Graham ‘concerned’ that Iran views deal with U.S. differently than Trump administration

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham (S.C.) said Sunday that he is “concerned” that the U.S. and Iranian governments have “different” views of the deal that the two sides have agreed to.

“I am pleased to hear the memorandum of understanding with Iran to allow the Strait of Hormuz to open has been agreed to. I will be watching closely the ensuing negotiations regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other matters,” Graham, an Iran hawk, wrote on social platform X.

“I am somewhat concerned that Iran’s view of the agreement seems different than what the American negotiating team is claiming,” the South Carolina Republican added.

President Trump announced the deal earlier Sunday afternoon, signaling a potential end to a three-and-a-half-month conflict with the Islamic Republic.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. “Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

The Iranian military has restricted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz since the early stages of the war, with gas prices increasing stateside as a result of the subsequent shock to the energy industry.

In response to Tehran’s closure of the waterway, the U.S. has imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports since mid-April.

The Hill has not heard back from the White House regarding further details of the deal.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters that a final draft of a memorandum of understanding between the two sides calls for the U.S. to refrain from imposing new sanctions on Iran until a final deal is reached and release $25 billion of frozen Iranian assets.

The official also told Reuters that under the draft agreement, Iran would agree to neither produce nor acquire nuclear weapons and refrain from further uranium enrichment and expansion of its nuclear facilities.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who has mediated talks between Washington and Tehran, said Sunday that an official signing ceremony will be on Friday in Switzerland.

Vice President Vance told Fox News on Sunday that he plans on traveling to Switzerland for the ceremony and it is “possible” that Trump will also attend.

Graham, meanwhile, noted Sunday that “any nuclear deal with Iran will be sent to Congress for review and a vote.”

But the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which the Obama administration reached with global powers and Iran on limiting Tehran’s nuclear program, was structured as a political commitment and not a treaty — therefore, the Senate did not have to ratify it.

“I look forward to reviewing the final product and I believe it is imperative that the architect of the deal, Vice President Vance and his negotiating partners, be part of the process in presenting the final deal to Congress,” Graham added. “Congratulations to all in getting us to this point. Time will tell.”