Tankers resume transit as U.S.-Iran deal hits Israeli resistance

The memorandum of understanding, signed by Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, mandates the opening of the strait and the lifting of port blockades. Markets reacted swiftly, with Brent crude futures sliding 2% to under $78 a barrel. While the agreement initiates a 60-day window for a final settlement, the omission of Israel from the negotiations has created a sharp diplomatic rift.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains defiant, signaling no intention to withdraw from the expanded buffer zone in southern Lebanon. On Thursday, Israeli forces struck the towns of Kfartebnit and Zebdine, killing three people according to the National News Agency. This escalation leaves over a million displaced Lebanese, such as Mohammed Doghman, questioning if the U.S.-brokered peace will ever reach their borders. With Israel holding stubborn talks with Washington to maintain its military presence, the conflict’s resolution now hinges on whether Trump is willing to impose concrete repercussions on his long-time ally to enforce his new policy.