Israel Sees Benefit in Continued Iran Sanctions Amid Uncertain Trump Negotiations
Israeli officials are closely monitoring reports from the United States indicating that President Donald Trump may declare victory and end the conflict with Iran without a nuclear deal, provided Tehran lifts restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz. On Monday evening, Trump unexpectedly demanded that Iran pay reparations during ongoing negotiations, raising concerns in Israel about his unpredictability and tendency to change positions.
Israeli assessments suggest Trump is reluctant to resume military conflict and prefers to maintain economic sanctions, including the blockade of Iranian ports that restrict oil exports. A senior Israeli official stated, "The current situation is best for us, the siege continues and economic pressure on Iran persists." Another official highlighted a divergence in goals between Jerusalem and Washington, noting Israel aims to topple the Iranian regime through economic collapse, citing soaring inflation, a plummeting rial, and threats of resignation from President Ebrahim Raisi.
Israeli sources believe Trump understands the economic dimension and intends to sustain sanctions to weaken Iran. They caution that lifting the blockade would be problematic, but maintaining it effectively strangles Iran, which aligns with Israeli interests. Officials emphasized Israel does not seek renewed warfare, preferring the status quo until the U.S. midterm elections in November and until improvements in missile defense and precision armaments are achieved amid reported U.S. military supply shortages.
Trump reiterated his hardline stance on Iran in a post on his social media platform Truth Social, demanding reparations for damages and casualties caused by Iran over decades, including recent protests. He also told Axios that the U.S. is "de-escalating" regarding Iran and conducting only limited negotiations, while monitoring Iran's severe inflation and financial crisis. Earlier reports from The Wall Street Journal described Trump as "patient" amid stalled talks and Iran's new demands, which are viewed as surrender conditions.
