US-Iran Memo: Change the Military-Dependent Attitude
U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 14-point memorandum, which has gone into effect. The memo touts a prompt and permanent end to combat on all war fronts, including Lebanon.
The U.S., which prioritizes lifting the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, has taken a drastically conciliatory manner. With an aim toward a final agreement within 60 days, negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear development have been postponed.
At the end of February, when he initially launched preemptive strikes against Iran, Trump was arrogant, pressing Iran for an “unconditional surrender.” In the case of the execution of this memo, no matter what excuses Trump makes, it is clearly a “defeat” for the U.S.
The U.S. also agreed to lift sanctions against Iran and unfreeze its assets, and terms will be formally decided during the negotiation period. The understanding also includes a plan for the U.S. to provide a $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction and economic revival.
However, the U.S. itself will not contribute to the fund. The preemptive attacks against Iran were clearly an unjust military force in violation of the U.N. Charter. Compensation for the damage and responsibility for the reparations should fall on the U.S. and Israel, who started the attacks. Burdening other countries with the responsibility is like putting the saddle on the wrong horse.
Whether or not a final agreement will be reached is highly unpredictable. Negotiations which had been scheduled to begin on June 19 have been postponed, and dark clouds are already in view. Trump stated that if no agreement is reached, bombing will resume, but he must change to a stance that doesn’t brandish further military force.
The biggest destabilizing factor is Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that only the U.S. is bound by the memo, showing a stance of not obeying the agreement. He declared that Israeli troops will not withdraw from Lebanon. Even after the memo was announced, Israeli attacks continued, and worries that the situation will deteriorate further are getting stronger.
In the Palestinian territory of Gaza as well, Israel has not ended strikes, and since the ceasefire of last autumn, the number of casualties has surpassed 1,000. Aid supplies are not being delivered, so harsh conditions remain for the people who are left behind in the area. In the West Bank as well, violent attacks against the Palestinian people have intensified, not to mention that forces are gaining momentum to annex the area.
How can Israel's lawless behavior, which is a basis for war in the Middle East, be stopped? The responsibility lies with other countries that have tolerated it, not just the U.S., which backs Israel. It is critical to take stricter action toward Israel.
The U.S. called Iran’s nuclear development program an “imminent threat” and launched preemptive strikes. On the other hand, it continually turns a blind eye to Israel's possession of nuclear weapons. Above all, if this inconsistency is not rectified, there will not be stability in the Middle East.

