Tel Aviv, Israel – Anticipation and anxiety have intensified within Israeli political and security circles regarding the rapidly evolving negotiations between the United States and Iran.
In the first official, albeit indirect, reaction, a senior Israeli official expressed Tel Aviv’s deep concerns about the “emerging agreement.” He added that this agreement represents a strategic threat that goes beyond a mere de-escalation on the ground.
In remarks carried by Israel’s Channel 12 and reported by The Times of Israel, an Israeli official, who preferred to remain anonymous, warned that the current agreement framework reinforces Tehran’s belief that it possesses a weapon in the Strait of Hormuz no less effective and influential than its nuclear capabilities.
The official stressed that Tel Aviv views this approach as a strategic mistake. He added that it could grant Iran long-term geopolitical influence.
From an Israeli perspective, US President Donald Trump is betting that the agreement will be “fundamentally economic,” seeking to open the vital waterway in exchange for specific Iranian concessions on its nuclear program. However, Tel Aviv is skeptical of this approach. It has also pointed to the uncertainty surrounding the period following the initial implementation of the agreement.
This Israeli concern comes at a time when President Trump is promoting an imminent peace agreement, stating on Saturday via Truth Social that a “large portion” of a memorandum of understanding guaranteeing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz has been negotiated. He also confirmed that the final details are under discussion and will be announced soon.
