Israeli officials fear Iran is just 'buying time,' will not follow through on final agreement

What Happened

Israeli defense officials, speaking to N12 News, expressed fear that Iran will exploit a 60-day window following the expected signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States to delay final nuclear negotiations and shorten its breakout time to a nuclear weapon. Intelligence assessments conveyed to Israel's political leadership indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, likely does not want a final agreement, and that the Revolutionary Guards' participation in talks aims to secure control of the Strait of Hormuz and obtain economic relief from the US. The MoU, set to be signed in Switzerland on Friday, would grant Iran sanctions relief, easing of fuel and energy trade restrictions, and an estimated $300 billion cash inflow, according to Reuters. Meanwhile, Israeli officials are concerned about a lack of transparency from the Trump administration, which has reportedly withheld details of the agreement from Israel for fear of leaks that could derail the signing. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed Iran will begin nuclear negotiations immediately after the MoU is signed.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The intelligence assessment deepens the rift between Jerusalem and Washington on Iran policy, as Israel fears the interim deal will provide Tehran with an economic windfall and breathing room to approach nuclear breakout capability, potentially reshaping the Middle East security landscape.

Watch For

The MoU signing on Friday, followed by Iran's actions in the 60-day window—whether it engages substantively on nuclear issues or stalls. The extent of sanctions relief and cash disbursements, and any Israeli government response or intelligence leaks, will be key indicators of the deal's trajectory and bilateral trust.