President Donald Trump’s critics have hit out at peace deal with Iran, disputing his claim the agreement is a “great deal”.
While the president called the agreement with Iran a “great deal,” CNN’s Nic Robertson pointed out that it's actually a Memorandum of Understanding which allows for a 60 day ceasefire during which the involved nations will discuss further peace details.
The memorandum was reached on June 14, and will be officially signed on June 19 which is when the president says the Strait of Hormuz will re-open. Despite the president congratulating himself for making “peace with Iran,” the current agreement does not include details on how, or whether, Iran will decommission its nuclear program; a critical component of lasting peace in the region, particularly between Iran and Israel.
The president said in a Truth Social post: “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Robertson, CNN’s International Diplomatic Editor, had some questions about the deal on Sunday night, asking: “What’s going to be the precise language around Iran’s commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons in the future? What sort of timeline is there going to be on it?”
The Strait of Hormuz closure was a critical component in Iran’s ability to maintain a foothold in the conflict despite its military being largely decimated by the U.S.
There currently appear to be different understandings about the president’s belief that the Strait of Hormuz will be "toll free.” According to Iranian news sources, Iran will be imposing fees for "maritime services” through the strait. The Trump administration has not responded to this claim.
Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, claimed on CBS that the U.S. had control over the Strait “this entire time.” Stating that the U.S. Navy blockade has prevented ships from working with Iran. He claimed this victory despite the Iranian mining and drone strike operation over the Strait causing a near-complete blockade of critical oil shipments, driving the cost of gas up to $4 a gallon at its peak.
Read MoreTrump has achieved none of his aims in Iran. His ceasefire can’t work and won’t work
