Shafaqna Pakistan: With a framework agreement for peace with Iran now in place, US President Donald Trump may have found a path toward disengaging from a conflict that had become increasingly unpopular, while also helping to calm global markets and ease energy prices that surged during the crisis.
However, the agreement appears to fall short of several objectives that Trump had outlined at the outset of the conflict. As a result, he could face criticism from more hawkish members of his own political camp, while some observers may argue that the United States has not achieved all of its strategic goals.
More than three months after military action against Iran began, Trump approved a memorandum of understanding on Sunday that represents the most significant breakthrough in peace efforts so far. The framework includes Iran’s commitment to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a move that could help stabilise energy markets and reduce fuel prices, including gasoline costs in the United States.
At the same time, the Pakistani-mediated deal – the text of which was not immediately released – also apparently calls for significant US concessions, including deferring discussions over ending Iran’s nuclear programme, Trump’s main stated war objective.
Trump’s pursuit of an exit plan has intensified amid growing pressure to end a war that has killed thousands, inflicted economic pain at home and driven down his approval ratings just months ahead of November’s US midterm elections. His Republican Party is struggling to maintain control of Congress.
In the run-up to Sunday’s announcement, his efforts, however, had already faced pushback from Iran hawks in Washington who warned about giving up too much to Tehran.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump said in a social media post on his 80th birthday. Shortly afterwards, Iran confirmed the accord, which is due to be signed on Friday but will leave many critical questions unanswered.
The two sides have put forth sometimes conflicting interpretations of the framework, which is meant to extend the current ceasefire for 60 days to allow for detailed talks to permanently end a war that has created an unprecedented global energy supply shock.
Trump also faces the prospect of the US looking weakened, while Iran, though battered militarily and economically, could end up with greater leverage, analysts say.
Although there is little doubt that US and Israeli strikes heavily degraded Iran’s military capabilities, Tehran has shown it can survive an onslaught while throttling one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
The White House did not respond to Reuters’ questions for this story.
Source: Dunya News
