Netanyahu Flew to Washington. Trump Must Decide What Happens To The US-Iran Memorandum

Mediators from Pakistan, Egypt and Qatar believe they are close to reviving a US-Iran memorandum of understanding but are awaiting President Donald Trump’s decision after his Tuesday meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, The Times of Israel reported.

The report, citing an Arab official and a second source familiar with the matter, said the proposal would clarify disagreements over operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The two sources said Iran maintains that the MOU granted it a level of control over the strait, while the United States has argued otherwise.

The mediators’ proposal aims to bridge those gaps so the United States and Iran can begin talks through the MOU, whose 60-day timeline expires next month, according to the report. Iran and Oman, both situated along the strait, have approved the proposal, the sources said.

The proposal now awaits Trump’s approval, the two sources said, adding that the White House was holding off on a decision until after Trump met Netanyahu. The meeting was set for 11 a.m. local time and the White House schedule indicated it would be held away from reporters.

Netanyahu left Israel on Monday without announcing his departure in advance and departed from an Air Force base rather than Ben Gurion Airport, reportedly for security reasons. In a video statement released after his departure was confirmed, he said he was “embarking on this mission with one clear objective: To ensure the security, strength, and future of our beloved State of Israel.”

The visit comes during a lull after 13 days of intensifying US airstrikes on Iran and Iranian retaliatory attacks across the region, according to the report. The Pentagon suspended the bombing campaign late Friday, and Iran has said it will continue to hold fire as long as the United States does.