Trump says Iran deal is ‘unconditional surrender,’ claims no limits on power
11 reported2 unconfirmed
President Donald Trump asserted he has unlimited power and described the agreement with Iran as "unconditional surrender" by Tehran, according to an Axios interview. The U.S. and Iran signed the agreement on Thursday after three and a half months of conflict that shut the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said he negotiated the deal to prevent a global economic depression. The memorandum of understanding includes a 60-day negotiating period, a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for nuclear negotiations, with several key details unresolved. Shipping activity through the strait resumed, with at least 18 transits recorded during June 17-18, the highest since the conflict began. U.S. Central Command said American forces lifted all blockade enforcement on maritime traffic in Iranian coastal areas. The deal has drawn criticism from lawmakers who argue Trump was not tough enough on Iran.
What’s reported
Trump said in an Axios interview that the Iran deal amounts to "unconditional surrender" by Tehran.
Trump stated, "I know there are, but there are no limits" when asked about limits to his power.
The U.S. and Iran signed the agreement on Thursday after three and a half months of conflict.
The conflict shut the Strait of Hormuz and rattled global energy markets.
The memorandum of understanding includes a 60-day negotiating period, reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and a framework for nuclear negotiations.
At least 18 transits through the Strait of Hormuz were recorded during June 17-18, the highest since the conflict started, per maritime intelligence firm Windward.
U.S. Central Command said all U.S. military blockade enforcement efforts have ceased.
A White House spokesperson said Vice President JD Vance canceled a planned trip to Switzerland for negotiations, citing logistical reasons.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said Trump did a "very poor job of negotiating" and called the outcome "one of the biggest American disasters."
Senator Peter Welch said the war cost an estimated $100 billion and called the outcome "a failure."
Trump pushed back at criticism, saying those who think he was soft on Tehran were "jealous, bad people or stupid."
Open questions
What specific terms of the interim agreement remain unresolved and will be addressed in subsequent negotiations.
Why the logistics of the negotiations were cited as the reason for Vice President Vance's canceled trip.
Key figures
Donald Trump, U.S. President
Chuck Schumer, Senate Minority Leader, D-N.Y.
Peter Welch, Senator, D-Vt.
JD Vance, U.S. Vice President
White House spokesperson (unnamed)
Sources: CNBC
