Donald Trump pushed back hard against Republican critics on Sunday as he moved closer to finalizing an agreement with Iran, insisting he would not repeat what he views as Barack Obama's failed diplomacy.
Trump took to social media to defend the emerging deal, claiming it would be "THE EXACT OPPOSITE" of the 2015 nuclear accord he withdrew from in 2018. He emphasized caution in the process, saying "both sides must take their time to get it right... There can be no mistakes."
The President stressed that economic pressure would remain in place during negotiations. "The US blockade of Iran's ports will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed," Trump wrote.
Facing attacks from party hawks, Trump challenged critics to acknowledge their own ignorance. "Nobody has seen the deal, or knows what it is," he said. "It isn't even fully negotiated yet. So don't listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about." He also insisted simply: "I don't make bad deals."
What the deal reportedly includes
The framework being negotiated would provide Iran with sanctions relief and access to approximately $20 billion in frozen assets. In exchange, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and commit to nuclear negotiations over 60 days beginning June 5 in Pakistan. At least $12 billion of the assets are currently held in Qatar.
The agreement also calls for a ceasefire between the US, Iran, and their respective allies, as well as an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon. A key sticking point involves American insistence that the release of Iran's Qatari-held assets be tied to progress on uranium enrichment negotiations.
Massie's defeat signals potential damage from Trump's approach. The Kentucky Republican, who had clashed with the president over military action, spending, and document releases, lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger this week, becoming the latest target of the president to fall in intraparty contests.
Author James Rodriguez: "Trump's confidence in his dealmaking prowess may not survive contact with his own party's appetite for confrontation with Iran."
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