This is well beyond “Trust but verify.” No trust, multiple verifications by numerous experts we trust.
As I was preparing a column on higher education waste, I received the news we had a cease fire deal with Iran. Within hours, oil futures dropped five dollars, and stock market futured soared. Then I got this from Reuters.
OK, this is quoting a “senior Iranian official” on the agreement. Who to believe, Reuters or a “senior Iranian official?” Six of one, half dozen of the other. But the critical points that give me negative waves.
Iran says draft US deal includes oil sanctions waiver, nuclear limits and asset release
DUBAI, June 14 (Reuters) – A senior Iranian official told Reuters a final draft of the memorandum of understanding with the U.S. covered a range of issues, from Tehran’s nuclear work to reopening the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. waivers on oil sanctions, with a final deal to be discussed in the 60 days following agreement by the two sides.
The Iranian official said the draft memorandum included the following:
* The U.S. will waive oil sanctions on Iran for a specified period, allowing Tehran to sell oil and receive revenue.
* The U.S. agrees to release $25 billion of Iran’s frozen assets, including via direct cash transfers, cooperation among regional countries, and financial credit lines.
* Washington, in coordination with its regional allies, would prepare a reconstruction and development plan for Iran, to be negotiated and agreed with Tehran within 60 days.
* Tehran agrees that it will neither produce nor acquire nuclear weapons.
* Pending a final agreement, Iran would maintain the current status of its nuclear programme, refraining from further uranium enrichment and expansion of nuclear facilities.
* The United States agrees to allow Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium on Iranian soil under a future comprehensive agreement.
* Iran’s nuclear programme, uranium enrichment activities and mechanisms for handling its stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be negotiated within 60 days of the memorandum and addressed in a final agreement.
A few weeks back I was listening to an interview with a former CIA official about negotiating with Arabs. When the western representative would say, “So we’re done talking about money?” that is when the Arab wanted to start talking about money. Once you thought we had an agreement, they move the goalpost. As an aside to that observation, once they say the nukes and money are done, we need to start talking about them.
Waiving sanctions on Iran? We cannot do that initially. We must ensure the nuclear program is destroyed before that is discussed. They Iranians must understand they will not get any relief until after all nuclear materials are removed from their country and demolished.
Releasing frozen assets? Hopefully this moron is thinking he is dealing with Obama/Kerry. I can’t see Trump/Rubio giving away such a critical chess piece until after the end game, i.e., Iran’s nuke is destroyed. They want a successful operation, not a publicity stunt like the JCPOA.
The promise of ending its nuclear program is not good enough. It must be destroyed, and the demolition verified. If not by US personnel, by trusted foreign experts.
Something I’ve not heard about so far is the status of the Iranian missile program. It must be destroyed as well. A nation that swore its nuclear program was for power only is driving for an ICBM. They already can reach large portions of Europe and Asia, which is not tolerable.
Again, I don’t want to be a downer, and I have faith with the current administration, unlike Obama and Kerry. But verification by western experts and no sanction relief or release of frozen assets until after their WMD program is destroyed is not negotiable.
Michael A. Thiac is a retired Army intelligence officer, with over 23 years experience, including serving in the Republic of Korea, Japan, and the Middle East. He is also a retired police patrol sergeant, with over 22 years’ service, and over ten year’s experience in field training of newly assigned officers. He has been published at The American Thinker, PoliceOne.com, and on his personal blog, A Cop’s Watch.
Opinions expressed are his alone and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of current or former employers.
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