Chuck Schumer: ‘More questions than answers’: US Senate leaders press Trump for Iran deal details
U.S. Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer called on the Trump administration on Monday to immediately inform Congress and the public of the details of the U.S.-Iran “understanding”. He believed that Americans had been told “dozens of times” that the war was over, only to be disappointed.Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer said, “The American people need to know exactly what’s in the deal. Trump must immediately inform Congress and the public on the details of his understanding with Iran and end this war once and for all.”He listed several unanswered questions: “Will our troops continue to be hurt? How does Trump plan to achieve the stated goals of his reckless war? What is the plan for the proposed ’60 Days of Negotiations’?”Schumer believes that the situation in the United States is worse than before Trump launched the war. “The Iranian regime is more aggressive than it was before Trump started the war. Today, Iran has more control over the Strait of Hormuz than before the war began. Gasoline prices are still much higher than before the war and will remain so for a long time to come,” he said.He added: “The biggest question facing Americans at the start of this war was what America would get out of it and at what cost, but Donald Trump has answered that question: so far nothing, and at great cost.”
Terms of deal remain unclear
Trump claimed that under the peace framework, the Strait of Hormuz would be “permanently free.” However, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported that Tehran insisted on adding “maritime services” fees to the agreement.The peace deal puts aside difficult discussions on easing sanctions and curbing Iran’s nuclear program until later, with a 60-day negotiating window expected to begin after a signing ceremony in Geneva on Friday.A major unresolved issue is the occupation of Lebanese territory by Israeli forces. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said on Monday that Israeli troops would remain in southern Lebanon, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to comment on the deal.Vice President Vance confirmed in an interview with CBS News on Monday that Iran could receive $300 billion in reconstruction funds as part of the deal. “As long as they meet their obligations, they can get that kind of thing funded by the Gulf Coast Alliance,” Vance said.
