Nicolai Haugsted
Trump thought he had a win — now Republicans are sounding the alarm
Republican unity around President Donald Trump’s foreign policy is showing fresh cracks after details of his interim agreement with Iran reached Capitol Hill, prompting criticism from some of the president’s closest political allies.
Questions about sanctions relief, frozen assets and the future of Iran’s nuclear ambitions have triggered concern among lawmakers, commentators and conservative voices who have largely stood behind Trump throughout his presidency.
Republican concerns emerge
Copies of the preliminary U.S.-Iran memorandum were distributed to members of Congress on Thursday, one day after Trump signed the agreement aimed at ending the conflict and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Reuters, several Republican lawmakers reacted sharply after reviewing reports about the framework.
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy was among the most outspoken critics.
“Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future,” Cassidy wrote on X.
Referring to the situation before the conflict, he added: “Now, 13 Americans are dead, families have paid billions at the pump, sanctions will be lifted, and the bombing has stopped. This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”
Mississippi Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also voiced concern that the agreement could undermine military gains achieved during the conflict.
Wicker questioned whether sanctions relief and the release of Iranian assets should be offered “in exchange for Iran’s mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days.”
White House defends agreement
Trump responded forcefully to critics within his own party.
Posting on social media, the president wrote: “These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are ‘tumbling’ down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!!! President DJT”
Supporters of the agreement argue that reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing tensions in the region could help ease pressure on energy markets while creating a pathway toward a broader settlement.
Negotiations over a permanent deal are expected to continue over the next 60 days.
Conservative commentators break ranks
Criticism has not been limited to elected officials.
Conservative commentator Ben Shapiro, who previously supported military action against Iran, described the agreement in stark terms during an appearance on Fox News.
“This MOU appears to be, just from the text, a disaster that does not achieve any of the actual signal goals that were set by the administration,” Shapiro said.
Shapiro also suggested Vice President J.D. Vance had played a role in backing an agreement he believes falls short of Washington’s objectives.
Fox News commentator Mark Levin, another prominent Trump supporter, also expressed frustration over reports that ballistic missile restrictions were not included in the framework.
Calling the omission “an outrage,” Levin argued that concerns about Iran’s missile capabilities remain unresolved.
Congress seeks answers
Despite the growing debate, lawmakers from both parties say they still lack detailed information about the administration’s plans.
Congressional aides said no formal briefings had been scheduled as of Thursday, even as questions mounted over sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets and proposed investment initiatives tied to Iran’s reconstruction.
Several lawmakers have indicated that Congress should eventually review any final agreement involving Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions policy under existing federal law.
While criticism has grown louder in recent days, other Republicans continue to defend the administration’s approach. Kansas Senator Roger Marshall praised Trump for choosing what he described as “a path to lasting peace – not another forever war” and argued that safeguards would exist regarding how Iran could use any future funds released under the agreement.
