Uzi Rabi: A hidden dialogue is taking place between Donald Trump and IRGC commander Ahmad Vahidi

Prof. Uzi Rabi, a senior researcher at the Dayan Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Tel Aviv University, spoke on Monday with Yinon Magal and Ben Caspit on 103FM regarding US President Donald Trump's comments that Washington is "lowering its profile" on the Iran issue, as well as Tehran's demands for opening the Strait of Hormuz. Rabi also addressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition to the Peace Council's 15-point plan for Gaza.

Prof. Rabi stated that recent developments are problematic for Israel: "We are operating within a reality much larger than our perimeter. Israel must understand what is happening and formulate a course of action to address these situations. There are many developments here; some are unexpected, some are problematic, and some offer advantages."

Responding to President Trump's remarks about maintaining a "low profile" on Iran and Tehran's demands for collecting tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, he said: "God forbid. If Iran uses the leverage of Hormuz not just as a rhetorical asset, but as a means to generate revenue and assert regional hegemony, the cost outweighs the benefit."

"Iran did not have this before," he reminded. "Trump is doing things that I do not want to interpret. I fear he is trying to gradually redefine the concept of 'victory' to create an exit path for himself."

He emphasized that Trump's decisions should be judged by actions: "The real dialogue I am focusing on is not between Iran and Oman. There is a hidden dialogue between Trump and the commander of the Revolutionary Guards, Ahmad Vahidi. When I heard him yesterday raise the bar of demands regarding Hormuz, I understood that he is reacting to what he interprets as American weakness."

"Israel should not rely on this anymore. It must take care of its own interests."

Addressing the perceived "American weakness," he urged Jerusalem to act independently: "I do not know if this weakness is permanent, but his conduct increases the price for Iran. It demands more and its appetite grows. I hope he knows what he is doing, but in any case, Israel must prioritize its own interests."

Finally, discussing Netanyahu's opposition to the 15-point plan for Gaza, Rabi noted: "I do not believe a resistance organization will voluntarily hand over its weapons. It is possible Hamas is trying to achieve a fake demilitarization. Israel is strictly forbidden from taking an irreversible step in exchange for something reversible. With two-thirds of Gaza in your hands, a wholesale withdrawal in exchange for an agreement would be a tragedy for generations."