President Donald Trump signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding with Iran on Wednesday, aiming to end the war and outline a framework for dismantling Iran’s nuclear program. The agreement was signed at the Palace of Versailles, with Trump insisting that it take effect immediately.

Background

The agreement came after months of war, which had become a drag on the global economy and Trump’s own popularity. Trump’s national security team had been pushing for an off-ramp, and the president had decided to press for a general agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and outline a broad framework on dismantling Iran’s nuclear program.

The signing of the agreement was the culmination of a mad dash to finalize the accord, with Trump’s top diplomat receiving word that the document had been finalized on the way to the palace. Despite initial plans for a signing ceremony in Switzerland, Trump insisted on signing the agreement immediately, with French President Emmanuel Macron arranging for a printer to produce the document.

Reactions

The agreement has been met with criticism from some of Trump’s supporters, who see it as a capitulation that offers concessions to Tehran while extracting little in return. Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker criticized the agreement, saying that a $300 billion reconstruction fund included in the agreement makes the payments in the Obama-era Iran nuclear deal ‘look like a pittance.’

Trump has defended the agreement, saying that it was US military dominance that brought Iran to negotiations in the first place. ‘We didn’t meet out of desperation, Iran did. They are FINISHED!’ he wrote on social media.

Original reporting: KTVZ (Central Oregon) — read the source article.