One of the dangers of war is that political rhetoric often collides with strategic reality.

President Donald Trump spent years vehemently criticizing former President Barack Obama's Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it failed to permanently halt Iran's nuclear ambitions while providing the regime with economic relief and resources that strengthened its position throughout the Middle East. He called it one of the worst foreign policy agreements in modern American history. Millions of Americans agreed with him.

The criticism was straightforward. Iran, many argued, received billions of dollars in sanctions relief without permanently dismantling its nuclear infrastructure. The agreement may have delayed Tehran's ambitions, but it did not eliminate them. Critics believed the deal rewarded bad behavior, strengthened a hostile regime and ultimately left the world no safer than before.

Fast-forward to today.

After military strikes, escalating tensions and a conflict that many believed would fundamentally alter the balance of power in the Middle East, we appear to be arriving at a familiar destination: negotiations, concessions and an Iranian regime that remains standing.

That reality deserves a serious conversation.

Supporters of the administration will rightly point out that Iran has suffered significant military and strategic setbacks. Key facilities have been targeted. Military assets have been degraded. Iranian leadership has been forced to confront pressures unlike any it has faced........

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