Trump news at a glance: President defends himself from Republicans over moves towards Iran deal | Trump administration
US politics | The Guardian — 2026-05-24 21:00:00 — www.theguardian.com
Trump Defends Iran Deal Amid GOP Criticism
Donald Trump found himself on the defensive this past Sunday as he faced mounting criticism from fellow Republicans regarding a potential deal with Iran aimed at ending ongoing hostilities. As hawks within his party labeled the proposed agreement a “disaster,” Trump took to social media to assert that his deal would be “THE EXACT OPPOSITE” of the one brokered by Barack Obama, which he famously withdrew from in 2018.
In a series of posts, Trump emphasized that he was not rushing into negotiations, stating, “both sides must take their time to get it right … There can be no mistakes!” He further insisted that “the US blockade of Iran’s ports will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.”
However, Trump acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the deal, admitting, “Nobody has seen” it, “or knows what it is.” He added, “It isn’t even fully negotiated yet. So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about.” This comment appears to be a direct jab at his critics, many of whom are prominent figures within the Republican Party.
Details of the Proposed Agreement
Reports suggest that the proposed deal could offer Iran significant sanctions relief and the unlocking of up to $20 billion in frozen assets. In exchange, Iran would reportedly agree to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and engage in negotiations regarding its nuclear program over the next 60 days, starting June 5 in Pakistan. However, the specifics of the deal remain undisclosed, and at least $12 billion of the assets in question are held in Qatar.
A key sticking point in the negotiations is a US demand that the unfreezing of Iran’s assets be contingent upon progress in the handover of enriched uranium. The deal also reportedly requires both Iran and the US, along with their allies, to cease hostilities, including an end to Israeli offensives in Lebanon.
GOP Reaction and Trump’s Track Record
Facing backlash from within his own party, Trump insisted, “I don’t make bad deals!” Yet, this assertion stands in contrast to his previous statements and actions. Critics point to his withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018, which many experts argue destabilized the region and led to increased tensions.
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton, a vocal critic of Trump’s approach to Iran, has previously stated that the withdrawal from the deal was a mistake that undermined US credibility. Similarly, Senator Lindsey Graham has expressed skepticism about any new agreement, warning that it could lead to a repeat of past failures.
Trump’s tendency to dismiss critics as “losers” has also drawn ire from within the GOP, particularly as the party faces potential electoral setbacks in the upcoming midterms. Congressman Thomas Massie, who recently lost his primary to a Trump-backed challenger, warned that the former president’s actions could alienate voters ahead of the November elections.
Conclusion
As Trump navigates the complexities of international diplomacy and internal party dynamics, his assertions about the Iran deal raise questions about transparency and accountability. With a history of controversial statements and decisions, the former president’s claims will likely continue to be scrutinized by both allies and adversaries alike. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether Trump’s approach will yield a favorable outcome or further complicate an already fraught geopolitical landscape.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/may/25/trump-news-at-a-glance-latest-updates-today