Erik Martin downplays the exact signing location, emphasizing the deal's substance for the Trump administration. He notes the deal is a starting point for tough negotiations, with ambiguous terms on nuclear material and Strait reopening allowing each side to claim a win but also creating future conflict risk. He identifies Pakistan, UAE, and Qatar as intermediaries, with VP Vance leading and Witkoff/Kushner handling details.

Dan Williams explains Israel is deeply unhappy with the emerging Iran deal, viewing it as leaving Iran with residual nuclear and missile capacity and empowering it. He notes Netanyahu faces a political liability ahead of elections, as the deal falls short of his 'total victory' promise. Lebanon remains a major sticking point, with Israel unwilling to withdraw from its buffer zone, while Iran insists on a ceasefire on all fronts including Hezbollah.