Uzi Rabbi Warns: “Americans Are Eager to Sign an Agreement with Iran – Too Eager”

Insights from Professor Uzi Rabbi

During a recent interview on 103FM, Professor Uzi Rabbi from the Moshe Dayan Center for Middle Eastern and African Studies expressed concerns regarding the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Iran. Rabbi, known for his deep knowledge of Middle Eastern dynamics, articulated his apprehension about the eagerness of the U.S. to forge a new agreement with Iran.

“I have always been suspicious of Iran; I don’t have any questions about that. I am sure the Iranians know how to enchant the Americans,” Rabbi stated at the beginning of the interview. He elaborated, stating that while the U.S. is keen on reaching a deal, he hopes this eagerness does not lead to hasty decisions. “It is clear that the aim is not to attack Iran,” he noted.

Concerns Over Iran’s Nuclear Program

Rabbi stressed the importance of scrutinizing the details of any potential agreement. “We need to assess three key areas: what previous agreements have achieved, the differences from the past agreements, and importantly, whether measures against the so-called ballistic lake and issues regarding missiles are being addressed,” he said. He also expressed doubts about the ongoing support for terrorism and proxy groups, as well as nuclear enrichment activities – both civilian and military.

“I believe Iran will seek to buy time while the U.S. pushes for a deal, which places additional pressure on Israel to make critical decisions,” Rabbi stated, indicating that the situation presents significant challenges ahead for Israel.

Implications for Israel

Rabbi articulated that he does not favor the U.S. reaching an agreement that would lay the groundwork for a potential U.S.-Israeli military intervention against Iran. “I would not want them to reach a deal that legitimizes an Israeli-American strike, and I hope we can end Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the regime of the Ayatollahs once and for all,” he emphasized.

He noted that the Iranian leadership is currently keen on avoiding any situation that could provoke a military reaction. “Israel is surprised by the gap between Trump’s rhetoric and what is being signaled on the ground. While we cannot say this definitively, there seems to be an emerging gap that Israel must navigate carefully,” he added.

The Restrictions Imposed by a Possible Agreement

Rabbi explained that any agreement would likely restrict Israel’s actions due to its inherent restrictions. “In my opinion, this could be a significant factor encouraging Iran to enter negotiations. I would not be surprised if the U.S. administration is leveraging this to persuade Iran towards an agreement,” he remarked.

He expressed hope that the U.S. remains firm on its stated objectives, as a failure to do so could leave Israel ill-equipped to handle Iran’s advancing capabilities. “The Iranian threat is serious and sophisticated; they are playing a long, strategic game, and Israel needs to effectively communicate its concerns to the U.S. while applying various forms of pressure to thwart the agreement with decisive intelligence and information.”

Regional Context and Iranian Dignity

In the discussion regarding Israel’s role in the negotiations, Rabbi stated, “We are, at best, observers in this situation, certainly not decision-makers.” He hopes that Iran’s national pride will prevent them from signing a deal that is perceived as too humiliating.

Rabbi concluded by contrasting President Biden’s approach to foreign policy with that of former President Trump, highlighting substantial differences in their military strategies and the humanitarian crises stemming from policies in places like Yemen. “As the United States, you aren’t worried about international law as much as you might be with smaller nations. The situation in Yemen illustrates the collateral damage affecting civilians and can rally Iran’s resolve to pursue an agreement,” he explained.

As tensions rise and the complexities of international diplomacy unfold, the coming weeks will prove crucial for the U.S., Israel, and Iran as they navigate the potential pathways of nuclear negotiations