US and Iran inch closer to peace deal as Trump faces criticism from GOP hawks
US and Iran inch closer to peace – Amid growing scrutiny from within his own political party, President Donald Trump reaffirmed his stance on the impending agreement with Iran on Sunday. While opponents in the Republican Party argued the deal would weaken American leverage and entrench Iran’s influence in the region, Trump asserted that the pact being negotiated would mark a stark departure from the previous administration’s approach. He claimed the proposed agreement would “THE EXACT OPPOSITE” of the one reached under Barack Obama, which he had withdrawn in 2018. Trump emphasized his cautious approach, stating, “Both sides need to carefully deliberate to ensure precision… no room for error.”
Deal Terms and Sanctions Relief
The proposed agreement reportedly includes significant concessions from Iran, such as lifting certain sanctions and releasing up to $20bn in frozen assets. In return, Tehran would agree to open the Strait of Hormuz and engage in nuclear negotiations with the United States over the next 60 days, beginning on June 5 in Pakistan. However, the exact terms of the deal remain unclear, with Trump noting, “Nobody has seen” the finalized document, “or knows what it is.” He further dismissed criticism by stating, “It isn’t even fully negotiated yet. So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about.”
The deal’s structure has been shaped by a delicate balance of interests. Central to the negotiations is a US request that the unfreezing of assets held by Qatar be tied to progress in the handover of Iran’s enriched uranium. At least $6bn of the frozen funds are currently under Qatar’s control, according to Iranian officials. This conditional aspect has caused delays, as the Iranian leadership insists the clause must be clarified to their satisfaction before proceeding. “One or two clauses in the proposed peace deal between the US and Iran must be clarified to Iran’s satisfaction,” said a government official, adding that this was communicated to the Pakistani mediators overseeing the talks.
Iran’s Strategic Ambitions
Meanwhile, Iran has signaled optimism about the potential agreement. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the national security council are expected to review the terms, but officials emphasized that approval is still pending. The Iranian government appears poised to frame the deal as a major diplomatic triumph, particularly in light of its long-standing tensions with the US and Israel. President Masoud Pezeshkian highlighted the importance of public support, stating, “What has guaranteed the preservation and stability of the country is the solidarity and empathy of the people.”
The deal also requires a temporary cessation of hostilities between Iran and its allies, including the US, as well as Israel. This has sparked concern in Israel, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been vocal about his opposition to the proposed ceasefire. Netanyahu, who had initially championed the war against Iran in February, was reportedly consulted by Trump on Saturday to address his reservations. The Israeli leader claimed, “President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger,” while reaffirming that the US would support Israel’s right to act “on every front, including Lebanon.”
Despite these assurances, Netanyahu faces pressure to maintain flexibility in his military operations. The ceasefire, which is supposed to apply to all fronts, has left him uncertain about his ability to continue targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon. As the talks progress, Israel has continued its strikes in the south and east of the country, underscoring the challenges of enforcing a comprehensive pause in hostilities. The US, however, remains firm on its demand that Iran cease imposing tolls on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a key requirement for the deal’s completion.
Internal US Dynamics and External Support
Trump’s strategy has drawn support from key allies beyond Iran. Gulf states, as well as Turkish and Egyptian leaders, have lobbied the president to avoid reinstating a bombing campaign against Iran. These leaders argued that such a move would likely provoke Iranian retaliation without achieving lasting political change. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the Turkish president, and Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Egypt’s leader, reportedly urged Trump to prioritize diplomatic resolution over military action, citing the economic fallout from the ongoing conflict.
Trump’s decision to stay in Washington over the weekend, rather than attend his son’s wedding, has been attributed to his focus on the Iran deal. The president highlighted his commitment to the process, writing on his social media platform, “An agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalisation between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the various other Countries.” This statement underscores the complexity of the negotiations, which involve not only the US and Iran but also international allies and regional powers.
As the deal moves closer to finalization, the timeline for its ratification remains uncertain. US media outlets, citing unnamed White House officials, suggested that the agreement could be completed within days. However, the delays reflect the high stakes of the negotiations. The deal’s success hinges on securing the backing of Iran’s supreme leader and national security council, which have yet to endorse its terms. This uncertainty has led to a mix of cautious optimism and strategic maneuvering, as both sides seek to ensure the agreement meets their core objectives.
Trump’s ability to navigate internal and external pressures will determine the deal’s viability. While he has successfully defended his approach against GOP hawks, the agreement also faces challenges from within the US. The administration’s insistence on economic conditions and security guarantees has required careful negotiation. Meanwhile, the Iranian side has focused on securing political and military advantages, leveraging the deal as a tool to counter US and Israeli influence in the region.
Ultimately, the peace deal represents a critical moment in the evolving relationship between the US and Iran. With the potential to reshape regional dynamics, it carries both opportunities and risks. As the final stages of the negotiations unfold, the focus will remain on resolving lingering disputes and ensuring that the agreement is perceived as a win for all parties involved. For now, the path to peace continues to be marked by calculated diplomacy and strategic alliances.
