General Discussion

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that his administration had “largely” reached a deal with Iran that would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz following a call with Muslim leaders of Middle East countries and separately, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Details were scarce, including how the framework would address the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

“An Agreement has been largely negotiated, subject to finalization between the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the various other Countries, as listed,” Trump said in a social media post, citing Saudi Arabia, the U.A.E. and Jordan, among others. “Separately, I had a call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, which, likewise, went very well.”

Trump added that “final aspects and details of the Deal are currently being discussed, and will be announced shortly.” He said that among “many other elements of the Agreement, the Strait of Hormuz will be opened,” but he did not elaborate on whether it included Iran’s enriched uranium.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei suggested earlier Saturday on state media that the “framework agreement”would give Tehran “between 30 to 60 days” to resolve sticking points over its stockpile. GOP critics, including Trump’s former CIA director and secretary of state from his first administration, blasted the apparent agreement for not achieving Trump’s main stated goal for going to war: to put a permanent end to Iran’s nuclear program.

Link to tweet

.....Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., a key Trump congressional ally, warned against agreeing to a deal that could wind up giving Iran the appearance of dominance.

“If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution,” Graham said in a social media post Saturday.