‘We Have Lost’: Trump’s Iran Deal Sparks Fury In Washington

President Donald Trump’s agreement with Iran is facing fierce criticism across Washington, with supporters and opponents alike warning the deal risks leaving Tehran stronger, richer and more influential than before the war.

While Trump has hailed the memorandum of understanding as a historic breakthrough, critics argue it delivers major concessions to Iran while securing few concrete gains for the United States.

Critics Question Whether War Goals Were Achieved

The agreement launches a 60-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a permanent settlement between Washington and Tehran.

However, analysts note that many of the objectives Trump cited when launching the conflict remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme, ballistic missile capabilities and regional influence.

Former US negotiator Aaron David Miller said America had deployed its power "foolishly and recklessly" and warned that Washington had lost leverage rather than gained it.

"We have lost, vis-a-vis Iran, a lot of power and influence," Miller said.

Iran Set To Receive Major Economic Benefits

One of the biggest flashpoints is the economic package attached to the agreement.

The deal would ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports, lift the naval blockade around Iranian ports and create a pathway for Tehran to regain access to frozen overseas assets.

Critics argue Iran could receive substantial financial benefits before agreeing to meaningful restrictions on its nuclear programme.

Former intelligence officer Alan Pino said Tehran appeared positioned to receive significant economic relief without fully meeting American demands.

Nuclear Questions Remain Unanswered

The memorandum contains only broad language regarding Iran's nuclear activities.

While Tehran has pledged not to pursue nuclear weapons, critics note that the agreement does not explicitly prohibit future uranium enrichment and leaves key details to future negotiations.

Some experts argue Iran is offering little in return because its nuclear infrastructure was already heavily damaged during the conflict.

Battle Of Endurance Favoured Tehran

Analysts say the agreement reflects a contest of endurance rather than military victory.

Iran's disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz sent shockwaves through global energy markets and increased pressure on Washington to find a resolution.

Former CIA analyst William Usher said both sides were racing against the clock, but Iran ultimately proved more patient.

"The US clock wound down first because concerns about rising energy prices hit a fever pitch," he said.

"Iran basically got paid to reopen the strait."

Gulf States Shift Towards Accommodation

The agreement has also accelerated changes across the Gulf region.

Countries that initially supported US military operations are now adopting a more conciliatory approach toward Tehran.

Diplomats say Gulf governments increasingly doubt Washington's ability to shield them from future Iranian retaliation and are moving to reduce tensions directly with Tehran.

America Remains Dominant Despite Criticism

Despite the backlash, some analysts caution against declaring a broader collapse of American influence.

They note that the conflict was ultimately dominated by the United States, Israel and Iran, with other global powers largely sidelined.

Miller argued that while the agreement may represent a strategic setback, Washington remains the region's most influential external power.

"The US is still the only game in town," he said.

SOURCE

When Trump said "if its not a great deal were not making it" everyone thought he meant for the US, only now we realise he meant for Iran.

Thank you President Trump for being the first US President in modern history to give Israel the bum's rush. Thank you.

https://www.timesofisrael.com/poll-71-of-israelis-dont-trust-trump-to-look-out-for-them-in-iran-deal-just-11-say-israel-won-war/

I wonder whether Trump was aware of the symbolism involved in signing this in Versailles?

Trump’s Iran deal is ‘worst foreign policy blunder in decades’, say Republicans

 

"US President Donald Trump’s deal with Iran has opened a rare breach with Republican hawks, who warn that the agreement falls far short of the sweeping victory he promised and could leave Tehran richer, stronger and still able to threaten the region.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed by Trump in France, is aimed at ending months of conflict, reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz and stabilising energy markets after a war that drove up oil prices and raised fears of a wider Middle East crisis.

But the terms have alarmed some of the same Republicans who spent years denouncing Democratic former President Barack Obama’s 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran as dangerously weak.

They have voiced concerns that Trump is offering Iran sanctions relief, access to oil markets and the prospect of a US$300 billion ($521 billion) reconstruction fund while failing to secure firm commitments on uranium enrichment, ballistic missiles or Tehran’s support for armed proxies.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy wrote on X that former President and Republican icon Ronald Reagan would be “rolling over in his grave”, calling the agreement “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades”.

Pulling no punches, he said: “Before the war the strait was open, Iran was being crushed by sanctions, and 13 service members were still alive.

“Now, 13 Americans are dead, families have paid billions at the pump, sanctions will be lifted, and the bombing has stopped.”

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/trumps-iran-deal-is-worst-foreign-policy-blunder-in-decades-say-republicans/NK2PKDELHBCORE6QLKPK2VCZCY/

AND….Hezbollah said its fighters were engaged in fresh clashes with the Israeli military on Thursday, hours after Lebanese state media reported that Israeli strikes in the south killed three people.

The fighting came a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement to end the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon.

So Israel seemingly doesn't give a toss about the MOU/agreement signed by dumb donny!!Who'd have thunk it? LOL