Israel was not surprised by U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of “good and productive talks” with Iran and his decision to suspend, for five days, a threat to strike Iranian energy infrastructure, Israeli officials said Monday.
Israeli officials said that behind the scenes, intensive contacts have been underway between Washington and Tehran, both directly and through mediation by Qatar and Turkey, aimed at reaching a deal.
According to those officials, a potential framework under discussion would see Iran allow the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz in an initial phase, with the United States refraining from attacking Iranian power plants. A broader ceasefire would be pursued in a second stage.
Israel had supported the option of a large-scale strike on Iranian energy infrastructure, despite the expectation that Iran would retaliate against similar targets in Israel. However, a diplomatic official said Israel is expected to align with Trump’s decisions.
Officials said Trump has not removed the military option but rather paused it to allow time for negotiations, with the primary goal of securing the reopening of the strategic waterway and creating conditions to end the war.
AFSI’s take:
Iran has refuted claims regarding these discussions, whereas Trump asserts that they have engaged in conversations with an individual of considerable influence in Iran. Although the conflict is not concluded, it is undergoing continuous development. At the very least, the topic of de-escalation is starting to be addressed. Next steps will tell If the regime in Iran remains in the hands of IRGC-affiliated extremists and whether or not the Iranian people will experience freedom. Whatever happens will determine Israel’s future.