UPDATE: Since I wrote this, the administration has released the final version of the 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU), discussed below in its draft form. The released version is certainly wordier, but it is still so Iran-friendly as to look like we never bombed the hell out of them and won the war (presumably).
As for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, it still does not bar “fees” being charged. It also releases assets currently frozen by sanctions and other actions, in addition to the promised $300 billion redevelopment fund.
Regarding Iran’s fissionable nuclear material, the MOU cops out completely, saying that it only need be “down blended,” which means it could also be “up-blended” in the future to develop nuclear weapons.
My original post follows:
Wow, I can’t believe what I just read. The Wall Street Journal has released a copy of the draft of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to be signed by U.S. and Iranian representatives this Friday. From what I’ve read, I’d say that Iran comes out the winner.
The deal even makes Barack Obama’s generosity, dollar-wise, look like a pittance. This MOU pledges $300 billion for the redevelopment of Iran! The language also gives Iran so much wiggle room in the Strait of Hormuz that it could indeed control the passageway from now into eternity.
Look at this language and its “requirement” for Iran to open up traffic through the Strait:
“…the Islamic Republic of Iran will immediately take steps to ensure that the movement of merchant ships from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa is resumed within 30 days to the pre-war volume, taking into account the need for the removal of technical obstacles and the neutralization of mines by Iran.”
Uh, huh. Do you seen any mention that Iran cannot charge tolls, or what it’s calling them in its latest statements, “fees”? How about “take steps”? Anyone care to define that?
The first three statements pledge both countries to cease hostilities and respect each other’s sovereignty. Which means, to my way of reading it, that once the U.S. or Israel bombs either Iran or Hezbollah in Lebanon, Iran is free to retaliate. Bombs away! Or rather, missiles and drones away!
The last section is probably the one that convinced President TACO (Trump Always Chickens Out) to approve the MOU. The first sentence states emphatically, “The Islamic Republic of Iran reiterates that it will never produce nuclear weapons.” Okay, how about buying them?
It then goes on to open a 60-day window to discuss “the fate of [Iran’s] enriched material and the fate of all other mutually agreed nuclear-related issues, including Iran’s nuclear needs….”
Whaddya wanna bet that those 60 days become 100, then 150, then…suddenly, all is forgotten?
Iranian leaders must be laughing all the way to the bank, and to their Strait of Hormuz toll booths.
