Trump Officials Say Iran Deal May Be Looser Than Obama-Era Nuclear Accord

A senior official in Donald Trump’s administration said the emerging agreement with Iran is expected to be less stringent than the 2015 nuclear deal signed under Barack Obama, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday. The report comes even as Trump has described the arrangement as a “great deal” that would bring “peace and security to the entire region.”

According to details published so far, the deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, lift the American blockade on Iranian ports and shipping, and extend the ceasefire for 60 days. During that period, Washington and Tehran are expected to negotiate over Iran’s nuclear program.

The unnamed senior official said Iran understands that the United States does not want to return to fighting, which could give Tehran additional leverage later. He added that unless the agreement contains clear, practical commitments to limit or end Iran’s nuclear program, it may end up being softer than the 2015 accord.

The full text of the agreement has not yet been released. Republican lawmakers and allies of the president are also calling for a briefing on its details before taking a final position.