A growing number of Republican lawmakers are sounding the alarm over President Trump’s newly unveiled agreement with Iran, arguing that the deal grants sweeping concessions to Tehran while offering too little in return. Leading the criticism on Wednesday was Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, who warned that the president is being poorly advised and is pursuing a dangerous course.
“History teaches that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea. I think the president is receiving some very poor advice on this deal,” Cruz told The Hill.
His criticism came shortly after the administration released the complete text of the memorandum of understanding designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end hostilities between Washington and Tehran. Under the proposal, sanctions on Iranian oil exports would be removed, and Iran would gain access to a reconstruction fund valued at approximately $300 billion.
According to the document, the United States would be required to “terminate all types of sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the United Nations Security Council resolutions, I.A.E.A. Board of Governors resolutions, and all unilateral U.S. sanctions, primary and secondary, in an agreed-upon schedule as part of the final deal.”
The agreement also includes a declaration from Iran reaffirming its longstanding claim that it does not seek to acquire or manufacture nuclear weapons.
In addition, the two countries agreed to address Iran’s existing stockpile of enriched nuclear material. The memorandum specifies that Iran would be required to “down-blend” or dilute any weapons-grade nuclear material currently in its possession.
Cruz is not alone in his objections. Several prominent Republicans have sharply criticized the proposal, arguing that it rewards Tehran after years of confrontation and pressure.
Among the most vocal critics is Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who denounced the agreement on Wednesday as the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”
“Reagan is rolling over in his grave. Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal,” Cassidy posted on the social platform X.
The backlash highlights a widening divide within Republican circles as lawmakers debate whether the agreement represents a diplomatic breakthrough or a costly concession that could strengthen Iran economically and strategically for years to come.
{Matzav.com}
