Trump Defends Iran Deal as Oil Prices Drop; Senate Blocks Pentagon Funds
United States President Donald Trump on Thursday defended his agreement with Iran, calling critics who accused him of offering concessions to end the war 'fools.' The remarks came ahead of negotiations in Switzerland to implement the deal, which aims to end hostilities in West Asia.
Oil prices fell sharply after both President Trump and his Iranian counterpart separately signed the accord. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passage, is set to reopen, though up to two months of talks lie ahead to finalise the details.
Meanwhile, US Senators are seeking to block travel funds for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth until the Pentagon submits several overdue reports to lawmakers. Among the pending documents is the investigation into a deadly strike on an elementary school in Iran, which occurred at the start of the US-Israeli war.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced its readiness to begin defining 'concrete steps' needed to implement the US-Iran deal. 'Now it’s for us to sit down with our American colleagues, our Iranian colleagues, and start formulating the concrete steps that will have to be taken,' said IAEA chief Rafael Grossi in Geneva.
The agreement has sparked debate, with supporters arguing it ends a costly conflict, while critics claim it gives undue concessions. The coming negotiations in Switzerland will be crucial in determining the deal's final shape and impact on regional stability.
