The fourth point rewards Iran for its predictable closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with the U.S. “begin(ning) the removal of its naval blockade and any disturbances or impediments against” Iran … “immediately.” And that’s before we consider the promise to “fully” end the naval blockade within 30 days and remove U.S. forces from the region after the final deal — a final deal that Trump will no doubt be absolutely desperate to achieve. The fifth point is another empty promise, this time for Iran
to use its “best efforts” to guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels, and acts as the opposite of a palate cleanser to prepare us for the sixth point — the development of a $300-billion-plus plan “for the reconstruction and economic development” of Iran. But don’t worry! Vance has informed us that this money will go to buying American crops, or something. Point seven is equally horrific, with the U.S. looking to “terminate all types of sanctions” levelled against Iran as “part of the final
deal,” with both Iran and the U.S. “acknowledging the critical importance of the sanctions termination issue.” Iran thinks it’s important to remove sanctions against them? No way!
Strait of Hormuz, Iran sanctions, naval blockade, memorandum of understanding, reconstruction plan, $300 billion, safe passage, U.S. forces