IDF, Mossad largely oppose Iran nuclear deal, favor continued sanctions against Tehran

A significant majority of officials within Israel's military intelligence (IDF) and foreign intelligence agency (Mossad) largely oppose the current Iran nuclear deal, viewing it as insufficient to address the multifaceted threats posed by Tehran. While acknowledging the need to defer to political leadership and the Trump administration, their private assessments highlight concerns that the emerging agreement leaves critical issues unaddressed.

The primary objections center on the deal's failure to tackle Iran's ballistic missile program and its extensive network of regional proxies. IDF and Mossad officials are engaged daily with these threats, which they feel are being sidelined in favor of focusing solely on the nuclear issue and the Strait of Hormuz. This approach, they argue, neglects the immediate and persistent dangers confronting Israel.

Furthermore, a notable contingent within Mossad, and some within the IDF, advocated for maintaining stringent financial sanctions against Iran. These officials believed that sustained economic pressure could have compelled the Islamic regime to alter its behavior or even precipitate its collapse. They pointed to substantial financial losses Iran had already incurred, estimating over $300 billion from past conflicts and ongoing counter-blockades.

These officials had hoped that the combined pressure from war damages and the Hormuz blockade would push Iranians to a point where they could topple the regime. However, with billions of dollars expected to flow to Iran upon the deal's signing, they now fear that any prospect of regime change is significantly delayed, potentially squandering a crucial opportunity to enhance regional and global security for generations.