US political leaders reacted sharply along party lines on Tuesday after President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire with Iran, hours after threatening to destroy the country’s “whole civilization”. The deal, brokered by Pakistan, will see talks begin in Islamabad on Friday.
Several Republicans praised the president’s decision, calling it shrewd and tactical. Senator Rick Scott of Florida said: “This is a strong first step toward holding Iran accountable.” Senator Lindsey Graham expressed hope that diplomacy could end the “reign of terror of the Iranian regime”, but warned against rewarding Iran for its attack on the Strait of Hormuz.
Democrats were more critical. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he was “glad Trump backed off” from his threats. Senator Jeanne Shaheen called for “a real accounting of what President Trump’s war achieved”, noting 13 American service members killed and rising petrol prices. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for Congress to invoke the 25th amendment to remove Trump from office.
In other news, US journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped in Baghdad by an Iran-backed militia, has been released. Republican Clay Fuller won Georgia’s special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, though his Democratic rival overperformed.
