United States pivots to Plan B as Iran nuclear memorandum stalls

The United States is moving away from an earlier “Plan A” that sought to topple Iran after the anticipated popular uprising failed and the nuclear memorandum with Tehran stalled. Under the newly outlined “Plan B,” the Trump administration proposes a nuclear agreement that would subject Iran to intrusive, surprise inspections by the IAEA at secret underground sites and interrogations of scientists, aiming to strip its nuclear capabilities.

The plan also intends to neutralize regional opposition groups: it calls for a separate disarmament deal with compliant Lebanese factions to curb Hezbollah, draws on a Vietnam‑style “strategic hamlet” concept to relocate Palestinian resistance, and backs a U.S.-appointed Iraqi prime minister, Ali al‑Zaidi, to disarm Iraqi militias. Additionally, it includes an effort to open a U.S.-controlled corridor through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz. Critics argue the scheme lacks legitimacy under Lebanese law, serves broader Israeli hegemonic goals, and its viability remains uncertain.