|
Trending Topics
|
Source: https://www.wsj.com/opinion/iran-deal-donald-trump-cease-fire-nuclear-weapons-e2ce72ef
Trump Stages an Iran Retreat
(Wall Street Journal) Editorial - To reopen the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump is accepting Iran's promises merely to negotiate over its nuclear program. Mr. Trump's willingness to use military force when no one else would has set back Iran's nuclear program, military and industrial base. The result isn't "Obama deal 2.0" because, unlike in 2015, Iran's key nuclear facilities are in rubble and its enrichment of uranium has been halted for the first time in 20 years. Those who say Trump had no alternative ignore that the U.S. blockade was squeezing Iran more by the day, while Iran's blockade was leaking. The memorandum of understanding would defer most matters of the nuclear program to 60 more days of talks, with oil and other sanctions relief along the way in exchange for diplomatic progress. This linkage is crucial, but pushing off the most difficult nuclear issues in talks with "dishonorable people" who don't deal "in good faith," as the President called them on Friday, doesn't inspire confidence. If the regime won't agree to dismantle its nuclear program now, why would it do so after weeks of oil exports and other relief? Iran's new leaders are likely to conclude that Mr. Trump has no desire for more conflict, and they will negotiate accordingly. Congress should scrutinize any final agreement made with Iran - and reject it if it props up a regime that still says "death to America."