U.S. President Donald Trump announced a completed deal with Iran on Truth Social, authorizing the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz and immediate removal of the U.S. Naval blockade. This initial agreement establishes a sixty-day timetable to address remaining issues, including Iran's nuclear ambitions, sanctions relief, and financial support.
Surprisingly, the deal also covers Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon and suggests U.S. military presence in the region is negotiable. Ray Takeyh notes Iran views this as a victory, having partly set the agenda by deferring nuclear issues while including Lebanon. Elliott Abrams highlights Israeli fears that the deal allows continued Iranian enrichment, ties Israel's hands in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and provides financial resources to Iranian proxies. Elisa Ewers identifies Lebanon as a potential spoiler, given conflicting stances on Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah's continued provocations. Steven A. Cook adds that Gulf states, while welcoming immediate respite, fear the deal empowers Iran, leading to U.S. troop withdrawal and potential Iranian transit fees in the Strait, forcing regional hedging.
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