Sharp criticism erupted tonight over reports of a developing ceasefire and diplomatic agreement between the United States and Iran, with Senator Lindsey Graham and Yisrael Beiteinu chairman Avigdor Lieberman warning that the arrangement could dramatically strengthen Tehran’s position in the Middle East.

Graham, who is widely viewed as a close ally of President Donald Trump, posted a strongly worded reaction on social media questioning the logic behind any agreement that leaves Iran capable of threatening the Strait of Hormuz or attacking Gulf oil infrastructure.

“If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution.”

He warned that such an outcome would reshape the balance of power across the region in Iran’s favor and create long-term dangers for Israel and America’s allies.

“This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel. Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability. It is important we get this right.”

Lieberman also attacked the emerging agreement, arguing that any arrangement allowing the Iranian regime to remain in power poses a direct threat to Israel.

“Any deal leaves all the ayatollahs in power. And one must understand, regarding producing an atomic bomb, any advanced country today can produce one. For example, Germany and Japan. That is a political decision. Maybe it will take them a month and a half, maximum three months.”

He argued that the real danger lies not in Iran’s technological capabilities alone, but in the ideology of its leadership.

“There is all the technological infrastructure, all the knowledge, available manpower, no one is concerned, neither Japan nor Germany, because there there is a responsible measured elected leadership. In Iran, on the contrary, there is a fanatic leadership that says its supreme goal is the destruction of the State of Israel, and it does not matter what kind of deal it is,” he said.

Lieberman also addressed Israeli domestic politics, saying his political ambitions remain unchanged as coalition negotiations continue behind the scenes.

“I have two objectives: to bring down the October 7 government and to be prime minister,” Lieberman clarified.

Discussing the possibility of joining a future coalition, Lieberman said he would insist on sweeping military conscription changes as a condition for participation.

“There will not be a single exemption,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Financial Times reported that Washington and Tehran are nearing a deal that would extend the ceasefire for an additional 60 days.

According to the report, the agreement would include a phased reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and discussions regarding either diluting or removing Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium. The report also said the United States is expected to ease restrictions on Iranian ports, soften sanctions, and permit the gradual release of frozen Iranian assets held overseas.

The Associated Press, citing multiple individuals involved in the negotiations, reported that both sides are now reviewing the draft agreement and hope to reach a final decision within the next 48 hours.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakayi told Iranian media that negotiations are approaching the finish line.

“We are in the final stages of drafting a memorandum of understanding to end the war.”

Bakayi said the remaining discussions are centered on concluding the conflict and resolving issues tied to the release of Iran’s frozen financial assets abroad.