Sen. Wicker questions Iran memorandum, opposes lifting sanctions

Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., said Thursday he is concerned about a memorandum of understanding signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and questioned provisions that he said would undercut U.S. objectives.

Wicker said in a statement that the agreementalls for a $300 billion fund for Iranor reconstruction and economic development. “Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran
lthough not funded by U.S. taxpayers ould make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” he said. The White House said the funds would be made available should Iran hold up its end of the agreement.

Vice President J.D. Vance told reporters at the White House that the funding would be provided through the Gulf Cooperation Council, which consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Vance has been leading the negotiations with Iran, the administration said.

Wicker also warned the memorandum “negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury” and said it would be a mistake to force Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, which he called an Iranian-backed terrorist organization. He noted he opposed a 60-day cease-fire last month for similar reasons.

“I also oppose the U.S. lifting any sanctions on Iran, or unfreezing Iranian funds, in exchange for Iran’s mere agreement to negotiate for another 60 days,” Wicker said. “The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal
eath to America, Death to Israel. The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim.” Vance said the president believes in the deal and would see it through, and the administration said the memorandum outlines that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons and will hand over enriched uranium if negotiations are completed successfully.

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