Republican Rumble Over Trump’s Iran Deal

A new agreement aimed at ending the U. S. war in Iran has sparked sharp criticism from several Republican senators and commentators, a rare break from the party’s usual support for the president. The deal, signed by President Trump and shared with Congress on Thursday, contains provisions that could lift sanctions, release frozen Iranian assets, and create a large private investment fund in Iran. Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana called the pact “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades, ” arguing that it lets Iran keep its nuclear ambitions while opening the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil route. He also noted that the agreement would erase sanctions that had previously pressured Iran and claimed it could lead to more American casualties. Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, warned that the memorandum might undo U. S. military gains and urged the administration not to ease sanctions or release Iranian funds for a mere 60‑day negotiation period. He also opposed forcing Israel to back down from Hezbollah in Lebanon.President Trump responded on social media, dismissing his critics as jealous or stupid and reminding followers that the stock market was hitting record highs while oil prices fell. Conservative pundits have also voiced strong opposition. Ben Shapiro called the agreement a disaster and blamed Vice President J. D. Vance for supporting it. Mark Levin criticized Senator Roger Marshall for suggesting Iran keep ballistic missiles, labeling the omission of missile restrictions as irresponsible. Despite the backlash, some Republicans defended the deal. Marshall praised Trump for seeking lasting peace and emphasized that any Iranian funding would be controlled and not funded by U. S. taxpayers. The agreement must still pass congressional review under the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act, which requires Congress to approve any deal that relaxes sanctions or involves nuclear issues. Several lawmakers, including Senator Lindsey Graham, have urged the administration to submit the deal for congressional scrutiny.