US President Donald Trump has strongly defended ongoing negotiations with Iran, dismissing critics of the proposed agreement and insisting that talks are progressing carefully and constructively. In a post on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump said he had instructed US negotiators “not to rush” into a final deal, arguing that many of the people criticizing the discussions “know nothing about” the details still being worked out.
Trump emphasized that any agreement reached under his administration would differ significantly from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal negotiated during Barack Obama’s presidency. Trump has long criticized that accord, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), describing it as “one of the worst deals ever made.” During his first term in office, he withdrew the United States from the agreement and reimposed sanctions on Tehran.
According to Trump, the new negotiations are aimed at producing a much tougher and more favorable arrangement for Washington and its allies. “Our deal is the exact opposite,” he wrote, adding that the agreement has not yet been finalized and that much of its content remains unknown to the public.
The comments come amid growing criticism from several prominent Republican lawmakers. Senator Lindsey Graham warned that the rumored terms of the deal could become a “nightmare for Israel,” while Senator Ted Cruz described the negotiations as a “disastrous mistake.” Senator Roger Wicker also raised concerns, saying the proposed arrangement could undermine the achievements of Operation Epic Fury, a recent US military campaign in the region.
Despite the criticism, reports suggest the negotiations are nearing completion. According to Axios, the emerging framework could take the form of a 60-day memorandum of understanding that may later be extended if both sides agree. The reported draft includes measures aimed at easing tensions in the Persian Gulf and reopening important trade routes.
Under the proposal, the Strait of Hormuz would reportedly be reopened without transit tolls, and Iran would remove naval mines previously deployed in the strategic waterway. In exchange, the United States would ease certain restrictions, including lifting its blockade on Iranian ports and issuing limited sanctions waivers that would allow Tehran to resume some oil exports.
Media reports from the New York Times and CBS News indicate that Iran would also pledge never to pursue nuclear weapons and would enter discussions on limiting uranium enrichment and reducing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium. However, negotiators are reportedly still debating how those commitments would be implemented.
Fox News reported on Sunday that the agreement was “95% complete,” although negotiators were still working on the final wording of the document.