Iran Deal Could Release Billions, Raising Alarm in Lebanon and the Gulf

The United States and Iran are moving toward a new agreement after outlining its main terms, but the deal is already stirring concern in Israel, Lebanon and across the Arab Gulf. The article says the core package would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and release assets worth billions of dollars, possibly tens of billions, that were frozen for Iran before formal nuclear negotiations even began.

According to estimates cited in the report, Tehran is demanding $12 billion out of roughly $24 billion to $25 billion frozen in Qatari accounts at the start of implementation. The money is expected to help Iran rebuild at home while it continues collecting fees from ships passing through the strait, with no limits on its missile program or military.

The agreement also does not restrict Iran's regional proxies. The ceasefire set in April would be extended to Lebanon, but it would not ban Hezbollah activity or set a meaningful limit on it. Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese residents displaced by the war are welcoming the prospect of returning, and on Monday people were seen heading back to evacuated areas while tractors cleared rubble.

In Beirut, however, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are said to be deeply worried that tying Lebanon to the deal without conditions will let Iran keep arming Hezbollah and interfering in Lebanese affairs. The nuclear issue itself remains unresolved, including the fate of highly enriched material trapped under damaged facilities and how long enrichment would be halted, with Iran favoring only a short pause and the United States originally seeking more than 10 years. Gulf states including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar are also uneasy, saying they want an end to the fighting but fear Iran will emerge economically and militarily stronger. The UAE, which has suffered the highest number of drone and missile attacks, said any regional aggression must stop and warned the deal may not provide adequate protection.