The United States has lifted its naval blockade of Iran and reopened the Strait of Hormuz to tanker traffic, introducing a 60-day period for nuclear negotiations during which Iran’s nuclear program remains active. This shift in policy has sparked unease in Israel, which views the arrangement as potentially allowing Tehran to advance its nuclear capabilities under the cover of talks.
Alongside the blockade lift, the new framework reportedly includes sanctions relief aimed at reviving Iranian oil exports and envisions a future agreement that might enable a massive reconstruction and investment fund for Iran, potentially worth hundreds of billions. The plan also hints at a possible gradual withdrawal of US forces from the region. Such developments have alarmed Israeli officials who fear this approach essentially restores a precarious status quo and sidelines urgent resolution of the nuclear threat.
Israeli leaders have kept public criticism measured but underscored their lack of full briefings on the deal’s details. They remain concerned that the 60-day window could be exploited by Iran to accelerate its nuclear program while diplomatic efforts are ongoing. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his stance that Iran should never obtain nuclear weapons but stopped short of directly attacking the US move.
The reaction in Washington reveals fault lines within the administration and political allies. Supporters of the agreement, including several prominent figures, have dismissed Israeli objections, highlighting continued US military and diplomatic support for Israel while emphasizing the deal’s benefits for American interests, including stabilizing energy markets and ending active conflicts.
Conversely, critics within the US government question Iran’s willingness to comply and worry about the risks of deferring the nuclear issue rather than resolving it outright. This divide suggests a shift in US policy prioritizing immediate strategic and economic gains over longer-term alliance cohesion.
Ultimately, the new deal reshapes the regional landscape by reopening critical shipping routes and easing sanctions, but it also intensifies Israeli concerns that the nuclear threat remains unresolved and may grow under the guise of negotiation.