A growing number of prominent Republicans are openly rebelling against President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled memorandum of understanding with Iran, with critics warning that the agreement hands Tehran sweeping concessions while demanding little in return.

Among the most vocal opponents is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who on Wednesday blasted the framework and suggested that the president is being poorly advised on the negotiations.

“History teaches that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea. I think the president is receiving some very poor advice on this deal,” Cruz told The Hill.

Cruz’s criticism intensified after the administration released the full text of the interim agreement. The document outlines a path toward removing restrictions on Iranian oil exports and includes plans for Iran to gain access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund intended to support rebuilding efforts following the war.

The Texas senator is not alone in his opposition. Other Republicans have also sharply condemned the agreement, arguing that it rewards Tehran despite years of hostility and aggression.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined the criticism on Wednesday, denouncing the proposal and calling it the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”

In a social media post attacking the framework, Cassidy wrote, “Reagan is rolling over in his grave. Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley also voiced strong objections, arguing that the agreement effectively finances the reconstruction of facilities and infrastructure damaged during the conflict.

“Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on US soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us,” Haley wrote in a post on social media.

“Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do- to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed,” she added.

The criticism began even before the complete text of the agreement became public. On Tuesday, former Vice President Mike Pence sharply questioned the wisdom of the arrangement.

Speaking with CNN, Pence argued that the memorandum of understanding “smells of appeasement” and said it offers extensive benefits to the Iranian regime without requiring significant concessions in exchange.

As details of the agreement continue to emerge, the administration is facing increasing pressure from within its own party, with critics warning that the deal could strengthen one of America’s longtime adversaries while weakening U.S. leverage in the region.

{Matzav.com}