There Is No ‘Good Deal’ to be Made with Iran’s Regime

In this Gatestone Institute article, Eric Levine argues that no lasting “good deal” can be made with Iran’s current regime, contending that the Obama-era nuclear deal empowered Tehran and that any future agreement would collapse once American political leadership changes.

• Levine frames the 2015 JCPOA as a disastrous concession, arguing that the Obama administration wanted “any deal” and then sold it as a “good deal.”
• He says the deal lifted sanctions, freed up major Iranian assets, and gave Tehran resources that could be used for its military, terror proxies, and regional ambitions.
• The article claims Obama and John Kerry misled Americans by saying the deal closed off Iran’s pathways to a nuclear weapon, while leaving loopholes and sunset provisions in place.
• Levine argues that Iran’s regime cannot be trusted to honor an agreement because its rulers would only sign one if they believed it ensured their survival.
• The piece contrasts Obama’s approach with Trump’s, saying Trump has shown a greater willingness to use force but still cannot secure a durable agreement with the current regime.
• Levine says any Trump-negotiated deal would likely last only as long as Trump’s presidency, because Tehran would wait for a more sympathetic or weaker American administration.
• The article warns that Gulf Arab states would interpret a new U.S.-Iran deal as a sign that Washington cannot be relied upon, potentially weakening the Abraham Accords framework.
• Levine concludes that Trump’s only real “good deal” is no deal at all, arguing that regime change is the only long-term solution.

Read the full story: https://www.gatestoneinstitute.org/22597/no-good-deal-with-iran