Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said Sunday that he is “concerned” that the United States and Iranian governments have “different” views of the deal the two sides have agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
“I am pleased to hear the memorandum of understanding with Iran to allow the Strait of Hormuz to open has been agreed to. I will be watching closely the ensuing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other matters,” Graham, an Iran hawk, wrote on social platform X.
“I am somewhat concerned that Iran’s view of the agreement seems different than what the American negotiating team is claiming,” the South Carolina Republican added.
Trump Announces Deal
President Trump announced the deal earlier Sunday afternoon, signaling a potential end to a three-and-a-half-month conflict with the Islamic Republic.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
The Iranian military has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the early stages of the war, with gas prices increasing stateside as a result of the subsequent shock to the energy industry. In response to Tehran’s closure of the waterway, the US has imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports since mid-April.
Iran’s Version of the Deal
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a final draft of a memorandum of understanding between the two sides calls for the US to refrain from imposing new sanctions on Iran until a final deal is reached and release $25 billion of frozen Iranian assets.
The official also told Reuters that under the draft agreement, Iran would agree to neither produce nor acquire nuclear weapons and refrain from further uranium enrichment and expansion of its nuclear facilities.
Next Steps
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has mediated talks between Washington and Tehran, said Sunday that an official signing ceremony will be on Friday in Switzerland. Vice President Vance told Fox News on Sunday that he plans on traveling to Switzerland for the ceremony and it is “possible” that Trump will also attend.
Graham noted Sunday that “any nuclear deal with Iran will be sent to Congress for review and a vote.” However, the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the Obama administration reached with global powers and Iran on limiting Tehran’s nuclear program, was structured as a political commitment and not a treaty — therefore, the Senate did not have to ratify it.
“I look forward to reviewing the final product and I believe it is imperative that the architect of the deal, Vice President Vance and his negotiating partners, be part of the process in presenting the final deal to Congress,” Graham added. “Congratulations to all in getting us to this point. Time will tell.”
The Bottom Line
Sen. Lindsey Graham said he is “concerned” that the US and Iran have “different” views of the deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even as President Trump declared the agreement “complete” and authorized the removal of the US naval blockade. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the draft memorandum of understanding calls for the US to release $25 billion in frozen Iranian assets and refrain from new sanctions. An official signing ceremony is scheduled for Friday in Switzerland.
