US President Donald Trump has reacted strongly to criticism of his efforts to reach a deal with Iran. According to Trump, he does not make “bad deals” and negotiators should be given more time.
Journalist at HLN
Less than a day after saying that a peace deal with Iran was “nearly completed” and that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen to shipping, Trump appeared to slow down on Sunday. That happened after several Republican allies criticized the potential deal.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote that both parties must “take their time and do it right” and that “no mistakes” should be made. He later emphasized that no one “has seen the deal or knows what it says.”
“It has not even been fully negotiated,” he wrote. “Unlike my predecessors, I don’t make bad deals.” He also says an agreement with Iran would be “a good and solid deal” and “not like Obama’s.”
“Time is on our side”
According to Trump, he has asked his negotiating team not to “rush” them with an agreement. After three months of war, he said, time would be “on our side”. “Our relationship with Iran is becoming much more professional and productive,” he wrote. “They must understand that they are not allowed to develop or obtain a nuclear weapon or atomic bomb.”
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Trump also said the U.S. Navy’s maritime blockade of Iran will remain in effect until an agreement between the U.S. and Iran is “reached, certified and signed.”
Sixty day truce
According to previous reports, the possible deal would include a 60-day truce, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and new talks on Iran’s nuclear program. In exchange, certain sanctions would be lifted so that Iran can sell oil again.
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According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran has about 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent, a level that is technically only a small step away from the 90 percent needed for nuclear weapons.
A US official told Reuters that Iran has agreed “in principle” to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for lifting the US naval blockade and handing over highly enriched uranium.
Yet Iran appears unwilling to make major concessions on its nuclear program. The Iranian embassy in India declared that nuclear technology is “a legitimate and inalienable right” of the Iranian people.
Rubio tempers expectations
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio first said on Sunday that he expected “good news” in the coming hours, but later tempered expectations. “You don’t get a nuclear deal in 72 hours,” he said during a visit to Delhi.
According to Rubio, the Strait of Hormuz must first reopen. This would be followed by talks on uranium enrichment, highly enriched uranium and Iran’s promise not to develop nuclear weapons.
Rubio emphasized that Trump’s commitment to keeping Iran away from nuclear weapons “should not be questioned.”
Netanyahu skeptical
Trump also spoke on Saturday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who according to American media is skeptical about the possible deal.
Part of the proposed deal would include an end to the war between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Netanyahu responded by saying that Trump “has affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself against threats on any front, including Lebanon.” According to Netanyahu, a final deal with Iran must “completely eliminate the nuclear threat.”
Last week, Trump spoke highly of Netanyahu, although he made it clear that the Israeli prime minister “will do what Trump expects of him.”
Criticism from Republicans
There is also criticism of the possible agreement within the Republican party. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that Iran could “terrorize the straits forever.” Senator Ted Cruz said he is “deeply concerned” about the possible agreement.
