The Trump administration has signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Iran, aiming to halt active hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift the naval blockade. The deal is presented as a victory for diplomacy after military pressure.

However, the agreement notably excludes Israel, the US's key ally in the region, which has borne the brunt of Iranian proxy attacks for years. Israel was not involved in the negotiations, raising concerns about its security interests being sidelined.

The MoU includes a pledge by Iran not to develop nuclear weapons, but leaves the disposition of enriched uranium vague. A $300 billion reconstruction fund is also proposed, which Israel fears could be used to finance hostile activities.

Lebanon is included in the deal, with a commitment to end fighting on all fronts, but Israel has stated it will not withdraw from border areas it deems essential for its security.

Critics argue that the administration must use the 60-day window to incorporate Israel's red lines, or risk repeating the mistakes of the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump himself denounced as appeasement. The article concludes that sidelining Israel is not strength but a dangerous oversight.

Source: www.aljazeera.com