Iran ties U.S. deal to Israeli forces leaving Lebanon

Iran says any U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding depends on Israeli forces leaving Lebanon, even as the U.S. outlines a 60-day window for technical talks on nuclear issues and other immediate steps.

For Iran, the memorandum with the United States is not just about nuclear deadlines and asset freezes. It comes with an outside condition—one tied to what happens across the border in Lebanon.

Iran says the deal with the U.S. requires Israeli forces to leave Lebanon. That position lands as the U.S. prepares to move from broad agreement to detailed negotiations, with a 60-day window already written into the memorandum.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance described the memorandum of understanding as “a very general document. ” about a page and a half. with “knotty details” on the future of Iran’s nuclear program handled later. Speaking on CNN to Jake Tapper. Vance said there will be “technical negotiation phase” work to determine the answers on multiple issues. with further talks set to begin Friday.

Earlier Monday, senior U.S. officials told reporters they plan to release the full text of the memorandum of understanding within the next 24 to 48 hours. In the short term, the U.S. expects the arrangement to extend the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, and launch negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.

But the road ahead is being fought over wording—especially around sanctions.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards say the U.S. is expected to unfreeze billions in Iranian assets before talks begin. The U.S. rejects that claim, saying Iran will receive nothing until it complies with the deal.

Vance pushed back directly on the idea that asset unfreezing comes first, calling the assertions “definitely not true.” He also argued the claims may have been made by “hardliners” within Iran who tend to “overemphasize what Iran gets from the bargain” in a way meant for a domestic audience.

Vance said Iran could get a “very significant sanctions relief package,” but only if it meets its obligations. “There is a really big opportunity for the Iranians, but they only get the benefit of that opportunity if they do the things they promise they’re going to do,” he said.

Even the shape of a future nuclear agreement remains unclear, including whether a deal can be struck within the 60 days.

The dispute is not just about timing; it’s also about what the talks should include. Iran said last week that negotiations will only cover nuclear issues. Under Iran’s framing. its ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah—issues that are major concerns for the U.S.—would be excluded from talks.

Vance said the top U.S. priority is preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon or reconstituting its nuclear program. He added that U.S. officials “certainly expect that as part of our broader agreement … Iran is going to stop funding terrorist organizations.” He pointed to language in the memorandum that requires Iran to commit to “regional peace and stability.”.

In the background. Iran’s demand about Lebanon forces the central question to sharpen: even as Washington and Tehran work through a document measured in pages and weeks. the dispute isn’t only about what happens next in nuclear negotiations. It’s also about whether both sides are negotiating toward the same end state—at a time when conditions are already diverging.

Iran United States memorandum of understanding nuclear program JD Vance Jake Tapper Lebanon Israeli forces sanctions relief Iranian assets Strait of Hormuz naval blockade ceasefire