US-Iran Deal 'Has Never Been Closer' as Israel Opts Out
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- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said a memorandum of understanding with the US "has never been closer," signaling both sides see an interim deal to end the war as imminent.
- Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel would not be a party to the US-Iran agreement, publicly distancing Jerusalem from Washington's diplomatic track.
- Iranian citizens gave mixed reactions to the reported deal, reflecting public division over the prospect of ending the war.
- The prospective agreement is described as "interim," meaning a temporary or partial arrangement rather than a final peace settlement.
- The deal covers the US and Iran only — Netanyahu's opt-out means Israel is formally excluded from the terms being negotiated.
Why it matters: Netanyahu's public refusal to join the deal at the moment Araghchi calls it 'closest ever' creates a sharp US-Israel diplomatic split on the very day a framework is reportedly within reach, while Iranian public division suggests any agreement will face political pushback at home.
