Over the last several days, I have watched many people declare that President Trump’s agreement with Iran is a betrayal of Israel, a surrender to terrorism, or proof that he has abandoned one of America’s closest allies.

Having now seen some of the reported terms of the agreement, I understand why many people are upset. I understand why some see sanctions relief, economic concessions, and negotiations with a regime they rightly despise as unacceptable. I understand because I share much of their concern.

For years, I have known that the Islamic Republic of Iran represents one of the greatest threats to stability in the Middle East. Its leaders have spent decades threatening Israel, sponsoring terrorism, funding proxies, and exporting violence throughout the region. Like many supporters of Israel, I hoped this war would fundamentally weaken the regime and perhaps even create conditions for its eventual collapse.

That was my hope, but hope and governing are not the same thing.

For some people, any agreement with Iran must automatically be appeasement. For others, any effort to avoid war must automatically be wisdom. Both sides often reach conclusions before fully understanding the broader realities that shaped the decision.

The reality is far more complicated.

What we do know is that war carries costs. The conflict with Iran was taking a toll on the United States economically, strategically, and politically. Americans were watching another overseas conflict consume attention, resources, and political capital. Businesses were watching markets. Families were watching prices. Military families were watching developments with understandable concern about what escalation might mean.

There was also the possibility of something far worse. A prolonged conflict could have led to American casualties, deeper military involvement, a wider regional war, and consequences that none of us can fully predict. Whether one supported military action or opposed it, those realities had to be part of the calculation.

There is another uncomfortable reality that many supporters of Israel seem reluctant to acknowledge – presidents do not govern in a vacuum.

Whatever one thinks about this agreement,........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)