Trump on U.S.-Iran Agreement: Thanks to China and Russia

After nearly four months of escalating tensions initiated by the U.S. and Israel, the United States and Iran have recently confirmed they will reach an agreement.

On June 14 local time, U.S. President Trump announced on social media that the U.S.-Iran deal "is now complete."

On the same day, during a celebration at the White House marking his 80th birthday, Trump told The New York Times he thanked China and Russia "friends" for their assistance throughout the process.

He said that China and Russia helped Americans and Iranians reach the agreement—or at least refrained from sending oil tankers or other commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, thereby not undermining the U.S. blockade and thus creating conditions for the agreement.

Trump claimed that China "did not send a single oil tanker, nor 20 destroyers on each side, attempting to break (the U.S. blockade of) the Strait of Hormuz."

However, Trump strongly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu for launching attacks that nearly derailed the final agreement.

"He's a very difficult person," Trump said about Netanyahu. "Frankly, he should be very grateful to us. Because if Iran had nuclear weapons, Israel wouldn't last two hours."

The New York Times reported that China is Iran's largest buyer of oil. During the U.S.-Iran conflict, China maintained caution and actively promoted negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. Similarly, Russia has consistently tried to position itself as a "diplomatic backchannel" in the war.

The report noted that over recent months, Trump has viewed China as a partner while also seeking to improve relations with Moscow. Despite allegations by U.S. officials that Russia provided Iran with intelligence helpful in targeting U.S. bases in the Middle East, Trump did not mention any "anti-American actions" by Russia.

When asked about China’s role in facilitating the U.S.-Iran agreement, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that since the outbreak of hostilities, China has been actively working toward ending the war and promoting peace, offering the Chinese solution to eliminate conflict and secure peace. China has played a crucial role in further consolidating international consensus, which has been widely welcomed by regional countries and the international community.

At Beijing time on June 15, the United States, Iran, and the Pakistani mediators involved in the U.S.-Iran negotiations jointly confirmed that both sides had reached a Memorandum of Understanding, scheduled to be signed on June 19 in Geneva, Switzerland.

In an interview on June 14, Trump stated that under the agreement he reached with Iran, the Strait of Hormuz would be permanently open free of charge. He also insisted that if Iran fails to reach a final nuclear deal with the U.S., he would either restart military strikes against Tehran or make the U.S. the "guardian of the Middle East" in exchange for 20% of the region’s revenue.

At dawn on June 15, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that the final text of the U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding had been finalized, and the maritime blockade against Iran would be immediately and fully lifted. Once the other party fulfills its commitments under the memorandum, talks on the final agreement will begin.

On the same day, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi stated that two actions would take effect immediately starting June 15: first, a permanent and immediate end to all warfare across every front, including in Lebanon; second, the U.S. lifting and terminating its maritime blockade of Iran. Iran’s commitments will take effect officially after being signed this Friday.

Gharibabadi said that following the ceasefire, the lifting of the maritime blockade, and the beginning of unfreezing Iranian assets, both sides will enter a 60-day negotiation period to discuss the final agreement. If the "other side defaults," Iran will take corresponding measures, and Iran’s armed forces "have their fingers always on the trigger."

Gharibabadi added that during the 60-day final agreement negotiations, both sides will address issues including nuclear matters, the lifting of U.S. sanctions on Iran, rebuilding Iran’s economic mechanisms, and establishing verification mechanisms for all commitments. He also confirmed that a statement regarding the agreement with the U.S. will soon be released by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. At that time, the Iranian public will be able to see Iran’s achievements and commitments—“our accomplishments far exceed our promises.”

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1868113785508939/

Disclaimer: This article represents the personal views of the author.