TRUMP’S IRAN DEAL: A TEMPORARY PAUSE, NOT A LASTING SOLUTION

By John Grech

Donald Trump is presenting a new agreement with Iran as a significant diplomatic achievement. The proposed deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, ease fuel prices ahead of the US midterm elections, and offer sanctions relief along with the release of frozen assets. In exchange, Iran would pledge not to develop nuclear weapons.

This is a short-term arrangement. The agreement provides only breathing space. It addresses neither the core problems nor the long-term dangers posed by the Iranian regime.

Countries such as Malta, whose ships came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz, will receive no compensation under this deal. Their vessels suffered damage amid the tensions, yet the agreement offers them nothing. If these nations did not raise a strong protest or promise support to the United States, why should America fight their battles? They should feel grateful that the US has worked hard to defang the Iranian military and reopen Hormuz once more.

The Times of Malta adopted a sharply critical, anti-American tone in its early 2nd March editorial on the US-Israeli strikes against Iran (“Extremely reckless and clearly illegal… according to the law of the jungle”). In contrast, the paper’s coverage of direct Iranian attacks on Maltese-flagged vessels (such as the Safeen Prestige in early March and the CMA CGM San Antonio in May 2026) was notably restrained, cowering in front of the Iranians.

While Maltese leaders led demonstrators down Republic Street waving Gaza flags, they were nowhere to be seen when Maltese ships came under Iranian fire. They dared not upset Iran. Verbally abusing Israel and the USA is a sport in Malta. But the Iranians? No way! Because the Maltese know that it’s the Iranians that operate under the law of the jungle.

Trump may simply be weary of the endless complexities of the Middle East. Trump appears equally tired of Europe. Its low military spending, readiness to accept waves of immigrants, and hurdles imposed on the American military bases in Europe during the war have tested his patience.

Iran already possesses around 11 tons of enriched uranium. Its scientists have advanced knowledge and a robust infrastructure in place. While the deal might include limits, inspections, or dilution of stockpiles, Tehran’s technical capabilities and strategic intentions would remain largely unchanged.

The agreement is little more than temporary risk management. It allows a revolutionary regime time to regroup, rebuild its strength, and prepare for the next advance. The Iranians will sign the accord because their military is at its weakest point ever. They will break the accord once they grow strong. This the very essence of Muslim doctrine toward unbelievers.

The Iranian challenge will not disappear with a signature on paper. When you deal with the devil, there is no good deal. Europe will be more alone than it thought.