U.S. President, Donald Trump, has defended a recently signed agreement with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing critics of the deal as “fools.”
Trump made the remarks after the signing of the agreement with Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, which is expected to pave the way for further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security issues.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said the agreement was already producing positive economic outcomes, citing gains in financial markets and declining oil prices.
According to him, opponents of the deal were ignoring its benefits and allowing political considerations to shape their views.
The agreement seeks to halt recent hostilities involving the United States, Iran and Israel, while restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route for oil and gas exports.
Under the arrangement, both countries are expected to engage in a 60-day negotiation process aimed at reaching a broader understanding on Iran’s nuclear activities.
Reports indicate that the agreement includes the easing of some U.S. oil-related sanctions on Iran, while discussions are expected to continue on economic cooperation and measures relating to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has also expressed readiness to support oversight measures linked to any future nuclear arrangements.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, welcomed the development, describing it as an important step toward peace and stability in the Middle East.
Iranian authorities also praised the agreement, with President Pezeshkian reportedly describing it as a historic opportunity to reduce tensions and focus on implementation.
However, the deal has drawn criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and policy analysts.
Among them is Senator Bill Cassidy, who argued that the agreement does not place sufficient restrictions on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and grants Tehran significant concessions.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have maintained that the country’s ballistic missile programme remains outside the scope of any future negotiations, describing its defence capabilities as non-negotiable.
Attention is now expected to shift to upcoming talks in Switzerland, where negotiators will seek to establish a longer-term framework covering nuclear issues and broader regional security concerns.
Analysts say the agreement has been positively received by energy markets, with oil prices declining amid expectations of reduced geopolitical risks and improved stability in global energy supplies.
