Trump open to congressional review of Iran deal as lawmakers seek details

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday that he is open to allowing Congress to review the recently negotiated agreement with Iran, as lawmakers from both parties continue to seek details about the deal, whose provisions have not yet been made public.

During a meeting with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in France, Trump said he had no issue with congressional oversight of the agreement, which was announced over the weekend and is expected to be formally signed in Geneva on Friday by Vice President JD Vance.

“I’d like to send it to Congress and tell them, ‘You shouldn’t approve it,’ and then they’ll approve it,” Trump remarked, apparently in a light-hearted reference to the review process.

The accord, electronically signed on Sunday by Trump and Vance, aims to end four months of tensions and military conflict between Washington and Tehran while restoring access through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

However, the administration has not released the memorandum of understanding (MoU), leaving lawmakers uncertain about key issues such as Iran’s nuclear activities, possible sanctions relief, and enforcement and verification measures.

The lack of transparency has prompted calls for more information from Capitol Hill, where lawmakers still recall the contentious debate surrounding the 2015 nuclear agreement, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated under former President Barack Obama.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune said there was insufficient information available to properly assess the agreement.

“I don’t know enough about it to determine whether it’s a good deal,” Thune told reporters, adding that questions remain regarding compliance, enforcement mechanisms, and any financial benefits Iran might receive under the arrangement.

While many Republicans welcomed the apparent diplomatic progress, several emphasized that their support would depend on the final terms of the agreement.

Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of Trump, urged that lawmakers be given access to the document before making any judgments.

“I want to review the MoU myself. Iran’s description of it sounds concerning, while our explanation seems reasonable. We need to examine the actual text and see what it contains,” Graham said.

In a separate statement, Graham stressed that any agreement involving Iran’s nuclear programme would eventually need congressional review and approval.