Can US-Iran Peace Talks Move Forward Without Israel? Growing Rift Raises Big Questions | N18S

[00:00:00]And how critical is Israel's accent to this?

[00:00:05]Because as till the time they agree and they are on board, uneasy lies the ceasefire, viewers.

[00:00:11]That's what many people believe. The fault lines are no longer hidden. What was once whispered behind closed doors is now playing out in the full public view. On the one side is Donald Trump who's pushing a diplomatic framework and speaking of de-escalation. [music] On the other is Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who appears unwilling to fully align with that approach, particularly on the question of military operations and regional security. And now Trump's latest remarks have only added fuel to the debate. So, what does this mean for the future of this entire region? Can diplomacy succeed if Israel remains unconvinced? President Donald Trump has slammed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump Trump's strongest message was a reminder of America's role in Israel security declaring that there would be no Israel without the US support, without his support cuz he says no other president has gone as far as I have. And he's gone on to express dissatisfaction with Israel's approach in Lebanon saying he did not like the way the situation was being handled. US President has also directly called on Netanyahu, whom he referred to as [music] Bibi, to be more responsible in dealing with Lebanon.

[00:01:11]Perhaps most strikingly, Trump suggested that Israel should allow Syria to take care of Hezbollah arguing that Damascus could handle the challenge more effectively. Now, why was Donald Trump pushing so hard for a breakthrough? CNN sources suggest timing was everything.

[00:01:25]Trump reportedly wanted the Iran deal wrapped up before the G7 summit allowing him to arrive on the world stage with a major diplomatic victory in hand. There was also a personal milestone at play.

[00:01:36]President Donald Trump is believed to have sought finalization of the agreement around his 80th birthday adding symbolic value to the announcement. Most importantly, Trump wanted to project strength. Securing a peace framework before the G7 would allow him to showcase leadership [music] on a major global crisis. The agreement also gives Trump a stronger hand in discussions with world leaders. And there is a domestic angle too. Any reduction in tensions and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz could help lower the oil prices, easing pressure on the American consumers [music] and boosting Trump's own approval ratings and standing at home.

[00:02:09]Just ahead of the midterms in November.

[00:02:11]And of course, ahead of the 4th of July when America completes 250 years.

[00:02:15]Now, so while a peace framework may be emerging, the road to lasting peace remains filled with obstacles.

[00:02:23]First, the core issue that triggered the crisis, the Iranian nuclear program, has not yet been resolved. In fact, substantive nuclear negotiations [music] are yet to begin. Second, there are significant differences between how United States and Iran interpret the agreement. Both sides are projecting different expectations, raising concerns over future disputes. Then there is a Lebanon factor. Iran insists that any permanent ceasefire must include Lebanon. When they say Lebanon, they mean that [music] they there should be an acceptance that Lebanon is controlled by Hezbollah and indirectly by Iran.