US President Donald Trump has hit back at critics of the newly signed peace deal with Iran, insisting the agreement is already delivering positive results and accusing opponents of failing to see its benefits.
Trump made the remarks on Thursday, a day after formally signing the agreement with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in a move aimed at ending weeks of conflict in the Middle East.
The signing took place during a dinner hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles in France. Macron welcomed the development, describing it as a major step towards restoring peace and stability in the region.
Responding to criticism that the deal gives Iran too many concessions, Trump defended the agreement in a social media post, pointing to record stock market gains and falling oil prices as evidence that the deal is working.
Iran also expressed support for the agreement, with officials saying the focus should now be on implementing its terms and ensuring both sides fulfil their commitments.
The deal comes after a five-week conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to a rise in global oil prices. Following the agreement, oil prices continued to fall as markets reacted positively to the prospect of reduced tensions.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who played a role in mediating the talks, said the agreement takes immediate effect and that Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil exports.
The accord also opens a new phase of negotiations that will run for the next 60 days. During this period, both countries are expected to work towards a broader agreement covering Iran’s nuclear programme and other outstanding issues.
Under the terms of the deal, the United States has agreed to ease sanctions on Iran’s oil sector. The agreement also includes plans for a proposed $300 billion reconstruction fund that would become available once a final nuclear agreement is reached.
The head of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said discussions are already underway on the practical steps needed to implement the agreement. US officials have also indicated that Iran will reduce its stockpile of enriched uranium under international supervision.
However, Iran has made it clear that its ballistic missile programme is not up for discussion. Iranian officials insist the country’s defence capabilities remain a sovereign matter and will not be included in future negotiations.
Despite being welcomed by some world leaders, the agreement has faced criticism from both sides. Some Iranian hardliners argue that the country should not have made concessions, while critics in the United States say the deal does not do enough to limit Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described the agreement as a setback for US policy, while President Pezeshkian called it a historic achievement for diplomacy.
In Washington, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy criticised the deal, arguing that Iran received major economic benefits without making sufficient commitments on its nuclear programme.
Trump, however, maintained that the United States would respond firmly if Iran fails to honour the agreement, warning that any violation would carry serious consequences.
Questions also remain about whether the deal will help resolve tensions involving Lebanon and Hezbollah. Although violence has reduced since the agreement was announced, Lebanese media reported that an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon on Thursday killed one person.
As implementation begins, attention will now turn to whether both countries can successfully carry out the agreement and make progress toward a lasting settlement on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security concerns.
Trump Fires Back at Critics as Iran Peace Deal Takes Effect
