Tel Aviv, Israel – A state of anxiety and anticipation prevailed in Tel Aviv’s political and security circles on Thursday following reports that the US administration and the Islamic Republic of Iran were close to reaching an agreement to end the conflict in the region. A senior Israeli official described the proposed draft as a “lifeline for the Iranian regime” and warned of its long-term strategic implications for Israel’s security.
Concerns about the continued existence of the missile arsenal
According to the Israeli newspaper Yediot Aharonot, Israel’s objection centers on the fact that Iran’s advanced missile arsenal remains “intact” without any real restrictions in the new agreement. This, they argue, gives Tehran the ability to reignite conflict more effectively in the future. The official noted that the proposed agreement only places restrictions on uranium enrichment for 15 years. Tel Aviv believes this period is insufficient to deter Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Furthermore, the agreement could impose indirect restrictions that limit the Israeli military’s freedom of action on the Lebanese front.
Trump claims victory, Iran denies it
These warnings come after optimistic statements by US President Donald Trump, who affirmed that “very good talks” had taken place with the Iranian side. He considered reaching an agreement very likely, even going so far as to say, “I think we have won with Iran.”
In the same context, US media reports revealed the possibility of resuming direct negotiations in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, next week. These negotiations would be mediated by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry, which is currently managing the exchange of secret messages between the two sides.
Despite American talk of a “one-page memorandum” to end the war, informed Iranian sources were quick to deny these reports Wednesday evening. They described the Western reports as “lacking any factual basis.”
Tehran believes that leaking such information is primarily aimed at influencing volatile energy markets and exerting psychological pressure to gain leverage in negotiations ahead of the upcoming round of talks. This indicates that the path to a final agreement remains fraught with complexities and political maneuvering from all sides.
