Tehran leverages Lebanon, Hormuz to shape narrative around deal, force Trump's hand, expert says

Iran is actively shaping the narrative around its recent deal with the United States, framing it as a significant strategic victory, according to Dr. Raz Zimmt, head of the Shi'ite Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS). While a small faction within Iran opposes any engagement with Washington, the dominant response has been positive, largely due to the regime's portrayal of the agreement as a triumph over both Israel and the US.

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With the exception of a small and vocal minority of ultra-radicals, who viewed negotiations with the United States after the war, and certainly reaching an agreement with it, as a betrayal, there is definitely support for ending the war.

Zimmt explained that the emerging agreement, even with its unclear details, is being presented as a major achievement. "At the end of the day, they are presenting it exactly as we feared: Iran not only managed to survive against the two strongest armies in the world, but also succeeded in leveraging this event to achieve a new order that will deter its rivals and secure other economic benefits," he stated.

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More importantly, the emerging agreement, although not all of its details are yet clear, is being presented as a strategic victory for Iran.

Developments preceding the deal's signing, including an Israeli strike in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, appear to have influenced the negotiations. Zimmt noted that following this escalation, President Trump demonstrated additional flexibility, particularly concerning the timing of lifting the maritime blockade. Reports suggest that the blockade was initially expected to be lifted gradually, but Trump's softened stance, possibly influenced by Iran's potential retaliatory strike against Israel, allowed for the final agreement.

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At the end of the day, they are presenting it exactly as we feared: Iran not only managed to survive against the two strongest armies in the world, but also succeeded in leveraging this event to achieve a new order that will deter its rivals and secure other economic benefits.

Behind the scenes, a dilemma arose regarding a potential Iranian attack on Israel. Zimmt indicated that discussions among Iran's leadership and pressure on President Trump led to a softening of his position on the blockade's timing, ultimately preventing an immediate Iranian response to the Beirut strike.

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We are relying on reports from Iran indicating that the details of the agreement had not yet been finalized, and that following the escalation and the Israeli strike in Dahiyeh, President Trump further softened his positions, which made it possible to reach the final agreement.