Key facts
- President Trump defended a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran, criticizing opponents and former President Obama.
- Bill Maher questioned Trump's negotiation skills regarding the Iran MOU.
- The MOU includes a 60-day negotiation period, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting U.S. sanctions on Iran.
- A $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran is part of the agreement, with funds contingent on compliance.
- Iran announced it would close the Strait of Hormuz, a move disputed by U.S. Central Command.
Late-night host Bill Maher criticized President Trump's administration's negotiations with Iran, questioning his negotiation skills and referencing the title of Trump's book, 'The Art of the Deal.' The signing of a 14-point memorandum of understanding (MOU) initiated a 60-day negotiation period and authorized the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil trading channel. The deal also includes provisions to lift U.S. sanctions on Iran and assemble a $300 billion reconstruction fund for the country, a move that drew pushback from several GOP lawmakers.
Vice President Vance told Fox News that "not a single penny" of U.S. money will be used for this construction fund and that the release of these funds is contingent on Iran’s compliance with the MOU’s terms. A U.S. delegation including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is in Switzerland for technical negotiations over this agreement. Vance expressed confidence that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran will hold.
The announcement from Iran’s military that it would close the Strait of Hormuz appeared to test the MOU's strength. Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated this decision was made in response to Israeli attacks on Iran-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. Central Command appeared to dispute Iran’s move, stating that U.S. forces remain present and vigilant to ensure all aspects of the agreement with Iran are adhered to.