Trump Declares Iran Deal Invalid, Citing Ongoing Threats and Internal Regime Divisions

Former US President Donald Trump declared the Iran nuclear framework agreement invalid during the NATO summit in Turkey, stating it was never worth the paper it was written on. He described the deal as an illusion, arguing that even if a formal agreement were signed, it would be ineffective because Iran would continue to arm its terrorist proxies, advance its nuclear weapons program, control the Strait of Hormuz, and seek Israel's destruction. Trump emphasized that the Iranian regime cannot be trusted and urged abandoning any belief in the deal's viability.

Trump's announcement initially calmed global markets and lowered oil prices to $70 per barrel in early July, despite strong Israeli opposition. Israel stressed it was not a party to the framework and insisted on freedom to act against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Iranian regime miscalculated, assuming Trump would be constrained before the US elections and unwilling to authorize strikes. Internal divisions within Iran have since deepened, with Revolutionary Guard factions limiting negotiations and reportedly plotting against Trump. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who led talks with the US, was even physically attacked at Ayatollah Khamenei's funeral.

Michael Septney, director of the Middle East Freedom Forum in Berlin, praised Israel's success in disrupting Iran's nuclear and missile programs. He noted that Iran's nuclear facilities remain buried under ruins from Israeli strikes, and the country is no longer close to possessing ten nuclear bombs. Iran's missile program has also been severely damaged, with underground missile production cities destroyed. Septney warned that Iran's poor economic condition will eventually threaten the regime itself if it continues to prioritize military expansion over the population's needs.