Former national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned that the United States has reached a 'strategic dead end' in its confrontation with Iran, cautioning that there is no simple solution to the standoff. Speaking at a security conference in Netanya, he said any path toward a new agreement with Tehran would be complex and could risk further American military action. He also noted that Iran has strengthened its operational ability to threaten the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could raise global energy prices and affect American consumers.

Sullivan argued that prospects for expanding regional normalization agreements remain stalled, particularly with Saudi Arabia insisting that recognition of Israel be tied to a credible path toward a Palestinian state. He said Israel's current political leadership has shown little interest in advancing such a path, calling it a fundamental obstacle to broader regional progress. He also suggested that ongoing conflict has deepened tensions between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates rather than improving regional stability.

Addressing relations between Washington and Jerusalem, Sullivan pointed to a growing divide between the American public and Israel's current government. He said many Americans increasingly view the interests of the two countries as diverging, especially regarding Iran, prompting questions about future military assistance. Sullivan concluded by urging Israeli leaders to maintain close dialogue with American counterparts and emphasized that the future of bilateral relations would depend heavily on progress toward a two-state solution.