National security adviser Jake Sullivan has indicated that there is a significant opportunity for President-elect Donald Trump to play a crucial role in securing an Iran nuclear deal. Sullivan emphasized the real risk posed by Iran potentially reconsidering its nuclear doctrine following the impact of the Assad regime in Syria, which has had a profound effect on Middle Eastern politics in a short span of time.
Sullivan mentioned that he personally briefed the incoming team on the risk during his recent visit to Israel, where he consulted with Israeli officials. He highlighted that Iran's conventional capability, proxies, and main client state have all been diminished in Syria, leading to concerns within Iran about the need to pursue a nuclear weapon.
