US-Israel-Iran War News Live Updates: White House rejects Israeli request to 'review' Iran-US MoU, say reports

A potential US-Iran agreement to end months of conflict in the Middle East is facing a major hurdle after Iran demanded Israel withdraw from southern Lebanon as a precondition for a lasting settlement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the war cannot be considered over while Israeli forces remain in captured territories, introducing uncertainty ahead of a planned signing ceremony in Switzerland. The dispute stems from Israel’s military campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, which has expanded the conflict beyond direct US-Iran tensions. While Iran and regional officials claim the agreement includes provisions for Lebanon, US and Israeli officials deny this, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisting troops will stay as long as necessary. The proposed accord carries significant geopolitical and economic implications, including the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical route for global energy supplies—and the resumption of Iranian oil exports. It would also restart negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. Despite diplomatic optimism, key issues remain unresolved, including the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile, verification mechanisms for nuclear compliance, and Israel’s role in broader regional stability. The agreement’s success hinges on whether all parties can bridge differences over security, sovereignty, and regional stability before the ceremonial signing. The White House has reportedly rejected Israel’s request to review the memorandum of understanding, further complicating efforts to transform a fragile ceasefire into a durable peace arrangement.