President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the latest agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Iran would facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He indicated that the final aspects of the deal are currently under discussion and will be announced soon.
This announcement followed reports that the Trump administration was preparing for potential military strikes against Iran. Iran has closed its western airspace and plans to keep it closed until Monday.
Since the war began on February 28, the U.S. and Iran have struggled to reach a peace agreement, primarily due to disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route.
Trump expressed a 50/50 chance of reaching a deal and warned that he would take severe action against Iran if an agreement is not reached. This statement marks his most explicit support for finalizing a deal to date.
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized the reported deal, stating it does not align with an America First policy. He advocated for denying Iran access to funds and reducing its military capabilities.
Concerns about the potential deal were also voiced by lawmakers, including Sen. Roger Wicker, who argued that a deal would undermine the sacrifices made during the war. Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed that an agreement would empower Iran further in the region. Sen. Ted Cruz shared his apprehension regarding the deal, emphasizing the risks of Iran receiving significant financial resources while continuing its nuclear program.
According to a report from the New York Times, Iran has agreed to relinquish its enriched uranium as part of the deal.
In response to the criticisms, White House Director of Communications Steven Cheung defended the administration's position, stating that Pompeo was not informed about the current negotiations. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson supported Trump, asserting that he is the only one capable of bringing Iran to the negotiating table.
Trump made his announcement on Truth Social following discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and leaders from several Middle Eastern nations. He noted that the deal is subject to finalization among the United States, Iran, and other involved countries.