Sunday’s breakthrough in nuclear negotiations between Iran and the international community in Geneva is an important geopolitical development that will affect the Middle East for years to come. Iran emerged as winner, not only was it able to get international recognition for its controversial nuclear program after more than a decade of futile bargaining, but because it managed to create needed momentum to end its isolation and be accepted as a de facto regional power. The repercussions of the six-month interim agreement are being felt across this turbulent region. It is only natural that most Gulf countries view this development with suspicion.

Israel, on the other hand, has rejected the deal completely despite Washington’s reassurances, indicating a major rift between the US and its Hebrew ally. There are concerns that Israel may retaliate by derailing current peace talks with the Palestinians, hosted by the US.

The details of the deal remain sketchy, but what we already know indicates that Tehran got most of what it wanted: Its nuclear program has gained legitimacy, its right to enrich uranium, at 5 percent, is no longer disputed and it is able to keep its centrifuges working to produce needed fuel. On its part it agreed to open its facilities to regular international inspection and to halt development of the Arak heavy water reactor, which could produce weapon grade plutonium. In return the West will ease economic sanctions that has strangled the Iranian economy, allow Tehran to have access to billions of dollars of its own money and remove restrictions on trade with the world.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s reaction to the deal underlined its importance for the country. He has welcomed the deal and said it will open the way for future big strides in technical and economic progress. Traditionally Khamenei represented the position of Iran’s hard-liners on the nuclear issue.

But in addition to all the immediate gains, both strategic and economic, the interim deal is bound to change Iran’s regional and international standing. After years of isolation, Tehran is now in a position to open up to Europe and the United States. Relations with the West began to thaw after the election last June of reformist Hassan Rowhani as president. Rowhani moved quickly to dispense with the legacy of his predecessor, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, whose fiery statements only added to Iran’s isolation.

But Iran’s rehabilitation will take time. The US, which backed the diplomatic course in spite of objections from key regional allies, will have to convince both Israel and weary Gulf states that the latest deal will not change Washington’s policies in the region. But already some observers believe the possible US-Iran rapprochement could tilt the balance of power in the Middle East, resulting in additional gains for Tehran.

President Obama has hailed the new deal, despite criticism from key members of Congress, but underlined the need for more work. His assurances to Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu have failed to convince the Israelis of the veracity of the latest deal. Netanyahu has described the deal as a “historic mistake” and said he was not bound by the agreement. In the view of the Israelis Iran cannot be trusted. Some Arab states may share that view too.

But in reality the deal is good for Israel, as well as others, because it will ensure that Iran’s nuclear program will remain a peaceful one. On the other hand, the latest agreement will shift attention to Israel’s own clandestine nuclear program and its refusal to open its facilities to international inspection.

For its Gulf allies, the US will have to make the case that the new relationship with Tehran will not be at the expense of common interests or other regional issues. This will be a tough assignment for Washington. The biggest test will be on the Syrian conflict where Iran has played a major role in supporting the regime of President Bashar Assad.

The Syrian opposition is against Iranian participation in the proposed peace talks on Syria. But the latest nuclear deal will embolden Tehran’s position. It is not clear how Washington will react to this point in particular.

It is expected that Iran will make sure to honor its commitments under the interim deal. US Secretary of State John Kerry has talked about verification as the only way to ensure Tehran’s compliance. The deal has offered Tehran a golden opportunity to reposition itself in regional and world politics. This could enhance its controversial actions in Iraq, Syria and Lebanon, adding to Arab suspicions and fears.

On the other hand, the latest accord could present a rare chance to launch an era of reconciliation between Tehran and its neighbors. The Syrian battleground could become the launching pad for such understanding. It is important that Arab countries adopt a united position on Iran, but keep the door open for possible reconciliation. Tehran can use its latest diplomatic triumph to make a peaceful gesture to its suspicious neighbors.

• Osama Al Sharif is a journalist and political commentator based in Amman.

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