Just hours before the expected signing of a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran in Switzerland, criticism of the framework is widening inside Donald Trump’s Republican Party. The main concern among GOP lawmakers is that the deal strengthens Tehran, eases economic pressure on Iran, and gives it sweeping benefits, while possibly leaving any final agreement short of enough support in Congress.
Several senior Republicans have come out publicly against the deal, including Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, John Cornyn of Texas, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Roger Wicker of Mississippi, and Ted Cruz of Texas. Cassidy said, “Iran remains stronger, and we remain weaker.” Cornyn said everything he had heard was worrying. Murkowski argued it was hard to call this an agreement that leaves Iran worse off and the United States better off, while Wicker warned it would undo military gains and said the proposed $300 billion compensation fund makes the 2015 nuclear deal’s benefits look “tiny.” Cruz condemned the idea of transferring money, unfreezing assets, and allowing Iran to profit from opening the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “If we give billions to Iran, that money will be used to murder Americans.”
A Republican senator quoted anonymously said there is a “high level of despair” in the party and doubted Iran would ultimately accept the final terms. Even Senate Majority Leader John Thune, while calling it a “step in the right direction,” said the economic incentives must be conditional, especially on the nuclear issue. The criticism is not limited to Republicans, as Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer mocked Trump’s plan to “send $300 billion to Iran.”
The White House has tried to calm lawmakers with briefings, including a first detailed session for senior members of Congress. AP reported that Steve Witkoff told lawmakers Iran would allow International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into nuclear sites and help locate enriched uranium. Vice President J.D. Vance, now the administration’s main defender on the issue, urged Republicans to “have some trust in the president,” but some Trump allies question why he, not Secretary of State Marco Rubio, is fronting the message. Trump responded angrily on Truth Social, calling critics “fanatics,” “bad people,” or “stupid.”
