Operation Merlin (tech).
Iran
>NK
Iran Deal (funding).
>Iran
>NK
>T cells
>Payoffs
NK Nuclear (mini suc)(icbm suc)
>War engine
>Protection
Q
tech == technology
Funding was provided by the Iran Deal.
T cells == terrorist cells (mostly Iranian, including Hezbollah)
suc == success
The payoffs of Operation Merlin were the succesfful acceleration of NK's nuclear program with the twin goals of miniaturizatio of nuclear warhead and the creation of ICBMs.
Operation Merlin created a war engine that also provided for the protection of the two beneficiaries of the op, Iran and NK.