US-Iran 'deal' reinforces Trump trend

The recent agreement between the United States and Iran to cease their war aligns with a discernible pattern from former President Donald Trump's tenure, where the act of signing a deal often overshadows the intricate details, which are frequently relegated to secondary importance.

This conflict has proven disastrous, resulting in over 3,400 deaths, extensive damage to tens of thousands of homes, and global repercussions through disrupted food and energy supplies, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations. The war has also been detrimental to Trump domestically, proving unpopular and contributing to increased petrol and food prices for working-class Americans.

The article recalls Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative, launched shortly before initiating hostilities against Iran based on claims of an "imminent threat", claims that have since been questioned by prominent figures, including his former director of national intelligence. During this meeting, Trump reportedly secured pledges for billions in aid for Gaza, though reconstruction efforts there remain unclear, leaving Gaza in a humanitarian crisis after extensive Israeli bombing.

A pattern has emerged where the "announcement effect" of a signed deal appears to be Trump's primary objective, with the substance of the agreement taking a backseat. While the current memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, which establishes a 60-day period for negotiating details and includes phased release of frozen Iranian funds contingent on actions like uranium enrichment reduction, is a positive step toward a ceasefire, its long-term impact remains to be seen.

It is important to contextualize this development. The war, initiated by President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has inflicted immense damage not only on Iran and Israel but also on Gulf states, the broader Middle East, the global economy, and America's international standing and credibility.