Trump's emerging plan to end Iran war draws criticism from hard-line Republicans

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump's emerging deal to end the Iran war faces strong criticism from Republican lawmakers who fear it may empower Iran and squander the opportunity to curtail its nuclear ambitions and regional influence.
• Senators Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, and Roger Wicker expressed concerns that the deal could leave Iran enriched with uranium, controlling the Strait of Hormuz, and able to threaten Gulf oil infrastructure, potentially negating recent military gains.
• Trump defended the deal as still being negotiated and distinct from the Obama-era nuclear pact, emphasizing patience to "get it right" and maintaining a military blockade until a formal agreement is signed.
• Some Republicans, including Senator Rand Paul and Representative Thomas Massie, showed cautious support for negotiations, highlighting the importance of pursuing a peaceful resolution despite ongoing criticism.
• Former officials like Mike Pompeo and John Bolton criticized the deal as too favorable to Iran, warning it could lead to a resurgence of nuclear development and increased regional aggression, while Senator Marco Rubio asserted Trump would not permit a deal strengthening Iran’s nuclear capabilities.