The signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran on June 15, 2026, has sent shockwaves through the international community. This agreement, which includes substantial concessions such as total sanctions relief and the unfreezing of billions of dollars in Iranian funds, has been met with a mix of skepticism and outrage, particularly in Israel and among certain factions within the United States and Iran.
The deal, which the White House has framed as an unconditional surrender by Iran, has been dismissed by critics as a capitulation to Iranian demands. Prominent figures like Fox News host Mark Levin and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz have publicly admonished President Donald Trump for what they see as a betrayal of American interests.
The Israeli Perspective: A Betrayal and a Failure
In Israelthe deal has been universally condemned as a betrayal by the United States and a failure of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to protect Israeli interests. Only 11% of Israelis believe their country won the war against Iran, while a staggering 71% do not expect Trump to prioritize Israeli interests in future negotiations. The phrase Total Victoryonce used by Netanyahu to justify the destruction of the Gaza Striphas become a symbol of the disillusionment felt by many Israelis.
The deal has also reignited tensions within Israelwith some politicians publicly expressing their frustration. One Likud member of the Knesset even filmed himself removing his Make America Great Again hat in protest.
Internal Divisions in Iran: Triumph and Caution
While much of Iran‘s media and officials have celebrated the deal as a triumphthe atmosphere within the country is more nuanced. The front page of Javanan Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-aligned newspaper, depicted Iranians breaking through a wall of threats from the Trump administration. Mohammad Bagher GhalibafIran’s chief negotiator, claimed that the deal achieved more through negotiation than military action could have.
However, past betrayals and recent conflicts have tempered the jubilation. In April, Israel unilaterally continued its war in Lebanonand previous negotiations were seen as a cover for war preparations in June 2026 and February 2026. This has led to a cautious national mood, unlike the elation felt after the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2015.
Criticism and Suspension of State Television Programs
Criticism of the deal has been subtly brewing since April, particularly from supporters of the Front of Islamic Revolution Stabilitythe largest faction of conservatives in the Iranian Parliament. State television programs like Soraya were suspended after criticizing the diplomatic efforts, and its host, Mohsen Maqsoodiheld live conversations in Tehran‘s Valiasr Square. Political commentator Ali Abdi criticized the state for not striking Israel as it continued to bulldoze Lebanonleading to the cancellation of that series as well.
Angry demonstrators at nightly state-sponsored rallies demanded that the diplomatic corps remember the blood of the Leader Khameneichanting Death to the compromiser against those who think America has something to offer Iran.
The Supreme Leader’s Stance
Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has expressed public skepticism about the deal, stating that he had a different view than what was agreed to by his negotiators. This marks a departure from his father’s approach, who reserved public criticism until years later. Analysts speculate that Mojtaba aims to place any failure of the deal on the shoulders of President Masoud Pezeshkian.
The United States and Israel: Compliance and Conflict
The deal has already faced challenges, with Israel arguing that it must remain in southern Lebanon for as long as its national security demands it. A ceasefire brokered between Hezbollah and Israel was broken within minutes, and Israel has continued to bombard the Lebanese south. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have ordered the Israeli military to cease firing but not withdraw from its positions.
The United States has also taken steps to secure more concessions from Iranwith Vice President JD Vance stating that $300 billion in reconstruction funds would not be released unless Iran stopped funding terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. The memorandum of understanding includes no mention of Iran‘s support for allied organizations abroad or its ballistic missile program, both of which were primary targets of the Israeli-American war.
Iranin response to Israel‘s refusal to stop the war, closed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. While it is sending negotiators to Switzerland to speak with Vanceit is not going there to negotiate a final deal but to demand U.S. compliance with the terms of the agreement. There is little indication that the U.S. will agree to the demand for a total withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon.
For now, Israeli officials continue to dig in their heels, demanding further action and stirring tension on other fronts like the West Bank. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has remarked that there is no possibility of acceptance of the diplomatic track, stating, For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. All of Lebanon must burn!
