Daily Briefing June 18 – Signed and sealed, Iran-US deal launches with Trumpian fanfare

Welcome to The Times of Israel’s Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what’s happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today’s episode.

WATCH the full episode here:

US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a deal Wednesday meant to end the Middle East war, causing it to go into effect two days earlier than originally envisioned, with Tehran agreeing to dilute its enriched uranium in return for large-scale economic relief. Magid takes us through the points of primary concern for Israel, including its right of self-defense against Hezbollah attacks.

In a lengthy press conference at the G7 summit in France yesterday, Trump said Iran should be allowed to keep some of its ballistic missiles. He also repeatedly castigated Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including stating he is less justified in criticizing the memorandum of understanding that Trump signed with Iran because the Israeli premier purportedly pulled out of a joint operation to kill top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020. We hear other sharp Trump criticisms of Netanyahu, including accusations of using disproportionate force.

In the second half of the program, Magid brings his exclusive scoop that the US is in talks with the Palestinian Authority about boosting what has been a strained bilateral relationship, as Washington seeks Ramallah’s cooperation to advance its landmark policy initiatives in the region. And who is chaperoning the PA reforms DC is seeking? Enter Saudi Arabia.

And finally, Magid explains how former UK prime minister Tony Blair is taking on a larger role in the Board of Peace, where he will be tasked with managing the various mechanisms that are meant to oversee the postwar management of Gaza.

Check out The Times of Israel’s ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

US, Iran sign war-ending deal, which enters into effect 2 days earlier than planned

‘Shall not develop nuclear weapons’: The 14-point memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran

As deal takes force, Trump says ‘it’s okay’ for Iran to have some ballistic missiles

Trump suggests Israel in no place to criticize Iran deal since it backed out of 2020 strike on Soleimani

US weighs boosting ties with PA as it seeks to advance Gaza plan and Abraham Accords

Tony Blair takes on larger role as US-led Board of Peace struggles to advance Gaza plan

Gaza mediators glum on chances for breakthrough before Israeli elections in the fall

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

Check out yesterday’s episode here: