Putting an end to Iran’s horrific nuclear ambitions is a task that should not be left half-finished, which explains the consternation with which reports of President Trump’s initial peace agreement were met on Sunday morning.
There was a lot of “to work on later,” “trust us” and “on principles” in the leaked agreement, and initial reports suggest that Iran has received a lifeline while offering little in return.
Because of the blockade, the regime is facing an oil storage crisis that is paralyzing its economy and will soon force it to stop production. Allowing Tehran to export this crude oil through the reopened Strait of Hormuz within 60 days, raising money and buying time while exploiting the United States, robs it of a key piece of influence.
Meanwhile, Iran appears to be playing the same games it has always played. It has played cautiously on whether it has actually agreed to give up enriched uranium and halt its pursuit of nuclear weapons. It insisted that a ceasefire against Hezbollah in Lebanon be part of the agreement.
The situation improved later on Sunday. President Trump insisted that he would not rush to reach an agreement, and rightly said that the blockade would remain in full force in the meantime. A senior official said that Iran will adhere to its obligations and will not receive any relief from sanctions without taking concrete measures. “No dust, no dollars.” It is reassuring that the administration wants to reach an agreement that prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon in return ContractsAnd not just in the short term.
Over the next few days, it is essential that Iran agrees on how, where and when its uranium will be disposed of before the blockade is lifted. The uranium must be in safe hands before any money can be released. “In principles” is not allowed.
We need to reach an agreement on nuclear weapons that provides for inspection and verification. No “trust us”.
In addition to halting its nuclear ambitions, Tehran must also agree to restrictions on its missile and drone programs. One of the many failures of the Obama nuclear deal was that Iran continued to fund and arm its proxies — including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis — to attack our allies.
Faced with the clear chance of a popular uprising, the destruction of military capacity, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran is weaker than ever. We cannot give them a chance to rebuild and entrench. Trump’s attacks may have crippled their weapons program, but rebuilding it won’t take long, especially with help from Russia and China. Whatever immediate improvement the global economy may see, Iran will be undermined by its resurgent arrogance.
Trump has created the best opportunity any president has ever had to defuse a key member of the axis of evil. He must not let it pass.