Israel worries as US, Iran enter critical 60-day talks period

Israel is increasingly concerned about a proposed 60-day period for negotiations between the United States and Iran that would begin after the expected signing of a framework agreement on Friday, June 19, according to Israel’s Channel 12.

Under the reported arrangement, Iran would have 60 days to reach a final agreement with the administration of US President Donald Trump. Israeli officials are said to be worried that Tehran could receive significant relief from economic sanctions as well as expanded opportunities for fuel and oil trade during that period.

Israeli intelligence assessments presented to political leaders over the past 24 hours indicate a high probability that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, does not intend to reach a final agreement. According to the report, Israeli officials believe the negotiations conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with approval of a framework deal, are primarily aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and securing economic benefits from the United States.

Israeli officials also believe Iran is unlikely to rush toward a final settlement on its nuclear program. The country’s defence establishment has reportedly warned political leaders that Tehran may seek to prolong the talks beyond the proposed 60-day timeframe.“According to our assessment, Iran will drag out the process, and 60 days of negotiations will turn into a much longer period,” defence officials told political leaders.

A senior security official also expressed concern that Iran could take steps on the ground to shorten the time required to develop a nuclear weapon.

“One should expect nothing else from a regime seeking revenge,” the official said. “It would be highly surprising if Iran, under the cover of negotiations, did not use every effort and tactic to reduce the time needed for a nuclear breakout.”

Israeli concerns reportedly extend beyond the negotiation period itself to the secrecy surrounding the memorandum of understanding. According to the report, Israel requested access to the document but was refused by the United States.

A senior Israeli official acknowledged what he described as a growing trust issue between the two allies. “There is a problem of trust. The Americans fear that we would hold briefings and leak the memorandum, and that something could derail the signing process because of Israel,” the official said. “Perhaps this in itself shows how far apart Israel and the United States currently are on the Iranian issue.”

By Jeyhun Aghazada