It’s a challenge to ascertain the state of play in our conflict with Iran, let alone the ultimate demands of the Trump administration to resolve it. Today’s Wall Street Journal carries an editorial that in part reports on the administration’s demands. From its discussions with senior officials, the Journal editors articulate the U.S. red lines in talks to resolve the conflict as follows:
The U.S. says it needs Iran’s attestation that it doesn’t seek nuclear weapons; the dismantlement of the Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan facilities; a ban on underground nuclear work; and on-demand inspections with penalties for violations. The U.S. seeks a 20-year moratorium on Iranian nuclear enrichment and demands the handover of all enriched nuclear material.
Iran would have to reopen Hormuz—gradually, as the U.S. relaxes its blockade, and then fully with the final deal. Most U.S. sanctions relief would be tied to Iran’s performance of the deal, not merely its signing, though some assets could be unfrozen to begin.
The Journal’s editorial is headlined “The deal with the Iranian regime.” We shall see.
