"When Trump insisted the war would only end with ‘unconditional surrender’ it never crossed my mind he meant his own."

"The US has circulated its version of the Memo of Understanding with Iran to G7 leaders in France. It’s as bad if not worse than expected. 

— The moment it’s signed (Friday) sanctions on the export of Iran oil are lifted. So the regime can start replenishing its coffers immediately. 

— The US commits to doing nothing to undermine or destabilise the Iranian regime (it started the war to remove it). 

— The US specifically commits to ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz but Iran does not commit specifically to returning the Strait to toll/fee free transit exactly as before the war, with no Iranian control/regulation whatsoever . 

— All sanctions against Iran will be dropped should phase two negotiations go well. And America will withdraw its forces from the region. 

— The US ‘undertakes’ to work with Iran and Gulf allies to create a $300 billion reconstruction package for Iran. So America will now become a partner with the tyrants of Tehran, who Trump only recently wanted to overthrow, in rebuilding their economy. 

— All matters related to Iran’s nuclear capabilities are kicked into the ‘final agreement’ in 60 days time (or longer if necessary). 

— No mention of Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities or its financing of terrorist proxies. 

"And that’s just about it. When Trump insisted the war would only end with ‘unconditional surrender’ it never crossed my mind he meant his own."

~ Andrew Neil