'Nightmare for Israel': Republican hawks attack Trump's emerging Iran deal

'Nightmare for Israel': Republican hawks attack Trump's emerging Iran deal Submitted by MEE staff on Sun, 05/24/2026 - 11:35 Republicans fear the proposed ceasefire agreement and sanctions relief are a major concession that would allow Tehran to retain regional influence US Senator Lindsey Graham speaks during a bill signing in the Oval Office of the White House on 3 February 2026 (Alex Wong/Getty Images via AFP) Off Senior US Republicans have launched a rare public rebuke of President Donald Trump over the emerging ceasefire agreement with Iran , warning that the reported terms would strengthen Tehran and undermine Israel. The criticism intensified on Sunday after Trump said a memorandum of understanding to end the US-Israeli war on Iran had been "largely negotiated" and was awaiting finalisation. Trump said the agreement would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the vital global energy chokepoint that Iran has effectively controlled since the war began in late February.