Strategic analyst warns: the US-Iran deal could be 'the worst ever'

Yasmin Sayeh, an Iranian-Israeli strategic analyst, has sharply criticized the emerging US-Iran deal, labeling it potentially "the worst agreement ever." Speaking on The Jerusalem Post Podcast's "The Deep Dive," Sayeh expressed concern that the deal, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly states leaves Israel out entirely, could grant Iran the financial resources and international legitimacy it needs to rebuild without addressing the regime's ideology or its internal repression.

Sayeh detailed the past six months in Iran, from widespread protests demanding change to the current diplomatic push. She noted that despite the regime's brutal crackdown, which she claims has led to tens of thousands of deaths, the agreement does little to weaken the ruling structure. She argued that even with leadership changes, the core ideology remains, allowing Tehran to present a West-friendly facade while continuing domestic repression.

A central theme of the discussion was the human cost of the regime's actions. Sayeh drew parallels between the systematic sexual violence employed by the regime against its own people and the atrocities of October 7, highlighting Iran's network of proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. She and host Shifra Jacobs emphasized the importance of bearing witness to these stories, even when told secondhand, and the ease with which outside audiences can become desensitized.

Despite the grim assessment, Sayeh offered a note of cautious hope. She reflected on solidarity protests she helped organize in Tel Aviv and the gratitude expressed by Iranians who felt seen. She also speculated that public friction between leaders like Trump and Netanyahu might be political theater. Her closing wish for a future podcast recording in Tehran encapsulates a desire for fundamental change within Iran.

“

From what is known so far, she calls it possibly the worst agreement she has ever read.