Freelance

In unison, international media in the U.S. and Europe have declared Iran the virtual winner of the current war with the United States. Donald Trump himself had made miserable appearances at the G7 in Evian and Versailles in France and continues posting, on his platform, Truth Social, threats towards Iran, which has several times in the past days declared the Strait of Hormuz again closed (as Israel continues bombing Lebanon).

While in negotiations with the U.S. in the luxury hotel at Lake Lucerne, the Iranian delegation was even threatened by Trump of being abducted (or even assassinated) if Iran does not convince its proxy in Lebanon (the Hizbollah) “not to cause trouble” anymore. Despite, again, progress in the talks. This is utterly reminiscent of what had happened in Geneva on the eve of 28 February when Israel and the U.S. started their unprovoked war.

The Iranian delegation (led by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker of the Parliament Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf) so far, sticks to the Memorandum of Understanding, where, in item #1, Lebanon is mentioned three times. For Iran, ceasefire in Lebanon is a prerequisite for further implementation.

I suppose, both Trump and his Vice President, J.D. Vance, who leads, this time, the American delegation, know what is at stake. And, despite Trump’s threats, rants, insults, the Iranians play along albeit remain principled.

Interestingly, Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has posted, on X, the following.

… As you have been informed, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the presidents of Iran and the United States of America. In the course of reaching this stage, the officials in charge, out of sincere concern and goodwill, made extensive efforts—and of course, it was the American president who, out of desperation, used all kinds of leverage to bring this about.

I, as a matter of principle, held a different view [on the MoU]; however, out of the commitment that the esteemed president—as the head of the Supreme National Security Council—gave to me on his own behalf and on behalf of the other members regarding the safeguarding of the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front, and his explicit acceptance of that responsibility, I granted my permission.

He also explicitly stated that if the American side seeks to make excessive demands, they will not submit to them. From this moment on, we—that is, you, the proud nation, and this humble servant—will await the realization of the aforementioned conditions.

However, it’s self-evident that the in-person negotiations in the future will not mean acceptance of the enemy’s position. We hope the blessed prayers of our Master (may God hasten his noble reappearance) will bring all kinds of victories and triumphs to honorable Iranian nation. … (Emphasis added.)

Mojtaba Khamenei apparently holds a different view on the MoU. But he granted permission, for the officials in charge under Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian reached this stage “out of sincere concern and goodwill.” Hardliners in Tehran might be distrustful of what is happening right now in Switzerland.

Iran and its people continue to face severe problems. The war has certainly aggravated what has already been endemic in all these years under endurance. The economic crisis has deepened to a point where real famine is becoming reality. The ecological disaster is serious, in particular the water crisis. Iran’s infrastructure has severely been damaged. Overt protests out of dissatisfaction of the common population with the regime have been muted as brutal crackdowns are feared as well as torture and executions.

Donald Trump may well be right to view the new Iranian leadership as more rational. They could easily forgo the development of nuclear weapons—and perhaps even the policy of nuclear ambiguity, that is, the capability to produce a nuclear warhead on short notice if the need arose. In Trump, they have found someone who appreciates the grand ideas of their adversaries—such as closing the Strait of Hormuz. Trump is eager to share in the spoils.

So, Iran’s surrender is that of a proud nation. A conditional one. May the delegation safely return to Tehran.

22 June 2026 @ 11:19 UTC+2.

Last modified June 2026.