Why the MOU Isn’t the JCPOA: Reaganism Special with Rich Goldberg

On this episode of Reaganism, Roger Zakheim sits down with Rich Goldberg to discuss the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding and its immediate implications for sanctions relief, oil exports, and financial access for Iran. Roger and Rich unpacked how the deal differs from the JCPOA, emphasizing that while the agreement creates a short-term window for Iran to sell oil and access frozen assets, it does not restore the broader, long-term sanctions relief of the Obama-era deal. Rich argued that the practical effect is a significant but temporary windfall for Tehran, with potential benefits to Iran’s economy and its ability to sustain groups like Hezbollah, while also creating legal and compliance risks for buyers and banks given the continued designation of the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The discussion ended with a broader reflection on Trump’s “dollar diplomacy” approach and how economic leverage is being used to shape foreign policy in the Middle East.