Former Mossad Official Says Iran Deal Chances Are Almost Zero
Ayal Tzir Cohen warns that reported progress toward a memorandum of understanding with Iran is unrealistic and says Tehran is not ready to compromise

A former senior Israeli security official is casting serious doubt on reports that the United States and Iran are moving closer to a deal that could end the current conflict.
Speaking to 103FM, Ayal Tzir Cohen, a former senior official in the Shin Bet and Mossad, said the chances of reaching an agreement with Iran are “very low to almost zero,” despite reports that the White House believes progress is being made toward a dramatic memorandum of understanding.
According to the report, American officials believe the sides may be approaching a framework that would include the removal of enriched uranium from Iran. However, Iranian officials have pushed back publicly, with one senior parliament member describing the American report as disconnected from reality.
Tzir Cohen rejected the optimism, arguing that Washington is facing tactical pressure due to the presence of thousands of American naval personnel in the Gulf and the need to present a humanitarian or defensive move regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
He said the Iranian side is not ready for meaningful compromise, especially on the nuclear issue. Referring to recent Iranian proposals, he called them unserious and said they show that Tehran is not prepared to address the core issues behind the negotiations.
Tzir Cohen also criticized the 2015 nuclear deal, arguing that it only delayed the problem while allowing Iran’s research and development to continue. He warned that as restrictions expire in the coming years, Iran will move closer to legitimacy for its nuclear program.
According to him, any new agreement must be backed by several forms of pressure at the same time. He pointed to continued military pressure, stronger economic action against Iranian funds abroad, and political efforts aimed at weakening the regime.
“The last word has not been said,” he warned, adding that Israel and the United States must operate on multiple fronts if they want to reach a truly effective agreement.