The Guardian view on Trump and Iran: a president’s wishful thinking gives way to uncomfortable realities
The memorandum of understanding signed in Versailles lays bare US failure and the pointlessness of this illegal war
TL;DR
- The war on Iran was initiated by Donald Trump's wishful thinking for regime change and to halt Iran's nuclear program.
- A memorandum of understanding signed in Versailles signals the end of the conflict, exposing its pointlessness.
- The deal involves ending the US blockade, unfreezing assets, and lifting sanctions, allowing Iran to export oil before nuclear issues are resolved.
- Despite initial demands for unconditional surrender, Trump is accepting less than was offered before the war.
- The war resulted in the deaths of Iranian leaders, damage to infrastructure, and economic hardship, while Iran's escalatory tactics have succeeded.
- Trump threatens to resume bombing if necessary, and Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to try and wreck the deal.
- The choice is now between an imperfect deal and a return to futile war, requiring pressure, verification, and accountability to succeed.