Voices from the Arab press: Iranian calamities, Netanyahu's rule, and state legitimacy

A weekly selection from Arab media covers Iran's strategic losses, including Hezbollah's inability to confront Israel, and analyzes Tehran's negotiating tactics as a means to buy time and preserve leverage. The pieces also examine the role of mediating states and the challenges facing US-Iran talks.

A weekly selection of opinions from Arab media focuses on Iran's deteriorating strategic position. Nida Al-Watan (Lebanon) argues that Iran, unable to withstand US strikes, has widened attacks on Arab states and global shipping. The piece claims Iran's strongest card—Hezbollah—has been neutralized by its inability to confront Israel, pushing Tehran toward desperate measures. Asharq al-Awsat (UK) examines Iran's negotiating strategy, citing the late Israeli diplomat Uri Lubrani's warning that Iran treats talks as a means to buy time and deceive. Mediators including Oman, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, and Egypt work to contain tensions, but fundamental differences persist. The analysis suggests Iran views time as an asset, while the US faces domestic political pressures as elections approach.