Republican hawks warn of ‘disastrous mistake’ as Trump nears deal with Iran | US-Israel war on Iran
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-24 11:50:00 — www.theguardian.com
Republican Hawks Rebuke Trump Over Iran Peace Deal
In an unprecedented move, Republican hawks have publicly criticized Donald Trump’s proposed peace deal with Iran, labeling it a “disaster” and questioning the rationale behind the war initiated by the president. Allies who once staunchly supported Trump’s decision to engage militarily alongside Israel are now urging him to “hold the line” amid rising economic costs and a lack of progress on initial objectives.
With reports of a potential deal sparking outrage within his own party, Trump’s allies are expressing deep concern over major concessions that appear to favor Iran. Roger Wicker, chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, took to social media to voice his disapproval, stating that a “rumored 60-day ceasefire” would render “everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury… for naught.”
Trump’s Mixed Messages
After suggesting on Saturday that a deal was imminent, Trump appeared to backtrack on Sunday, following backlash from Republican leaders. He claimed that talks were progressing in an “orderly and constructive” manner, adding, “I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal as time is on our side.” However, critics noted that Trump failed to address Iran’s nuclear program, a critical issue he previously labeled a “red line” in negotiations.
The proposed peace draft reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire during which the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports, allowing Iran to sell oil freely while negotiations on its nuclear ambitions would be deferred. This has alarmed several Republican foreign policy hawks, who fear that such concessions could shift the balance of power in the region.
Concerns from Republican Leaders
Senator Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally, warned that if the deal is perceived as a capitulation to Iranian terrorism, it would signify a “major shift of the balance of power in the region” and could become a “nightmare for Israel.” He questioned the rationale behind the war, asking, “why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate?”
Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, echoed Graham’s concerns, while Texas Senator Ted Cruz expressed his “deep concern” over the emerging agreement. Cruz warned that if the deal results in an Iranian regime that continues to chant “death to America” while gaining financial resources and nuclear capabilities, it would be a “disastrous mistake.”
Trump’s Allies Divided
Despite the backlash, some of Trump’s allies continue to support his approach. In a separate statement, Graham praised what he called a “brilliant proposal by President Trump,” suggesting that several Middle Eastern countries could join the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
However, Mike Pompeo, who served as Secretary of State under Trump, sharply criticized the proposed deal, calling it “not remotely America First.” He compared it unfavorably to the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated by the Obama administration, which Trump had previously denounced. Pompeo stated, “It’s straightforward. Open the damned strait. Deny Iran access to money. Take out enough Iranian capability so it cannot threaten our allies in the region.”
Conclusion
As Trump navigates the complexities of foreign policy and internal party dissent, the implications of his proposed peace deal with Iran remain contentious. The stark divide among Republican leaders highlights the challenges he faces in maintaining party unity while pursuing a controversial diplomatic strategy. With the stakes high, the coming days will be crucial in determining the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical landscape.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/24/republican-hawks-trump-deal-iran