Topline
The lack of details about the purported agreement to end the war with Iran, touted as a “Great Deal” by President Donald Trump, has drawn criticism from people on both sides of the political aisle, as the outcome of several critical issues, like Iran’s nuclear program and potential sanctions relief, remained unclear.
Key Facts
Earlier on Sunday, Trump announced the deal with Iran was “now complete,” which will result in the Strait of Hormuz reopening immediately as the president declared, “Let the oil flow!”
In a follow-up post, Trump clarified that the “Great Deal” would be signed and Hormuz would reopen on Friday to allow time for “mine removal.”
The statement from the Iranian side was more guarded, noting that the country had reached a “memorandum of understanding” with the U.S. after “months of long and difficult negotiations.”
Both Iran’s and Trump’s statements made no mention of some key issues, including the fate of Tehran’s enriched uranium and the issue of sanctions.
What Do We Know About Criticism Of The Iran Deal?
The lack of details about the deal and its announcement on Truth Social prompted a lot of criticism from people on both sides of the political spectrum. Former Obama White House staffer and Pod Save America host, Tommy Vietor, wrote: “Ending the war as soon as possible is the best outcome left, but the truth is Trump accomplished none of his goals and lost the war to Iran. Iran’s nuclear program is not eliminated, nor are its ballistic missiles.” Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul tweeted: “The Strait of Hormuz was open before Trump’s war, so he cannot claim its reopening as a war ‘victory.’ Illogical.” Right-wing commentator and Fox News host Mark Levin, who backed Trump’s decision to go to war, also called out the lack of details, saying: “I have asked for days, why can’t we, the people, see the damn MOU? Not through people briefed by an anonymous person. Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like this. If it is a great outcome for peace, then release it.” Mark Dubowitz, the CEO of the hawkish think tank Foundation for Defense of Democracies, wrote on X: “The Islamic Republic is not a problem that can be negotiated away. The only solution is maximum support for the Iranian people. Given the opportunity and assistance they need, they can cripple—and ultimately end—this terrorist regime.”
What Have Lawmakers Said About The Deal?
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a prominent Iran hawk, wrote on X that he was “pleased to hear” that a memorandum of understanding for reopening the Strait of Hormuz has been agreed to. However, the senator added, “I will be watching closely the ensuing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other matters. I am somewhat concerned that Iran’s view of the agreement seems different than what the American negotiating team is claiming.” Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., who spearheaded a legislative push to force Trump to end the war, tweeted: “The ceasefire agreement with Iran with the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is welcome news. Democrats should support it…The war was a costly lesson for the US. As expected, Trump failed to bring about regime change. The terms seem no better than what Obama secured under the JCPOA nearly a decade ago.”