'Trump must release the details': Schumer demands Congress briefing over Iran

WASHINGTON, DC: After the tentative settlement with Iran, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has demanded that the Trump administration immediately brief Congress on its emerging “understanding” with Iran, arguing lawmakers and the public still lack basic details about the agreement.

The US, on Sunday, June 14, announced that it had digitally signed a tentative Memorandum of Understanding with Iran to extend the current ceasefire for the next 60 days to discuss the terms of the final deal.

Chuck Schumer questions gains from Iran war

“The American people deserve details and full transparency – what exactly is in this 'understanding'? Will servicemembers remain in harm’s way?” Chuck Schumer said in a statement on Monday.

“Trump must release the details publicly, brief Congress immediately, and end this war for good,” Schumer said.

Schumer argued that the Trump administration has told the country “dozens of times” that the war is over, and Americans “have been left disappointed” several times.

“What have we actually gained here from Trump’s war?” he asked, adding that the regime still in control of Iran “is more radical than the previous one.”

“The Strait of Hormuz is under greater Iranian control now than before the war began,” he added.

Trump says Iran deal would ensure toll-free Hormuz

Taking to Truth Social, Trump announced that a deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran has been completed and that the Strait of Hormuz will be fully toll-free.

In the post, he also announced the removal of the naval blockade of Iranian ships.

Iran’s Fars news agency, however, has reported that Iran has insisted on adding a “maritime services” fee to the deal that would generate money for its coffers.

US and Iranian officials will attend a ceremonial signing of the agreement in Geneva on Friday, June 19, which will then set the stage for a 60-day discussion on sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program.

Israel refuses to withdraw from Lebanon

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Defense Minister Israel Katz issued statements saying that Israel will not withdraw from any territory it has seized.

Ben-Gvir indicated that Israel would not walk the path shown by the US, arguing that it is not subordinate to the US. "Israel is not subordinate to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign state," Ben-Gvir said.

"We must not withdraw from any territory that our fighters have occupied and cleared of terrorist infrastructure," the security minister added.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have “a clear policy.”

"The area will be cleared of local residents and all t*******t infrastructure, above and below ground - including the houses in the contact villages that served as outposts - will be destroyed," Katz said.