforts to achieve a lasting peace in the Middle East."
Chief Iranian negotiator says key waterway will ‘not return to prewar conditions’ after 60-day window; both sides sign memorandum of understanding extending truceReaction: Donald Trump’s Iran deal met with anger, relief and incredulityAnalysis: Trump’s Iran deal is result of unrealistic ambitions for an untenable warDonald Trump had urged Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “stop blowing up buildings” during a phone call about Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal.The newspaper cited sources who overheard the phone conversation between the two leaders, whose relationship has grown increasingly hostile as the war raged on. Continue reading...
