Paradox of leverage: a weakened Iran could gain influence

Despite military setbacks, Iran could leverage the war to rebuild its regional influence as the Middle East becomes more fragmented, with ‘pragmatists’ pushing for a Washington deal whose sanctions relief and asset access are conditional on Tehran’s behavior and nuclear progress; economists warn relief won’t fix structural economic problems without broader reforms, and many Iranians feel the deal ignores ordinary people while US credibility remains in question.