As indirect negotiations between Iran and the United States progress—facilitated by Oman and recently convening in Rome—the Islamic Republic of Iran contends that Israel, despite its public silence, is actively working behind the scenes to manipulate the outcome. The pro-government Iranian news site Nournews, in a new analysis, argues that Israel's apparent withdrawal from public discourse is a calculated tactic masking a determined effort to steer the negotiations through covert intelligence and political channels.
The Nournews analysis, reflecting Tehran's perspective, posits that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's notable lack of public commentary on the recent rounds of talks is not a sign of disengagement or ignorance. Instead, Iran asserts this silence is strategic, allowing Israel to exert influence without facing the political repercussions of openly opposing the US administration's diplomatic efforts. Tehran believes Israel recognizes that the crucial maneuvering in this phase occurs away from media scrutiny through clandestine meetings and intelligence-driven pressure campaigns aimed at shaping US red lines.
According to Iran's interpretation, Israel maintains a significant "covert tactical presence" in the negotiation process. The reported secret visit of Mossad chief David Barnea and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer to Rome, coinciding with the talks, is presented by Tehran as evidence of this hidden hand. Iran alleges these officials met with US envoys not merely to express concerns but to embed Israeli demands within the potential agreement's framework while maintaining deniability and the ability to criticize the eventual outcome. This dual strategy, Tehran argues, allows Israel to simultaneously attempt to contain Iran and influence US policy from the shadows.
Furthermore, the Islamic Republic insists that Israel's fundamental objective extends far beyond preventing nuclear weaponization. Drawing on Israeli analysts, Tehran argues that Tel Aviv's ultimate goal remains regime change – the complete "dismantling of the decision-making structure in Tehran." From Iran's viewpoint, Israel fears that the current diplomatic track represents a missed opportunity for more aggressive action (potentially referencing the Trump era) and worries that Washington might concede too much, thereby solidifying the Islamic Republic's standing and squandering any chance for systemic change.
Tehran also dismisses any notion that US restraint over potential Israeli military action constitutes leverage that Iran must reciprocate. While acknowledging analyses suggesting the US might be implicitly telling Iran, "We have restrained Israel; now you negotiate seriously," the Islamic Republic firmly rejects this framing. Iran maintains its independent deterrence capability and asserts its readiness to retaliate decisively against any Israeli aggression, viewing US actions regarding Israel not as a favor requiring concessions but as a reflection of regional power dynamics and American interests in avoiding further conflict.
In conclusion, the Islamic Republic of Iran, as reflected in the Nournews analysis, perceives Israel's current posture not as a passive observation but as a strategic shift towards covert influence. Tehran contends that Israel is mobilizing its intelligence and political apparatus to shape the ongoing US-Iran negotiations, ensuring its interests are protected even without a seat at the table. Netanyahu's silence, from this perspective, is not an absence but a calculated component of a blueprint for exerting stealthy but significant control over a diplomatic process critical to regional security.