Israel says it will not back down in Lebanon amid possible US-Iran deal

The Minister of Defense, Israel Katz, stated this Friday (12) that Israel will not withdraw from the territories it occupies in Lebanon. The statement comes amid the possible agreement between the United States and Iran.

"Israel will not withdraw from security zones in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza," declared Katz. "Our security doctrine is firm and clear: we act against threats near and far and seek decisive results, not compromises or concessions," he added.

Katz further stated that the United States and Israel have a "common interest" in preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

He said he hoped that principle would be maintained, "along with others related to missiles and proxy terrorist organizations" - a reference to the armed groups Iran supports in the Middle East.

Possible agreement between the US and Iran
Iran suggested this Friday that an agreement with the United States was close and could be signed in the coming days. The White House also signaled optimism, although a Trump administration official said some details still needed to be ironed out.

According to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, the memorandum of understanding should include Iran's nuclear program, sanctions relief and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a solution to the conflict in Lebanon "and on all other fronts."

Also this Friday, an American official stated that the possible agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz; the end of the US blockade of Iranian ports; the dismantling of the Iranian nuclear program; the transfer of enriched uranium stocks. The US source, however, did not mention Lebanon.

On sanctions relief, the American official said that "these benefits will only be granted if Iran actually complies with what was agreed."

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Source: CNN