Trump faces criticism from allies over Iran peace memorandum and sanctions relief

US President Donald Trump is facing criticism from several Republicans after signing an interim agreement with Iran aimed at ending the conflict between the two countries.

Under the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday, both sides agreed to an “immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts,” including in Lebanon.

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The deal also includes plans for a $300 billion reconstruction programme for Iran and a commitment by Tehran not to “procure or develop nuclear weapons”.

The agreement has drawn opposition from prominent Republicans. Senator Bill Cassidy called it “the worst foreign policy blunder in decades”.

“Reagan is rolling over in his grave. Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future,” Cassidy wrote on X.

Former US Vice President Mike Pence said the agreement “does smack of the kind of appeasement that our administration rejected in the Obama-Iran nuclear deal”.

“Failing that, we should let our Armed Forces finish the job on our terms,” Pence said on X.

Former UN ambassador Nikki Haley also criticised plans to ease sanctions, while Senator Ted Cruz warned: “I do want to urge the president not to give up the victory; we have destroyed their military, and we should not fund the rebuild.”