Image credit: AP
US senate democratic leader Chuck Schumer on Monday called on the Trump administration to immediately brief Congress and the public on the details of the US-Iran “understanding,” arguing that Americans have been told “dozens of times” the war is over only to be left disappointed.”The American people need to know exactly what’s in the deal. Trump must brief Congress and the public on the details of his understanding with Iran immediately and end this war once and for all,” Schumer said in a speech on the Senate floor.He listed several unanswered questions: “Will our troops remain in harm’s way? How does Trump plan to achieve any of the stated goals of his reckless war? What is the plan for the proposed ’60 days of negotiations’?”Schumer argued that the US is worse off than before Trump began the war. “The Iranian regime is more radical than before Trump began his war. Iran has more control over the Strait of Hormuz today than before the war began. Gasoline prices are still dramatically higher than before the war and will remain so for a long time,” he said.He added: “The biggest question Americans had at the beginning of this war was what would America get out of it and at what cost, but Donald Trump answered that question: thus far nothing, and at an enormous cost.”
Terms of deal remain unclear
Trump has claimed that under the peace framework, the Strait of Hormuz would be “permanently toll free.” However, Iran’s Fars News Agency has reported that Tehran has insisted on adding a “maritime services” fee to the deal.The peace agreement sets aside difficult discussions on easing sanctions and curbing Iran’s nuclear program for a later date, with a 60-day negotiation window expected to begin after Friday’s ceremonial signing in Geneva.One major issue left unaddressed is the occupation of territory in Lebanon by Israeli forces. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Israeli troops would remain in south Lebanon, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not yet commented on the deal.Vice President JD Vance confirmed Monday in an interview with CBS News that Iran could have access to $300 billion for reconstruction as part of the deal. “That’s the sort of thing they could have access to, funded by the Gulf coast coalition, so long as they honor their end of the obligation,” Vance said.
