WASHINGTON, May 28 – President Donald Trump finds himself in a bind as he seeks to end the war against Iran: he is under pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lower U.S. gasoline prices, but faces potential backlash from Iran hawks in his own party over any concessions to Tehran.
Trump's dilemma became clear during a week of hectic diplomacy, with word of an emerging framework deal that would extend a current ceasefire and release Iran's stranglehold on the vital oil-shipping route while deferring discussions of its nuclear program. Such an interim agreement could be the most significant step toward peace since he joined with Israel in attacking the Islamic Republic on February 28.
But it could also draw disapproval from influential Republicans clamoring for him to 'finish the job' by resuming strikes to close Tehran's path to a nuclear weapon. Earlier this week, hardline anti-Iran allies criticized the possible deal, arguing it offers little beyond the 2015 nuclear deal scrapped by Trump.
Senators Lindsey Graham, Roger Wicker, and Ted Cruz urged the president not to compromise. Trump pushed back, insisting he was in 'no rush' and would only accept a 'great' agreement. 'Trump's rhetorical swings suggest a president trying to park a wide war in a tight spot,' said Laura Blumenfeld, a Middle East expert at Johns Hopkins University.
A White House official said negotiations are proceeding nicely. Leaks about the 'memorandum of understanding' suggest many thorny questions remain unanswered: the strait's long-term status, Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, and sanctions relief. The framework falls short of Trump's earlier demand for 'unconditional surrender'.
Iran's Tasnim news agency said the text is not finalized. Analysts say Trump appears to be trying to find a balance between getting Iran to give ground on key issues while offering only limited compromises. Getting the strait reopened would be welcomed internationally, but Trump would just be regaining the free flow of shipping that existed before the war.
Political and economic clocks are ticking: his approval ratings have hit new lows, midterm elections loom in November, and the conflict could damage the global economy. Iran appears to seek upfront sanctions relief, and Trump's aides fear high gas prices could hurt Republican electoral prospects. 'The president gives every sign of wanting this over soon,' said Jon Alterman of CSIS. 'That makes the Iranians dig in their heels.'
