Iran Deal Begs The Question Of What Was The Point Of The War

The New York Post reports on the "Details of US-Iran deal revealed in 12-point plan — timeline for US withdrawal, $300B fund, Hormuz passage." Neither the U.S. nor Iran have official released the text of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), but it apparently includes the following points (quoting from the article):

• Iran, the US and their allies would stop fighting across the region — including in Lebanon.
• Tehran would reaffirm its pledge never to build a nuclear weapon.
• The US and Iran would work out what happens to Tehran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
• Both sides would open talks on Iran’s future enrichment activities and nuclear needs.
• Iran would maintain the “status quo” of its nuclear program — which has been largely decimated — while negotiations continue.
• The US would lift its naval blockade, hold off on new sanctions and refrain from sending more troops to the region.
• Iran would guarantee safe, toll-free passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
• Washington would release an unspecified amount of frozen Iranian assets once the MOU takes effect.
• A final deal reached after the 60 days would see the US withdraw its forces within 30 days and lift all sanctions on Iran.
• It would pave the way for a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
• The US would allow Iran to resume oil sales through temporary sanctions waivers.
• Iran, Oman and Gulf states would negotiate new shipping and maritime security arrangements for the Gulf.

The article adds that Oman and Iran are already negotiating transit fees. 

    So, in effect, the winners from this conflict were Israel, which got to kill a bunch of the top Iranian leadership, get more money from the U.S., and greater access to our military technology; Iran, which will get a larger role in the Middle-East and billions of dollars (although this will supposedly come from the Gulf States); and Oman which will apparently--with Iran--be charging tolls. The loser in all of this was the U.S. and, more particularly, U.S. taxpayers. If only Trump had kept his campaign promise of no new wars. I guess we should be glad that he is not doubling down on the conflict, but is just cutting our losses.