For Iran, a new ceasefire means big gains. But Trump's war goals fall short.
www.csmonitor.com

... The ceasefire deal inked by the United States and Iran on Wednesday, aimed at bringing an end to their costly and destructive war, has been touted a strategic victory by the Islamic Republic " while coming up short on achieving U.S. goals articulated by President Donald Trump.

The agreement grants Iran sizable economic incentives in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz and for Tehran's assurances -- as it has done for many years -- that it will not develop a nuclear weapon.

Mr. Trump touted the 14-point plan to end the war, which he launched jointly with Israel in a surprise attack against Iran on Feb. 28, while a previous round of negotiations was underway.

But the provisions of the new memorandum of understanding, or MoU, fall far short of Mr. Trump's original stated goals of toppling the Islamic Republic: destroying its nuclear program, missile arsenal, and regional network of proxy forces; and forcing Tehran into "unconditional surrender."

Instead, Iran can immediately begin selling oil, with complete sanctions relief, and access a reconstruction fund of "at least" $300 billion after a final deal is reached that would impose strict limits on Iran's nuclear program. ...