Iran will not trade its nuclear insurance policy for worthless American promises

US President Donald Trump last month rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume negotiations, while hinting that talks might continue. But the fundamental barrier to a lasting agreement is Washington’s habit of rewriting the rules after the ink dries. Consider the last diplomatic opening. The June memorandum between the US and Iran promised to release frozen funds for recipients chosen by Iran’s central bank. Five days later, US Vice President JD Vance outlined a different arrangement : Washington and Qatar would approve the process, while the money would be restricted to purchases of American soy, corn and wheat. Washington was writing a shopping list with Iran’s money.