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
