Iran's '60-day ceasefire plan without nuclear abandonment' draws Republican ire: 'Why did we go to war?'

A faction of hardline Republican senators is voicing strong reservations about the ongoing US-Iran ceasefire negotiations, insisting that the war should not conclude without concrete concessions on Iran's nuclear development. Senators Tom Tillis and Lindsey Graham are among those publicly questioning the direction of the talks.

Tillis expressed skepticism about the reported "agreement in principle" to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and dispose of Iran's highly enriched uranium, stating on CNN that the plan "doesn't make much sense." He questioned why Iran would lift its primary leverage, the ability to blockade the strait, before a final peace agreement is reached, highlighting that "many points need to be explained."

Graham, a staunch supporter of Israel, argued that finalizing a peace deal without achieving the war's initial objectives, such as Iran abandoning its nuclear program, would legitimize the Iranian regime as a "diplomatic solution-needing" entity. He warned that such an outcome would be "a nightmare for Israel" and called into question the very reason for initiating the conflict.

Even staunch Trump ally Senator Ted Cruz voiced "deep concern" over the potential agreement, cautioning that any deal allowing Iran to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz and its uranium enrichment capabilities would be a "disastrous mistake." Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker echoed this sentiment on social media, calling a 60-day ceasefire based on trust in Iran's future sincerity "a disaster."

Democrats have also joined the criticism. Senator Cory Booker accused President Trump of being "foolishly used by Iran," while Representative Chris Van Hollen suggested the current negotiations would merely result in a "return to the pre-war status quo," implying no gains were achieved from the conflict regarding Iran's nuclear ambitions or missile capabilities.

President Trump, however, pushed back against the criticism, asserting on social media that any deal he brokers would be "great and proper," distinct from the agreement made by the Obama administration. He dismissed the critics as "losers" who speak without knowledge, reiterating, "I don't make bad deals!"

“

I don't make bad deals!