Donald Trump has signed a ceasefire deal with Iran that he calls a victory, but analysts argue the terms heavily favour Tehran. The agreement includes sanctions relief, a $300bn rebuilding fund, and a US promise not to interfere in Iran's internal affairs. Trump's administration has framed this as a major win, though critics say it amounts to a capitulation.
The conflict, initiated four months ago with Israel's support, has resulted in over 3,300 Iranian deaths, including more than 100 children in a girls' school. Trump has reportedly soured on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, criticising his bombing of Lebanon and stating that not all civilians in apartment buildings are Hezbollah.
Trump's decision to end the war appears driven by a desire to avoid a prolonged conflict like Vietnam, Afghanistan, or Iraq. However, his initial justification for the war—that Iran's nuclear ambitions threatened US security—has been widely questioned, with comparisons drawn to the 2003 Iraq invasion.
The ceasefire deal is seen as a victory for Iran's regime, which secured an end to economic sanctions and a commitment to non-interference. Observers suggest that opening Iran to outside commerce and contact may be more effective than bombing in diluting the regime's grip on society and steering it away from alliances with Russia and China.
