For those schooled in international relations theory, especially the realist track, cynicism is a necessary byproduct of the inevitable, sometimes stomach-churning trade-offs inherent with resolving messy international disputes. And so it is with the memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran, where the key issue is whether Tehran can be trusted.The agreement – which is predicated on reaching a final agreement within 60 days – attempts to straddle the domestic fissures present in both countries while presenting a potential way forward on the key issues at play: Iran’s push for nuclear weapons; the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz; and Iran’s backing of Hezbollah in Lebanon.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles