As he prepared to sign his “memorandum of understanding” with the Islamic dictatorship of Iran, President Trump again insisted that his deal was much different than that of his predecessor, President Barack Obama.
He’s right — it’s probably worse.
Obama’s treaty did not prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, it simply punted the issue down the road in exchange for cash.
Trump’s agreement has the same vague promises, the same payouts, but with the added twist that Iran can and will take the world hostage by shutting the Strait of Hormuz at will.
On Friday, just days after the signing of the MOU, Iran moved to close the Strait, saying no ships could cross without its permission and suggesting that “insurance fees” must be paid.
This isn’t in violation of the deal.
This is part of the deal.
Point No. 5: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will conduct dialog with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz.”
Why would opening the door for “administration” of a previously free international waterway even be part this agreement?
How is this in any way the “unconditional surrender” Trump described?
The deal contains just one condition Trump previously said was required of Iran.
It’s No. 7: “Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons.”
“Reaffirm” — because that’s what Iran has always claimed.
If they suddenly mean it, it would be a win.
The rest of the 14-point plan is almost entirely about what Iran gets: Immediate sanctions relief on exported oil.
Protection of Hezbollah from Israeli attack.
And the possibility of a $300 billion reconstruction fund if all goes well with the next round of talks.
No mention of Iran reining in its terror proxies in Gaza, Lebanon and Yemen.
No restriction on conventional weapons.
No mechanism to surrender the enriched uranium it has already created.
No regime change or mercy for protesters.
Trump had claimed Iran was days away from economic collapse because of the blockade.
He said Iran’s navy and air force were “decimated.”
This is the best deal we could get with the leverage we had?
The president hasn’t just moved the goalposts, he’s changed the sport, the venue and the rules simply to declare a win.
This isn’t what Trump’s voters want, despite the claims of the Tucker Carlson’s of the world.
Among self-identified MAGA Republicans, 51% favor regime change, while 25% back a negotiated settlement, according to a new Reagan Institute Summer Survey.
This shouldn’t be about the podcasters, it’s about the people.
Trump is betraying his base — and his allies.
Speaking of allies, Vice President J.D. Vance responded to Israeli criticism of the deal with a thuggish threat, suggesting they not attack “the only powerful ally [they] have anywhere left in the entire world.”
Israel has been a staunch defender of American interests in the region.
Vance pays them back with a “nice country you have there, shame if anything happened to it”?
This comes on the heel of Trump needlessly insulting Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth looking for ways to weaken Europe.
What’s the plan here?
Make sure we have no friends left?
The administration says the MOU is just a first step.
Iran won’t get full sanctions relief unless it agrees to a larger deal over the next 60 days.
But Iran has already delayed negotiations, with Vance cancelling a trip to Switzerland.
The more time that passes, the more Iran realizes that the threat of renewed US strikes is a fiction.
They can “tap us along” until the midterms and beyond.
Trump is already signaling as much, by ridiculously claiming the son of the ayatollah taking over is “regime change” and the MOU is a victory.
Your voters aren’t buying it, Mr. President.
This memorandum is not the end, and the first sign of betrayal by Iran must be treated as the last — with renewed action to stop its evil.
Already, Iran has shown it will leverage the Strait and blackmail the world once US ships have left.
This cannot be allowed.
Don’t make the same mistake Obama did.