The Iran Deal: The Elephant in the Room

American Thinker ^ | 22 Jun, 2026 | Lewis Dovland

[MtnClimber]

The Iranian threat will continue until the nature of Shi'ite religious extremism is recognized.

Much of the celebration surrounding the latest agreement with Iran pigeonholes a fundamental issue -- one that, if left unaddressed, will ultimately render any agreement temporary at best and meaningless at worst.

The problem is not simply Iran's nuclear capabilities. Nor is it the wording of any diplomatic arrangement. The problem is the belief system that guides the ruling clerical regime itself.

Before proceeding, it is worth acknowledging what has already been accomplished. President Trump deserves considerable credit for applying pressure on Iran, weakening its ability to fund proxy organizations such as Hezb'allah and Hamas, reducing attacks against Israel and Gulf Arab states, and severely degrading Iran's nuclear infrastructure. Those are significant achievements that enhance regional and global security.

Yet these successes address symptoms rather than the underlying disease.

Western policymakers often approach Iran as though they are dealing with a conventional nation-state pursuing conventional interests. They assume that economic incentives, military deterrence, and diplomatic negotiations can alter Tehran's long-term behavior. That assumption may be flawed because it overlooks the ideological framework through which Iran's rulers view the world. So far, Iran has complied not out of agreement, but to avoid further pain. Which is not a long-term solution.

Iran is governed by a Shia Islamist regime. More specifically, its ruling clerics largely adhere to the Twelver branch of Shiite Islam. Twelvers believe in the eventual return of the Twelfth Imam, known as the Mahdi, who is expected to establish justice and righteousness before the end of history. This is not a criticism of the Muslim faith but to point out an important factor in these negotiations.

There is considerable debate among scholars regarding the political implications of Twelver theology. However, it is undeniable

[FreedomPoster]

>The countries constant hate and even war on us was never truly answered until Donald J. Trump.

Yet still we have NeverTrumper idiots asserting that the MOU is no different than Obama’s “deal” with Iran. Yeah, let’s totally ignore the serious thumping we just gave them!

[Reily]

Yes I did!

The books on Hoover were no hagiographies on him. Some were more critical then others.

Regardless land and other assets were taken from interned Japanese-Americans. It was not put in trust to be returned later. It was essentially stolen because it was easy to do since they were a disliked ethnic group. Who’s going to stand up for the godless yellow nips? They deserve it right? In fact we should take it back again! Right? Interestingly enough in spite of a major loss is of assets. In a few years got back on top of the economic pyramid - average income per ethnic group.

Also my father was a WWII USMC vet, fought them in the Pacific. Stealing from innocent people because of their ethnicity was not something he condoned.

[Time_Has_Come]

Here is the solution:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpWkDcUipEw

(note the flags of USA, Israel, and the old flag of Imperial Iran)

[logi_cal869]

Yup.

[caddie]

Interesting point. The assertion that the A bomb saved lives isn’t just lame, guilty-person rationalization by Americans. The firebombing preceding the A bombs really did kill lots more people than Fat Man and Little Boy. By lots. The spectacular nature of the new weapons surprised and stunned the Japanese into reassessment and introspection. Plus they brought about the concept of MAD, which has kept us nuclear-war free worldwide for almost a century. They really saved lives. They are still saving lives, those two bombs!