[Video below.] House Speaker Mike Johnson publicly defended President Donald Trump on Sunday as a fierce Republican backlash erupted over the administration’s emerging agreement with Iran, a framework that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and extend the current ceasefire for 60 days while postponing final negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The developing proposal has already triggered sharp criticism from Republican hawks and skepticism from Iranian officials, with opponents warning the agreement could strengthen the Islamic Republic and alter the balance of power across the Gulf region.
Speaking from the Indianapolis 500 during an appearance on “Fox & Friends Weekend,” Johnson said he spoke with Trump Saturday night and insisted the president remains firmly committed to preventing Iran from becoming a nuclear power.
Johnson described Trump as “resolute as he’s been from the beginning.”
The House speaker said the administration intends to successfully address the nuclear issue while reopening the strait to commercial shipping, arguing the move would calm international energy markets and reduce gasoline prices in the United States.
Johnson added that lower fuel prices could help Republicans expand their congressional majority in the upcoming midterm elections.
The framework Trump outlined Saturday in a social media post calls for extending the ceasefire by 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and launching follow-up negotiations focused on Iran’s nuclear program.
Trump said he discussed the proposal with leaders from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, and Israel, describing the developing package as a “Memorandum of Understanding pertaining to PEACE” that still requires final approval.
Iranian officials, however, appeared to dispute portions of the proposed framework, with a spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry telling state media that nuclear matters are not currently part of the negotiations.
The proposal has created deep divisions within Republican ranks, pitting traditional Iran hawks against Trump allies defending the president’s diplomatic push.
Ted Cruz voiced alarm over reports suggesting Iran could retain influence over the Strait of Hormuz while continuing uranium enrichment activities.
He warned such an outcome would amount to a “disastrous mistake.”
Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that a 60-day ceasefire “would be a disaster” and claimed the military gains achieved during Operation Epic Fury could ultimately be squandered.
Lindsey Graham also criticized the framework, warning it could shift the regional balance of power and become “a nightmare for Israel.”
Cruz later became involved in a public online clash with Trump adviser Alex Bruesewitz, who mocked the senator for criticizing the president.
“Cool, Ted. No one asked you, bro,” Bruesewitz wrote, accusing Cruz of attempting to undermine Trump politically.
Cruz responded moments later with his own sharp rebuke.
“Hush, child. The adults are talking. I’m not your ‘bro.’ And young political grifters pushing Iran appeasement are not remotely helping the President.”
Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also attacked the proposal, dismissing it as “Not remotely America First.”
That criticism drew an aggressive response from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, who reportedly fired back on social media by saying Pompeo did not understand the issue and should “shut his stupid mouth.”
The immediate question now facing the administration is whether the fragile framework can survive long enough to become a finalized agreement.
Trump has repeatedly insisted that the U.S. blockade surrounding the Strait of Hormuz will remain in place “until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed.”
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{Matzav.com}