President Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire agreement with Iran on Tuesday evening, just before his 8pm ET deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face destruction. The deal, brokered by Pakistan, will see talks begin Friday in Islamabad. However, bombing continues across the region, and details remain scarce.
Republicans largely praised the move. Senator Rick Scott of Florida called it “a strong first step toward holding Iran accountable,” while Senator Lindsey Graham expressed hope for ending “the reign of terror of the Iranian regime through diplomacy.” Graham cautioned against rewarding Iran for its attack on the Strait of Hormuz.
Democrats voiced skepticism. New York congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for invoking the 25th Amendment after Trump “threatened a genocide against the Iranian people.” Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he was “glad Trump backed off” from his threats. Senator Jeanne Shaheen welcomed the ceasefire as “long-overdue” but demanded an accounting of the war’s costs, including 13 American service members killed and rising gas prices.
In other news, journalist Shelly Kittleson, kidnapped in Baghdad by an Iran-backed militia, has been released, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Republican Clay Fuller won Georgia’s special election to replace Marjorie Taylor Greene, though his Democratic rival overperformed.
