Absolutely the right thing - the only other choice was escalation.

Trump deserves credit here - if LBJ had the courage to end the war in Vietnam in 1965, we all would have been better off. It takes courage to change course - most presidents would not do it. Trump did.

Still, it is the only the least-worst option. The deal is a complete capitulation.

And I will enjoy hearing from people who opposed the JCPOA, which was much better for the US than this. People on this board loved to talk about "pallettes of cash"; now we have this: "The United States of America undertakes with regional partners to develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least USD 300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Wow!

"The United States of America undertakes to terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions."

The JCPOA kept most US sanctions in place.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirms that it shall not procure or develop nuclear weapons." They said the same thing in the opening words of the JCPOA.

"US Department of Treasury will issue waivers for the export of Iranian crude oil, petroleum products, and derivatives, and all associated services, including banking transactions, insurances, transportation, etc. " and "The United States of America undertakes to make fully available for use the frozen or restricted funds and assets of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Wow!

Also: This will not be submitted to congress for a vote. You guys used to bitch about that.

Also: "Upon the signing of MOU, the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge, for 60 days only." Weirdly worded. What happens on day 61?

Overall, a complete capitulation...but better than an invasion, which was the only other real option. The strait needed to be open. All other interests were secondary.


Link: https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/17/politics/us-iran-memo-annotated-intl-vis