Key facts
- Allies of President Trump are expressing concerns about a reported memorandum of understanding with Iran.
- The deal reportedly allows Iran to restart oil exports and includes a $300 billion reconstruction fund from Gulf states.
- Critics worry the agreement lacks sufficient concessions on Iran's nuclear program and provides too much immediate relief.
- The full text of the memorandum has not yet been released, leading to speculation and debate.
- Key figures like Marc Thiessen, Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Nikki Haley have voiced opposition or caution.
President Trump's allies are reportedly revolting against the reported contours of a memorandum of understanding with Iran aimed at ending the conflict. Conservative pundits and hawkish Iran experts are warning against any agreement that gives up key leverage against the Islamic Republic or opens access to badly needed funds without completely dismantling its nuclear capacity.
The text of the deal has not been released, but it would reportedly allow Iran to immediately restart oil exports free from U.S. trade and banking sanctions, while Gulf states would contribute to a $300 billion reconstruction fund as part of a final deal. Iran would commit to never pursuing nuclear weapons and to hand over its enriched uranium, though the details of that process would be hammered out in future talks.
While the memorandum is largely meant to set the terms for future negotiations, Iran hawks are worried Tehran has no intention of following through and will use the financial lifeline and reprieve from fighting to rebuild both militarily and organizationally. Marc Thiessen, a conservative commentator, questioned why so many supporters of President Trump are expressing the same concerns about this deal.
Reasons for alarm include the unreleased text of the agreement, with conflicting timelines for its release. Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed concern that Iran's description of the deal diverges from U.S. accounts, and Retired Army Gen. Jack Keane called for the administration to release the text to stop debate over an unseen document.
Critics also argue the deal lacks substance on Iran's nuclear program, with some stating that Iran's commitment not to pursue a nuclear weapon is not enough to declare victory. Nikki Haley stated that if the deal allows immediate oil export relief, Iran wins and there should be zero sanctions relief on day one. A former Treasury official warned that the administration is trading away its most durable economic lever before negotiations have truly begun.
The memorandum reportedly includes Iran allowing toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days, with the potential for this to become part of the final agreement. Concerns have been raised about the potential for Iran to access frozen funds and use them to fund instability, with Behnam Ben Taleblu seeking clarity on how such funds would be governed.
Israeli figures across the political spectrum have also reportedly railed against the agreement.