It Never Stood A Chance
I expect you may know what Trump demanded, in his less-than-convincing incoherent ramblings. He (and his advisors) are so out of touch with reality. Below are the terms of Iran, which I suspect are their mostly non-negotiable, base-line requirements for a ceasefire leading to any kind of peace deal. I fully expect this list could never be agreed by a Trump-led or any other -led western barbarian government. Which is why I say this deal ‘never stood a chance’. It is only Trump’s delerium and truth-blindness that declares there is any form of agreement here.
Meanwhile, Iran pretends that Trump has agreed to their conditions and they are just waiting for the first transgression, to pounce with perhaps their heaviest retaliation. I believe that transgression has already occurred, today.
Iran’s 10-Point Demands for Ceasefire
- Commitment to non-aggression;
- Preservation of Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz;
- Agreement on uranium enrichment;
- Cancellation of all primary sanctions;
- Cancellation of all secondary sanctions;
- Termination of all UN Security Council resolutions;
- Termination of all IAEA Board of Governors resolutions;
- Payment of compensation to Iran;
- Withdrawal of American combat forces from the region;
- Cessation of war on all fronts, including the war against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Some of those 10 demands are quite broadly stated, and I’m sure the hidden meanings will not allow for dilution of the underlying intent of Iran. Iran holds all the cards in this situation. The US has no Aces.
Here’s the story, from the viewpoint of Pepe Escobar…
Barbaria strategically surrenders. Civilization wins. For now – Pepe Escobar – Strategic Culture Foundation – April 8, 2026
I suggest you make up your own mind. I give it just a day or two.
Addendum: I just had to add this from Pepe’s fine and detailed piece on SCF – “poetically intoxicating” being the main main…
“American ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz after paying their toll in yuan – there’s hardly anything more poetically intoxicating, in an Irony of History sense.”

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