Iran is unlikely to abandon their assets as part of talks, says former Ambassador Puneet Talwar

Summary

Former senior White House Iran adviser Puneet Talwar expects Iran to compromise but not abandon key strategic assets like the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear program, and regional proxies. The U.S. has lost leverage with military threat no longer credible and oil sanctions temporarily waived. The Strait of Hormuz risk remains elevated as Iran has demonstrated control and may charge fees, while any nuclear deal would likely involve only routine inspections, leaving the situation fragile and Israel discontent.

• Iran likely to retain key deterrents (Strait, nuclear, proxies) despite talks.
• U.S. oil sanctions waiver reduces economic leverage over Iran.
• Iran may impose fees or coordination demands for Strait of Hormuz transit.
• Nuclear inspections progress is limited to routine NPT measures, not robust verification.
• U.S. seeks to wind down conflict, diverging from Israel's existential threat view.