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The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump is promoting a new agreement with Iran as a diplomatic breakthrough. White House talking points emphasize Iranian commitments to forgo nuclear weapons, international verification, regional stability and economic incentives tied to compliance.

SHAPIRO: An Iran agreement defined by unanswered questions Back to video

Yet many of the details that have emerged so far raise more questions than answers.

Administration officials point to Iran’s reported commitment, in writing, not to pursue nuclear weapons. But Iran has already made that commitment before. The country has been a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty since 1970. The challenge has never been the language on paper; it has been enforcement.

History offers ample reason for skepticism. Supporters of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) similarly argued that inspections and monitoring would prevent Iran from advancing its nuclear ambitions. Critics warned that Tehran would exploit loopholes and conceal activities. Whatever one’s view of the JCPOA, the lesson remains that agreements are only as effective as their enforcement. That is why recent comments from Trump and Vice-President JD Vance deserve scrutiny.

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