President Donald Trump's emerging deal to end the Iran war is facing heavy criticism from fellow Republicans, who favor a harder line against the Iranian government and fear a lost opportunity to rein in a longtime Mideast nemesis. The deal, which Trump claims is "largely negotiated," has left a range of lawmakers, former Cabinet members, and conservative analysts questioning whether the terms will render the conflict futile. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, expressed his concerns, stating that the president's decision to strike Iran was the "most consequential" of his second term and that he should not let up now. Cruz warned that an Iranian regime still run by Islamists, with the ability to enrich uranium and develop nuclear weapons, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, would be a "disastrous mistake." Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., another close ally of Trump, also criticized any deal that would leave Iran as a dominant force in the region, retaining its ability to destroy oil infrastructure throughout the Gulf. Sen. Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, questioned the merit of a proposed 60-day ceasefire, calling it a "disaster." Trump, however, dismissed objections, stating that the deal is not even fully negotiated yet and that he only makes good deals. He also mentioned that the deal is the "exact opposite" of the nuclear pact Iran agreed to under the Obama administration, from which he withdrew. Some support for Trump came from GOP Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky, who defended the White House's approach, arguing that war always ends with negotiations. However, critics like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton have asserted that the emerging deal is similar to the Obama-era agreement, which Trump withdrew from, and that it favors the Iranian government. Secretary of State Marco Rubio pushed back, emphasizing Trump's commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and dismissing the idea of a deal that would strengthen Iran's nuclear ambitions. Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, a Trump antagonist, expressed a more positive view, suggesting that the deal could be "pretty good" despite the initial criticism. The war, which began on February 28, has been costly for U.S. taxpayers, with at least $29 billion spent and 13 service members killed. Trump's initial estimate of ending the war in four to six weeks has not been met, and Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has impacted the global economy and sent prices for gasoline and other goods climbing. The deal's details and timelines are to be worked out during a later 60-day window, with regional officials providing updates to The Associated Press. The outcome of this negotiation and its implications for the region and global economy remain uncertain, leaving many Republicans and analysts with concerns and questions.
