Some Republicans criticize Trumps Iran deal memorandum of understanding

US President Donald Trump’s Interim Deal with Iran Signed

A 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the US and Iran on Wednesday, outlining commitments to an “immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts.” The agreement includes provisions for Tehran to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been closed since late February, and for Washington to develop a plan to provide $300bn in funds for the reconstruction and development of Iran.

The MoU also includes a pledge by Iran not to “procure or develop nuclear weapons.” Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the agreement as “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,” stating that it does little to restrict Tehran’s nuclear program. Cassidy noted that Iran has learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will likely leverage it in the future.

Other Republicans, including Senators Thomas Massie and Ted Cruz, have expressed concerns about the agreement, citing concerns over the amount of funding provided to Iran. Senator Nikki Haley questioned Washington’s commitment to helping Iran rebuild from the destruction of a nearly four-month-long war. Former US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, stated that “this regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on US soil.”

The agreement has drawn comparisons to former President Barack Obama’s 2015 deal with Iran, under which Tehran agreed to limits on its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Former Vice President Mike Pence expressed concerns about the MoU, stating that it “smacks of appeasement” and that the US should pursue an agreement that commits Iran to dismantling its nuclear program.

Source: Al Jazeera