Donald Trump is calling his 14-point agreement with Iran a “major win” for the United States, but the terms of the deal raise a sharper question: did Washington truly negotiate from strength, or did Tehran secure major concessions to reopen the strait of Hormuz and calm global markets?
The agreement, signed Wednesday by Trump and Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, establishes a 60-day ceasefire framework aimed at broader nuclear and permanent peace talks. U.S. vice-president JD Vance is expected to sign the deal at a formal ceremony in Geneva on Friday.
Trump Claims Market Victory After Iran Deal
Trump defended the agreement by arguing it prevented a wider economic shock. “The alternative would be a worldwide depression,” he said, adding that without a deal, “the strait [of Hormuz] would never have been opened.”
He said markets backed his decision. “There is nothing as smart as the market – and the market loves it,” Trump said.
Senior U.S. officials said the deal would help prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. They pointed to planned talks on down-blending Iran’s 440kg stockpile of highly enriched uranium under International Atomic Energy Agency supervision.
Iran Secures Major Financial Concessions
The agreement gives Iran several immediate benefits. These include the lifting of a U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, waivers for Iranian crude oil exports, the possible removal of all international sanctions, the release of billions in frozen Iranian assets, and a proposed $300bn reconstruction fund backed by regional Gulf partners.
Trump rejected claims that Washington would fund the reconstruction plan. “Anyone who wants to can invest. What do you expect me to say: no one is allowed to invest? But we’re not investing; we’re not putting up even 10 cents,” he said.
Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, dismissed Trump’s victory claim. “The agreement is a record of US failure. People will see it and judge,” he said.
Hormuz, Hezbollah And Unresolved Security Questions
The deal allows toll-free ship passage through the strait of Hormuz for 60 days. Ghalibaf said Iran would charge ships after that period. “Iran has the right to sovereignty over the strait of Hormuz and of course we will receive a fee for services,” he said.
The agreement also covers Lebanon, restraining Israel from military action there while Iran agrees to restrain allies including Hezbollah.
The next challenge is whether the ceasefire leads to a lasting deal on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, ballistic missiles and regional influence.
