Vance criticizes Israeli ‘panic’ over Iran-US MoU

Israel will not withdraw from a security zone in southern Lebanon as long as its security needs require it, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday, in his first public remarks since the text of the US-Iran agreement was published.

“We will restore security to the north,” Netanyahu said. “This requires maintaining the security zone in southern Lebanon, and it requires that we not leave it as long as Israel’s security needs demand it.”

Netanyahu said the zone separated Hezbollah from Israeli citizens and communities.

He also said Israel’s struggle was not over after the signing of the Iran-US memorandum of understanding.

“The struggle is still not over and further challenges still lie ahead,” Netanyahu said.

“We will continue to adhere to the supreme goal that has guided us — Iran will not have nuclear weapons,” he added.

Kuwait’s foreign minister expressed hope that the memorandum would “contribute to enhancing stability in the region, ensuring the security and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and addressing outstanding issues through the achievement of sustainable solutions,” Kuwait’s foreign ministry said.

He stressed the importance of “adhering to the principles of good neighborliness,” respecting the sovereignty of states and refraining from interference in internal affairs.

Araghchi emphasized the need for continued dialogue with Persian Gulf states to “enhance mutual cooperation and resolve existing ambiguities,” Iran’s foreign ministry said.

Kuwait was among the Persian Gulf nations hit by Iranian attacks after the April Iran-US ceasefire.

Donald Trump said he was very likely to support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the next election, Kan News reported on Thursday citing an interview with the US president.

“I will probably support Netanyahu in the election, but we need to see who is running,” Trump was quoted as saying in the interview.

“I have a good relationship with Bibi, but he needs to be more rational. I am ready to meet with him,” he added.

At least seven vessels traversed the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, CNN reported, citing Marine Traffic data.

Four cargo ships, a French-flagged LNG tanker and a Cook Islands-flagged bitumen tanker exited the strait toward the Gulf of Oman.

The Panama-flagged Starway entered the strait heading toward the Persian Gulf before turning off its AIS transponder, effectively hiding it from view, the report said.

Iran's authorities have detained Ismail Khanbaba, a protester from the southwestern Iranian city of Dezful, after he was temporarily released from prison to receive medical treatment for injuries sustained when he was shot by security forces during the nationwide January protests, sources told Iran International.

His family had secured a heavy bail of 200 billion rials, about $127,000, for his temporary release so that treatment for his injuries could continue in hospital.

Despite this, security forces rearrested Khanbaba after his release from Dezful prison.

Authorities have not given any information about his whereabouts, place of detention or health.