The reason was enriched uranium and nuclear weapons. Anything short of securing that is in fact a failure. One cannot just pack up and go home while claiming victory if that is not achieved.
If the enrichment facilities have been destroyed, and the uranium is buried somewhere or over in Pakistan (as an example), then what remains in U.S. control is the Strait of Hormuz, which will take appx. 6 mos. to ensure that the mines are no longer a threat. The blockade may remain in place and technically the U.S. isn't declaring war??
Two more days till the WPA ends...who knows what is going to happen. We can make assumptions, but Trump called off the meeting that Witkoff and Kushner were supposed to attend because negotiations failed; there is no negotiating with Iran.
