Congress Opposes Iran Deal
Bipartisan Coalition in Congress Expresses Growing Concerns Over Trump's Iran Deal
A bipartisan coalition in Congress is pushing back hard against President Trump's Iran nuclear deal, the "Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," signed June 17, 2026, at the Palace of Versailles. Trump fired back at critics on Truth Social, calling them "jealous, bad people or stupid" — but that has not stopped members of his own party from speaking out. CBS News reported that Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana called it "the worst foreign policy blunder in decades," adding that "Reagan is rolling over in his grave."
The 1,009-word memorandum ends a 110-day war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran — a conflict that killed 13 American service members. It opens a 60-day window to negotiate a final, permanent nuclear deal. Critics from both parties say the U.S. gave up too much to get there.
Republican Hawks Break With Trump Over Iran Terms
Senator Cassidy has become the loudest Republican voice against the deal. He says Iran's nuclear ambitions were not curbed by the agreement. He also pointed to the 13 American service members who died during the 110-day war. "This is the worst foreign policy blunder in decades," he wrote on X, according to Forbes. Cassidy lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, which some say has freed him to speak out.
Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn of Texas also raised alarms. Cornyn described the deal as an "intermission" — not a solution — because Iran still has the ability to rebuild its nuclear program, according to Senate Democrats. Senator Roger Wicker noted that the deal includes a $300 billion economic fund for Iran, making Obama's 2015 nuclear deal look like a "pittance" by comparison.
Democrats Say Obama's 2015 Deal Had Better Terms
Some Democrats are now making an uncomfortable argument: the 2015 Obama-era nuclear deal, the JCPOA, was actually better for the United States than the current memorandum. The JCPOA was a hundreds-pages-long technical document. The new deal is just a 14-point framework, CBS News reported. Senator Michael Bennet of Colorado pointed out that Trump claimed to have "obliterated" Iran's nuclear sites in 2025 — yet used those same sites as justification for going to war in 2026.
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut offered a bleak assessment. He called the deal "essentially a surrender to Iran on Iran's terms" and "a disaster" — but added it was "probably a necessary disaster," according to NOTUS. Senator Tim Kaine called the entire war "needless," arguing the U.S. ended up in the same or worse position than before fighting began on February 27, 2026.
What the Deal Actually Says — and What It Leaves Out
The Islamabad Memorandum runs just 1,009 words. Vice President JD Vance, who helped negotiate the deal, says it is "structured to reward Iran for good behavior" and asked critics to "have a little bit of faith," according to the Los Angeles Times. Iran has agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open without tolls for 60 days. Oil prices fell more than 3% after the signing as markets reacted to that news, the Guardian reported.
But experts say the deal is thin on specifics. Ray Takeyh of the Council on Foreign Relations said the memorandum reflects "Iran's priorities, not the United States'" and warned it lacks firm commitments on enriched uranium. Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu was not part of the talks and has reportedly rejected the deal's terms. The $300 billion economic fund for Iran — to be paid by private and regional partners — has alarmed allies and critics alike.
What Comes Next: A 60-Day Sprint to a Final Deal
The memorandum starts a two-month clock. The U.S. and Iran must reach a final, permanent nuclear agreement within 60 days. Trump has threatened to resume bombing if Iran does not "behave," according to Axios. The political pressure at home is growing fast. A rare bipartisan bloc is forming — one that could complicate Trump's ability to claim the deal as a clean win heading into the next phase of talks.
The war cost 13 American lives and lasted 110 days. Gas hit $4.19 a gallon in states like Michigan at the height of the conflict. The stock market has rallied since the signing, and gas prices are falling. Trump's team is betting those economic wins will outweigh the criticism. But with Republican senators now openly comparing the deal to historic blunders, that bet is far from certain.
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