Graham now says Iran MOU signing will be ‘beneficial’ to US

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Wednesday commended the new memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by the U.S. and Iran, after previously expressing skepticism about the state of negotiations between the two nations.

The senator shared in a social media post Wednesday afternoon that he had a “very lengthy and productive discussion” with special envoy Steve Witkoff about the negotiations.

“After this discussion, it is my opinion that signing the MOU will be beneficial to the United States, in as much as the Strait of Hormuz will begin to open, and the hostilities with Iran will stop,” Graham wrote.

“Whether or not the United States can reach an acceptable, verifiable deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program and other issues is yet to be determined, but I see little downside to trying,” he continued. “The economic stability that comes from opening up the Strait and the cessation of hostilities could create a pathway to peace well beyond the Iranian conflict.”

Graham also commended the administration’s efforts to expand the Abraham Accords.

“I think that is best achieved by creating economic stability for the United States, the region and the world, as well as the cessation of hostilities,” he wrote. “The signing of the MOU is an essential step to make that happen and thus it is worthwhile.”

Iran and the U.S. electronically signed the MOU earlier this week. On Wednesday, senior Trump administration officials shared the details of the agreement, which sets an extendable 60-day deadline to negotiate a final deal. The MOU also includes provisions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a major oil trading passage, and to establish a $300 billion reconstruction plan for Iran, according to the readout.

Vice President Vance, who signed on to the deal with the president, expressed his gratitude for the senator’s support in a social media post.

“Thank you, Lindsey,” Vance wrote. “The President’s coalition is uniting behind his leadership and vision for a safer, more peaceful and prosperous world.”

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JD Vance

Lindsey Graham

Steve Witkoff

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