President Donald Trump has made it abundantly clear that he desperately wants out of this Iran war. His desire to extract himself from this quagmire and put this whole mess behind him has been clear for a long time.
The Memorandum of Understanding which was recently signed is essentially an agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days on Iran’s terms. Many Republican lawmakers are privately appalled by the terms of this deal, and an increasing number are saying it aloud.
This memorandum essentially gives Iran everything that it could have possibly wished for.
Under the deal, the status of Iran’s nuclear program remains unchanged while negotiations continue; the United States commits not to interfere with Iran’s internal affairs; agrees to a withdrawal of all forces from Iran and vows not increase forces in the region; and ends all sanctions on Iranian oil and energy products.
In addition, the deal includes a permanent cease fire on all fronts, including Lebanon, and the opening of the Strait of Hormuz “under Iranian arrangements.” The United States and its allies will also provide Iran with at least $300 billion in reconstruction funds and agree to unfreeze approximately $100 billion in frozen and restricted Iranian assets.
The one major concession by Iran is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days without charging tolls. The memorandum leaves open the possibility of tolls or other fees after that date.
This agreement gives Iran sanction relief; access to massive financial benefits; a pathway to restore its oil exports; and no restrictions on its ballistic missile capabilities. All of this while keeping their strategic leverage on the Strait of Hormuz fully intact.
