Escalation must cost: Current Switzerland talks leave Iran stronger, Israel exposed

Switzerland hosted talks between the United States and Iran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, which concluded with mediators reporting "encouraging progress" and a 60-day roadmap for a potential agreement. US Vice President JD Vance stated the talks created a "good foundation," noting Iran's agreement to allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors and Washington's issuance of a temporary 60-day license for Iranian oil and petrochemical sales.

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encouraging progress

The discussions also touched upon a Lebanon "deconfliction cell" aimed at preventing escalation between Israel and Hezbollah. Notably, Israel was not present at the negotiations, while Iran participated. This absence, the editorial argues, should concern Israelis, as diplomacy with Iran is only useful if it weakens the regime, freezes threats, or buys time under favorable conditions for the West. The current talks risk providing Tehran with time, money, legitimacy, and a role in managing regional conflicts it has fueled.

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good foundation

Criticism has centered on Iran appearing to secure a roadmap without publicly agreeing to meaningful conditions. The regime seems to have gained sanctions relief while its proxies remain armed, and the Strait of Hormuz has become a bargaining chip. Furthermore, Iran's influence over arrangements in Lebanon, where Hezbollah remains its key proxy and a direct threat to Israel's border communities, is seen as a significant concern. The editorial warns that a Lebanon deconfliction mechanism could become a diplomatic trap, preventing Israel from acting freely against Hezbollah. Residents of northern Israeli communities, it contends, need Hezbollah pushed back and deterred, not another committee.

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That fact should trouble every Israeli.