US-Iran Deal Sparks Regional Turmoil and Israeli Alarm
Trump's surprise announcement and Hezbollah's conditions deepen uncertainty for Israel.
US-Iran Deal Sparks Regional Turmoil and Israeli Alarm — At United Hatzalah's Annual New York Gala on June 15, 2026, former Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer asserted that Iran, Hezbollah, and Hamas have been significantly weakened since October 7, 2023, claiming Hezbollah is at 25% of its former strength.[^1] Yet his assessment clashes with the reality of a pending US-Iran deal that appears to exclude ballistic missiles—a gap Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned could enable Iran to develop 20,000 ballistic missiles reaching 4,000 km.[^2] Donald Trump bewildered his own administration by suddenly announcing on Truth Social that a deal with Iran was complete, according to a Wall Street Journal report.[^3] Hezbollah then declared that Iran promised no nuclear deal without Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, a claim Israel denies.[^4] Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance estimated Israel will join the agreement 'once we move a little further along the way,' though assessments suggest Israel has been excluded from the talks.[^5] The deal's implications extend beyond Israel. Gulf states are reportedly paying 'protection money' to Iran, while the Revolutionary Guards have taken over management of the negotiations.[^6] Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko advised Israel to 'be more careful,' saying nuclear weapons would not help.[^7] As the memorandum nears signing on Friday, the question remains: can a deal that omits ballistic missiles and ties Israeli withdrawal truly bring stability? IDF and Hezbollah clash on Ali al-Tahar ridge as Israel signals Lebanon action is non-negotiable — IDF and Hezbollah forces are engaged in intense fighting for the strategic Ali al-Tahar ridge in southern Lebanon, with Hezbollah shelling Israeli armored columns near Tabnit at night and the Lebanese army abandoning positions under heavy artillery fire in Nabatieh Al-Fuka.[^1] The battle for the ridge—a key elevation overlooking the border—comes as Israel sends a clear message to the Trump administration: its military freedom of action in Lebanon is not part of the negotiations with Iran, according to an analysis in Israel Hayom.[^2] The same report notes that Neta