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Source: https://www.israelhayom.com/2026/06/15/iran-never-won-a-war-but-never-lost-a-negotiation/
Deal Gives Iranian Regime a Lifeline, Strengthens Its Hold on Lebanon
(Israel Hayom) Meir Ben Shabbat - Any deal with Iran is worse than the alternatives, because it establishes the legitimacy of the extremist regime and gives it survival, hope, and resources for rehabilitation. Opening the Strait of Hormuz to Iranian oil exports will allow Tehran to earn millions every day. Added to that are the billions expected to flow to Iran once the memorandum of understanding enters into force. Including the Lebanese front in the framework of the deal is a gift to Iran. Not only will it ensure a space of immunity for Hizbullah, but it will also gain recognition of its status as a player in the Lebanese front. If the expectation was to dismantle Iran's hold over its proxies, this agreement actually tightens it. The U.S. is paying Iran in cash and receiving in return a postdated check whose details are unclear and whose coverage is doubtful. The nuclear issues will be discussed only at a later stage, when the regime is no longer in distress and when the effectiveness of U.S. levers of military and economic pressure will be lower. Tehran will not rush to reach understandings on the nuclear issues. Washington's conduct surrounding the agreement will project weakness and affect the U.S.'s standing in the Middle East. Israel is not a party to the deal. It will do what is necessary to defend its security on all fronts. It does not need to poke Trump in the eye, argue with him, or defy him. As IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir put it, our actions will speak. The writer, head of the Misgav Institute for National Security and Zionist Strategy, served as Israel's National Security Council head during 2017-2021.