Larry Johnson: Iran & Israel Move Closer to Full Confrontation

The head of the Lebanese parliament, Nabih Berri, a Shia leader, publicly rejected the proposed agreement between Lebanon and Israel. He stated that the agreement does not end the war, fails to ensure Lebanese sovereignty, and is a 'conspiracy and provocation' that legitimizes Israeli occupation. This rejection highlights significant internal Lebanese opposition and renders the agreement largely theoretical and non-binding.

Nabih Berri's statement explicitly mentioned the agreement's failure to end the war, ensure sovereignty, and his view of it as a conspiracy. Larry Johnson confirmed Berri's stance and the lack of legislative support for the deal.

Larry Johnson argues that the US initiated a violation of the MOU by attacking Iran after Iran interdicted a ship in the Strait of Hormuz. He contends the MOU did not prevent Iran from enforcing its protocol for transit through the Strait, which requires ships to seek permission from the IRGC. The US strike, therefore, constituted the 'first punch' in violation of the MOU's clause against mutual military action.

Johnson states, 'the US attack on Iran the other day violated the MOU because there was nothing in the MOU that precluded or prohibited Iran from taking action against ships that tried to break through the Strait of Hormuz without following the protocol.' He adds, 'it was clear that the United States took the first launch...threw the first punch.'

Despite US claims that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and oil prices are stable, Larry Johnson asserts that Iran has effectively closed the Strait to non-friendly shipping. He cites real-time marine tracking data showing significantly reduced traffic, primarily limited to Iranian oil and Asian-bound ships, contradicting official narratives.

Johnson refutes the US ambassador's claim of 'dozens of ships' moving daily, stating, 'It's an absolute flatout lie.' He refers to 'real time mariner.com' and notes, 'The last ship to come out was apparently is either an Iraqi or Iranian ship... Iran still Iran has effectively closed closed the straight.'

The specific clauses of the Lebanon-Israel agreement are described as deeply disadvantageous and humiliating for Lebanon. These include Israel declaring no territorial ambition while maintaining its current occupation, US military aid being strictly conditioned and graded by Washington, Lebanon and the US jointly committing to financially strangling resistance groups (Hezbollah), and reconstruction money being withheld on a 'slower track' until Beirut disarms.

The host reads the clauses: 'Israel declares no territorial ambition in Lebanon while staying exactly where it is until it unilaterally signs of a on disarmament.' 'US military aid to the Lebanese army comes strictly conditioned on milestones Washington sets and grades.' 'Lebanon and the United States jointly commit to financially strangling any group tied to the resistance.' 'Reconstruction money kept on a separate slower track from the military conditions so Beirut disarm first and waits to get paid.'