Trump's Economic Fears Undercut US Leverage in Iran Talks

President Donald Trump's admission that he signed an interim peace deal with Iran to avert a global economic collapse has revealed a critical US vulnerability ahead of nuclear negotiations in Switzerland. The memorandum of understanding, signed last Wednesday, reopened the Strait of Hormuz and triggered sanctions waivers on Iranian oil sales, effectively handing Tehran the stronger hand before the real diplomacy even begins.

What does the interim deal between the US and Iran actually include?

The 14-point memorandum of understanding reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping and set in motion waivers allowing Iran to resume oil exports to international markets immediately. The deal also outlines a 60-day negotiating window to discuss limits on Iran's nuclear programme and further economic relief for Tehran. That 60-day period, however, is described as