US Closer to Peace Deal Amidst Domestic Criticism, Netanyahu Says Must End Iran’s Nuclear Capabilities

The US and Iran were closer to clinching a peace deal on Sunday (May 24), even as American President Donald Trump faced criticism from fellow Republicans, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked him to end Tehran’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump’s party colleagues called the proposed deal with Iran a disaster and questioned the President about launching the war with Iran in the first place.

In a social media post, Trump claimed his Iranian deal would be “THE EXACT OPPOSITE” of what predecessor President Barack Obama had signed. Trump had pulled out of the Obama deal in 2018 during his first term as US President.

Trump said he would not rush into an Iranian deal, noting “both sides must take their time to get it right…there can be no mistakes!” He insisted that “the US blockade of Iran’s ports will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.”

“Nobody has seen the deal, or knows what it is,” the US president later added. “It isn’t even fully negotiated yet. So don’t listen to the losers, who are critical about something they know nothing about.” Trump insisted, “I don’t make bad deals!”

On Saturday (May 23), Trump spoke to the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the key original advocate of the war when it began in February, to try to reassure him on the ceasefire’s terms.

Netanyahu is also trying to retain his freedom to continue to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon, but Iran is insisting the ceasefire must apply on all fronts.

In a social media post on Sunday (May 24), the Israeli leader said: “President Trump and I agreed that any final agreement with Iran must eliminate the nuclear danger,” and that Trump had reaffirmed Israel’s right to defend itself “on every front, including Lebanon.”