Analyst Bardugo Sees Gulf States Pushing for Iran Deal Despite War Fears
Israeli commentator and presenter Yaakov Bardugo assessed that the United States is unlikely to launch a broad military attack against Iran in the near future. According to Bardugo, Washington has returned to a wait-and-see stance while Gulf states are actively working to forge a new agreement with Tehran. Bardugo emphasized that throughout the previous week he maintained that the Americans favored a diplomatic solution, stating, "I am not trying to boast, but all last week I claimed the Americans are leaning toward a deal." He explained that ongoing military strikes aim to bring Iran to the negotiating table rather than escalate to full conflict.
When asked if he still holds this view despite the pause in American strikes and the sense of behind-the-scenes activity, Bardugo replied, "We are not heading toward an attack; in my opinion, we are heading toward an agreement." He noted that his intelligence sources come primarily from Gulf countries rather than Israeli ones. Bardugo questioned who in Israel was responsible for creating a war-like atmosphere last Thursday, reiterating his contrary position.
He described a broad effort by Gulf states, including Qatar resuming its mediator role, to stabilize or replace the existing deal with Iran. Bardugo believes a deal is still achievable that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and limit its ballistic missile program. While a military option remains on the table, a large-scale operation would only commence if Iran delivers a blunt refusal after all diplomatic efforts are exhausted, or as he put it, "after all extremes have been exhausted."
Bardugo also pointed to a noticeable softening in Iran's rhetoric toward U.S. President Donald Trump, noting that Iranian officials no longer curse or insult him. He referenced an interview with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who credited Turkey with preventing the regime's overthrow by Kurdish forces. Bardugo sees these developments as part of the U.S. attempt to stabilize the situation and bring Iran to sign an agreement.
