Reports have emerged outlining the framework of a U.S.-Iran deal, and the details aren't great for President Donald Trump. A $300 billion fund for Iran's economic development, sanctions relief and other concessions are reportedly being exchanged for restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.

Such a deal from Trump, who built much of his foreign policy reputation on criticizing and ultimately scrapping former President Barack Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, might seem surprising. But it makes more sense when viewed through the political bind Trump found himself in. The war is unpopular, with 53% of Americans saying it has not been worth it, compared with just 25% who say it has.

Trump's war in Iran failed because he never did the work of building consensus behind it. As political pressure mounted, he opted for a deal that fell far short of the goals he had set out.

Trump's Iran deal is weak, but his hands were tied politically

While the full details might not be known for a couple of days, and the framework remains subject to change, the reports so far are not encouraging. In addition to ending the war effort, the proposed deal reportedly includes a $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction, the lifting of economic sanctions and the release of up to $100 billion in........

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