Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were forced to defend the Iran peace deal after a wave of criticism from within their own party, with Republican allies slamming the agreement as a dangerous concession to Tehran. The memorandum of understanding, which includes a proposed $300 billion (£225 billion) economic development fund for Iran, has drawn fierce opposition even from staunch MAGA loyalists.
Ted Cruz Warns of Military Threat
Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas argued that the fund could allow Iran to rebuild its military capabilities. “My message is: We have defeated their military. Don’t suddenly come in with massive buckets of cash to let them rebuild and become a threat to America,” Cruz said, according to reports.
Bill Cassidy Calls It ‘Worst Foreign Policy Blunder’
Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana went further, calling the deal “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades” and suggesting that Ronald Reagan is “rolling over in his grave.” In a post on X, Cassidy wrote: “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. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal. Before the war, the strait was open, Iran was being crushed by sanctions, and 13 service members were still alive. 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.”
Anonymous Senator Cites ‘High Level of Dismay’
An anonymous Republican senator told The Hill that there is a “high level of dismay” in the party, with many believing Iran will not sign an agreement to end its nuclear programme—a major sticking point in the protracted negotiations.
Trump Hits Back at Critics
In response, Trump lashed out on Truth Social, calling the opponents “fools” who are “either jealous, bad people, or stupid.” He 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.”
JD Vance Defends Deal to Israel
Vice President JD Vance also defended the deal after criticism from Israeli leaders. He urged the Israeli government not to alienate its only remaining international ally. “My message to them would be twofold. Number one: Donald J Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world... The problem for Israel is not Donald J Trump, and anybody in Israel who thinks their biggest problem is the president of the United States needs to wake up and smell the reality of the situation that country is in,” Vance said.
