Trump Rejects Iran Nuclear Deal, Vows to Maintain Economic Pressure Through November

US President Donald Trump has made clear to international mediators that he will not return to the original Iran nuclear agreement. Instead, he intends to continue the "economic chokehold" strategy, maintaining and potentially intensifying sanctions against Iran at least until the US midterm elections in November. This stance was reported by the Wall Street Journal, citing sources familiar with the negotiations.

Israeli security officials anticipate that the sanctions will escalate as the November elections approach. There is concern that Iran, feeling cornered, might respond with military actions against US or Israeli targets in the Middle East. In response, the Israel Defense Forces and the US military are enhancing operational and intelligence coordination to prepare for any potential Iranian retaliation.

Former Mossad chief Dedi Barnea emphasized the necessity of escalating economic, political, and operational measures against Iran until the regime falls. Speaking at a Jerusalem city council event, Barnea described the sanctions as a positive but initial step, warning that the Iranian issue is a global threat that could manifest through ballistic missiles, terrorism, or nuclear weapons development.

The key question for Israeli and US decision-makers remains whether the economic pressure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz will compel Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions or provoke a counterproductive escalation. For now, the Trump administration is committed to its current policy, seeking a decisive outcome through sustained pressure rather than diplomatic compromise.