Trump's own Armed Services chair warns the Iran deal 'negotiates away' US wins
WASHINGTON, DC: GOP Senator Roger Wicker, who is also the head of the powerful Senate Armed Services Committee, has raised concerns about the Iran deal amid mounting criticism.
Wicker, in a statement on Thursday, June 18, said that he is concerned that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Iran and the US “negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the president’s goals.”
Senate Armed Services Chair Wicker tears into Iran deal after no commenting all week, says he's "concerned" that it's "out of step with the president's goals"
— Burgess Everett (@burgessev) June 18, 2026
"the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran – though not funded by U.S. taxpayers –… pic.twitter.com/YNQidKRcNm
Roger Wicker criticizes $300 billion Iran reconstruction fund
Roger Wicker, the Mississippi lawmaker, is among the GOP members pushing back against the deal with Iran.
“Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran – though not funded by US taxpayers – would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” Wicker said in a statement.
The GOP senators have pushed back against provisions of the deal that would immediately lift sanctions on Iranian oil exports and could lead to unfreezing of Tehran’s assets worldwide.
As per the Memorandum of Understanding, if Iran agrees to the deal, it would get $300 billion for reconstruction in exchange for giving up its nuclear program and handing over its enriched uranium, but those details will be negotiated during the next phase of talks.
Roger Wicker rejects sanctions relief for Iran
Wicker, who opposed the 60-day ceasefire with Iran last month, argued that it would be a mistake to pressure Israel to halt military operations against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group designated by the US as an extremist organization.
The Mississippi Republican also said he opposes lifting sanctions on Iran or unfreezing Iranian assets in exchange for what he described as Tehran’s “mere agreement” to continue negotiations for another 60 days.
“The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal — ‘Death to America, Death to Israel’. The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim,” Wicker said.
“President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective,” he added.
JD Vance urges GOP to have faith in Trump
Asked about mounting GOP criticism, Vice President JD Vance, who has been leading the US negotiations, said the critics should have some “faith” in the president, as the idea that he would reach a “bad” deal for the American people is “preposterous.”
"He is the person who has had the courage to fundamentally transform our relationship with Iran and with a lot of other countries over the last year and a half," Vance said during a press briefing at the White House.
"He believes in this deal. He is going to see it to completion, and if the Iranians don’t comply, we still have every single tool and point of leverage that we have today,” he added.
