June 23, 2026

Good morning! Today is Tuesday, June 23rd 2026, and this is The American Conservative's Morning Brief. As the Iran MOU enters its 60-day window, Scarlett Kennedy argues the deal's survival depends on Washington dropping maximalist nuclear demands and reining in Israel's ongoing campaign in Lebanon. Harrison Berger reports the Switzerland talks yielded a high-level committee on nuclear matters and sanctions, oil waivers through August 21st, and a renewed IAEA inspection role, even as Israeli officials vow not to withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory. Jack Hunter chronicles how Vice President Vance has infuriated neoconservatives by publicly rebuking Netanyahu's cabinet, reminding Israel of its dependence on American weapons, and rejecting the reflexive conflation of criticism with antisemitism. and now for the details. We begin with the diplomatic opening between Washington and Tehran. President Trump and Iranian officials have signed a memorandum of understanding that gives both sides sixty days to finalize a comprehensive deal addressing Iran's nuclear program and easing bilateral tensions. Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Switzerland this weekend for talks with Iranian officials and regional mediators, with news outlets reporting constructive progress. As Scarlett Kennedy writes, the success of these negotiations hinges on two factors: Israel's conduct in Lebanon, and Washington's willingness to drop maximalist demands on Iran's nuclear program. Kennedy argues Iran's reaffirmation that it will not pursue a nuclear weapon should be counted as a win, essentially restoring the status quo, but with Iran's nuclear facilities significantly degraded after U.S. and Israeli strikes. She cautions that eternal sanctions are not a sustainable replacement for diplomacy, and that nuclear ambitions can only be managed, not solved. The bigger threat to the deal, Kennedy writes, is Israel's continuing campaign in Lebanon. Prime Minister Netanyahu has said the IDF will remain in southern Lebanon regardless of U.S. negotiations. Kennedy points to historical precedent: President Reagan paused fighter jet and cluster shell shipments to rein in Israeli operations, and President George H.W. Bush paused a ten-billion-dollar loan over West Bank settlements. With the ten-year U.S.–Israel military assistance memorandum set to expire in 2028, she argues Washington should make clear that renewal is not automatic. The strategic stakes, she concludes, go beyond the Middle East. The Iran War has already pulled critical air defense systems away from South Korea, undermining America's stated priority of deterring China. Staying with the Iran negotiations, mediators say the Switzerland talks ended with what they called encouraging progress, as the Iran War entered its 115th day on Monday. Harrison Berger reports that Qatar and Pakistan, in a joint statement, said Washington and Tehran have agreed to establish a high-level committee with working groups on nuclear matters, sanctions, and dispute resolution. The two sides also agreed to create a de-confliction cell, together with Lebanon, to monitor adherence to the ceasefire there. Vice President Vance said the talks created a good foundation for a final deal and indicated the U.S. may unfreeze Iranian funds for purchases of American agricultural products. Iran has agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into the country. The U.S. Treasury followed up by issuing oil waivers for Iran through August 21st, authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil and petrochemical products. But Berger notes the Lebanon question remains unresolved. Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar said Monday that Israel will not withdraw from territory it occupies in Lebanon, calling it a security zone. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel has no intention of withdrawing from Beaufort, roughly nine miles inside Lebanese territory. Iran has threatened to withdraw from the deal if violations continue. Brent Crude closed Monday at 78 dollars a barrel, with the national average price of regular gas at three dollars and ninety-three cents. Those are today's highlights. For the full stories and more, visit theamericanconservative.com. Thank you for starting your morning with us.