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Israel cannot applaud an Iran deal that leaves key threats intact - editorial

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Opinion Named sources Context piece
  • An editorial argues that a reported US-Iran deal fails to address key threats, potentially weakening Israel's position.
  • The deal's success should be measured by Iran's reduced capabilities, not just oil market or Strait of Hormuz access.
  • Critics express concern that Iran could emerge from the conflict with its core nuclear and regional threat capabilities intact.

An editorial in the Jerusalem Post argues that a reported U.S.-Iran deal, while potentially beneficial for oil markets and the White House's desire to end the war, falls short of addressing critical threats. The editorial contends that the true test of the deal lies in whether Iran is left weaker, its nuclear program dismantled, and its regional influence curtailed.

For Israel, that is not the test.

— JPOST EDITORIALThe editorial frames the criteria for evaluating a US-Iran deal from Israel's perspective.

"For Israel, that is not the test," the editorial states, emphasizing that the success of any agreement must be measured by tangible reductions in Iran's military and nuclear capabilities. Questions are raised about whether Iran's enriched uranium has been removed, its missiles and drones addressed, Hezbollah pushed back, and Israel's freedom to act preserved. The current answers, the editorial notes, are unclear and should be a cause for concern.

Has its nuclear program been dismantled? Has its enriched uranium been removed? Have its missiles and drones been addressed? Has Hezbollah been pushed back? Has Israel’s freedom to act been preserved?

— JPOST EDITORIALThe editorial poses critical questions about the potential effectiveness of a US-Iran deal.

The piece highlights warnings from figures within President Trump's own political circle, including Iran hawks and pro-Israel conservatives. Senator Lindsey Graham is quoted expressing concern that a deal leaving Iran able to threaten the Strait of Hormuz and damage Gulf oil infrastructure would create "a major shift of the balance of power in the region" and be "a nightmare for Israel." Graham set clear standards: "No enrichment," American control of Iran's highly enriched uranium, an open Strait of Hormuz, an end to Iran's long-range ballistic-missile program, and an end to its support for terrorist proxies.

if a deal leaves Iran able to terrorize the Strait of Hormuz and damage Gulf oil infrastructure, it would create “a major shift of the balance of power in the region” and “over time will be a nightmare for Israel.”

— Sen. Lindsey GrahamGraham expresses concerns about the regional implications of a potential US-Iran agreement.

Senator Ted Cruz is cited warning that if Iran emerges from the conflict still receiving billions, enriching uranium, moving toward nuclear weapons, and holding leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, it would be "a disastrous mistake." Mark Levin is quoted even more bluntly, stating that the Iranian regime "will never abide by any of it," viewing diplomacy as merely a means to survive. The editorial concludes that Iran's strategy is not necessarily to win a war outright, but to survive one, retain its core capabilities, and convince the world that a pause constitutes a breakthrough, a scenario Israel cannot afford to ignore.

No enrichment,” American control of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, an open Strait of Hormuz, an end to Iran’s long-range ballistic-missile program, and an end to its support for terrorist proxies.

— Sen. Lindsey GrahamGraham outlines specific conditions for a satisfactory deal with Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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