US Explores Iran Nuclear Deal Amid Urgent Regional Turmoil, Israeli Press Highlights Strike Option
The possibility of a renewed US-Iran nuclear deal is facing scrutiny amid escalating regional tensions and contrasting viewpoints from key players, notably Israel. The US-Iran relationship has been tumultuous, with the US withdrawing from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018, a deal aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This withdrawal, followed by the imposition of severe sanctions, has led to significant Middle East upheaval. While the US administration under President Donald Trump appears to be pushing for negotiations, Israeli media underscores the potential for military action as a stark alternative.
The New Arab reports that President Trump is actively seeking to revive talks aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. According to the analysis, Trump initiated contact in early May via an Emirati diplomat, sending a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. The proposal reportedly demanded Iran dismantle its nuclear program and cease support for regional militias within two months in exchange for sanctions relief. Iran, however, rejected direct negotiations through a response delivered via Oman. The role of other regional players, such as the UAE and Oman, in facilitating or hindering these negotiations is also crucial to consider.
This diplomatic push follows Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and occurs against significant Middle East upheaval. The past 18 months have witnessed the devastating Gaza war following Hamas's October 7 attack, Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthi disruptions in the Red Sea, direct Iran-Israel military exchanges, and the fall of Syria's Assad regime, a key Iranian ally. Despite threats from Trump to bomb Iran if talks are refused and warnings from Khamenei's adviser of pursuing nuclear weapons if attacked, experts suggest both sides have incentives for a deal. Robert Einhorn from the Brookings Institution told The New Arab that the US seeks regional stability. At the same time, Iran desires sanctions relief, though significant gaps remain on core issues like enrichment levels and missile capabilities. A critical deadline looms with the potential triggering of UN sanctions snapback mechanisms by October 2025.
Meanwhile, Ynetnews highlights the stark choice facing the US and Israel: strike Iran or negotiate. In a new opinion piece, published almost simultaneously with Trump-Netanyahu meeting, the focus shifts to an imminent, hastily arranged meeting between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The analysis suggests this summit will primarily address whether to leverage Iran's perceived weaknesses by attacking its nuclear facilities or to compel Tehran into a new agreement.
Ynetnews points to tangible military preparations potentially bolstering the strike option, including deploying US THAAD and Patriot missile defense systems to Israel and B-2 stealth bombers to Diego Garcia. These actions lend weight to Trump's threats of unprecedented bombing should Iran refuse talks. However, Tehran appears outwardly unfazed, rejecting direct negotiations and warning neighboring countries against assisting any potential US attack. The outlet also notes Washington's calculations regarding the impact of a new conflict on global oil prices and emphasizes the danger of miscalculation leading to unintended escalation, underlining the high stakes involved. The piece further connects the Iran dilemma to the ongoing situation in Gaza, where hostilities persist despite the absence of a significant Israeli offensive.
Both analyses underscore the complexity and high stakes involved. While The New Arab details the diplomatic maneuvers and potential, albeit challenging, path towards an agreement driven by mutual interests and looming deadlines, Ynetnews emphasizes the military alternative being actively considered, particularly from an Israeli perspective. The outcome remains uncertain, balanced precariously between a fragile diplomatic process and the palpable threat of renewed conflict, but there is hope for a peaceful resolution.