New Delhi: US President Donald Trump’s new agreement with Iran has become a cause of controversy in his own home. Many senior administration officials, including the CIA, have questioned the success of this deal and alleged that Trump has given Iran more relief than necessary. Interestingly, Trump himself has been accusing Barack Obama of similar laxity in 2015.
Vice President JD Vance, advisors Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are standing in support of this deal. On the other hand, Foreign Minister Marco Rubio and Defense Minister Pete Hegseth are opposing it. In this way Trump’s team is divided into two groups.
CIA report increased concern
Based on the input received from its agents, the CIA has said that America may be betrayed again. CIA Director John Ratcliffe told Trump and other officials that the evidence he had suggested that Iran was not ready to accept America’s demands in the nuclear matter.
According to the Axios report, Trump and his team held several meetings before announcing the agreement. In these meetings, the reports of American intelligence agencies were discussed, in which it came to light that Iranian officials were saying one thing among themselves regarding the deal and presenting something else to America.
Both Rubio and Ratcliffe clearly said in the meeting that Iran does not seem to be agreeing to the nuclear steps that America wants. One official said intelligence indicated Iran’s intentions did not match the deal’s promises.
Terms of agreement and next steps
A White House official said that Trump listens to everyone’s opinion, but he takes the final decision. According to the official, this MOU ensures that Iran does not have nuclear weapons, cannot possess highly enriched uranium and cannot hold the energy supply hostage.
Now JD Vance, Witkoff and Kushner will meet Friday with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss next steps. Qatar and Pakistan are mediating.
The full text of the initial 14-point agreement has not yet been made public. According to sources, the MOU states that America and Iran will discuss the disposal of enriched material and future enrichment. As long as talks continue, Iran will not increase its nuclear program.
Emphasis on pay for performance model
US officials say that releasing Iran’s funds will depend on its performance. If Iran takes positive steps then America can release some funds. Officials believe that in two to three weeks it will become clear whether Iran is serious about nuclear concessions or not. If this does not happen then the process may stop without giving much benefit.
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