White House touts diplomatic win
President Trump took to social media late last week to announce that a peace deal with Iran is 'largely negotiated' and that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen as part of the agreement. The announcement marks a sharp turn after months of military conflict that began with a US-Israeli air campaign in late February. White House officials say the deal would end hostilities and restore shipping through the critical waterway.
But lawmakers on Capitol Hill are not ready to celebrate. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair Jim Risch called for a full briefing, saying the committee needs to see the terms before offering support. Democratic leaders expressed similar caution, demanding that any agreement be submitted to Congress for review.
National security debate heats up
The debate has split the Republican party. Some members praise Trump for pursuing peace after a costly conflict. Others worry the deal does not address Iran's nuclear ambitions or its support for proxy groups across the Middle East. Senator Tom Cotton said any deal that leaves Iran with nuclear enrichment capability is 'a non-starter.'
What comes next
Pakistan has offered to host the next round of talks. Saudi Arabia, which earlier denied the US access to its airspace, is now backing the peace process. The coming weeks will test whether Trump can deliver a final agreement and get enough support in Congress to make it stick.