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A growing number of prominent Republicans are openly rebelling against President Donald Trump’s newly unveiled memorandum of understanding with Iran, with critics warning that the agreement hands Tehran sweeping concessions while demanding little in return.

Among the most vocal opponents is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who on Wednesday blasted the framework and suggested that the president is being poorly advised on the negotiations.

“History teaches that giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea. I think the president is receiving some very poor advice on this deal,” Cruz told The Hill.

Cruz’s criticism intensified after the administration released the full text of the interim agreement. The document outlines a path toward removing restrictions on Iranian oil exports and includes plans for Iran to gain access to a $300 billion reconstruction fund intended to support rebuilding efforts following the war.

The Texas senator is not alone in his opposition. Other Republicans have also sharply condemned the agreement, arguing that it rewards Tehran despite years of hostility and aggression.

Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) joined the criticism on Wednesday, denouncing the proposal and calling it the “worst foreign policy blunder in decades.”

In a social media post attacking the framework, Cassidy wrote, “Reagan is rolling over in his grave. Iran’s nuclear ambitions were not curbed, and they have learned that threatening the Strait of Hormuz works and will undoubtedly leverage it in the future. Now, Iran gets to build brand-new infrastructure under this deal.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley also voiced strong objections, arguing that the agreement effectively finances the reconstruction of facilities and infrastructure damaged during the conflict.

“Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on US soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us,” Haley wrote in a post on social media.

“Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do- to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed,” she added.

The criticism began even before the complete text of the agreement became public. On Tuesday, former Vice President Mike Pence sharply questioned the wisdom of the arrangement.

Speaking with CNN, Pence argued that the memorandum of understanding “smells of appeasement” and said it offers extensive benefits to the Iranian regime without requiring significant concessions in exchange.

As details of the agreement continue to emerge, the administration is facing increasing pressure from within its own party, with critics warning that the deal could strengthen one of America’s longtime adversaries while weakening U.S. leverage in the region.

{Matzav.com}

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who had previously voiced concerns about the Trump administration’s agreement with Iran, announced Wednesday that he now supports the memorandum of understanding, citing a lengthy conversation with President Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Graham said his position changed after what he described as an extensive and constructive discussion regarding the goals and potential benefits of the agreement.

“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, who had previously expressed skepticism about the agreement, wrote on social media.

While acknowledging that major questions remain regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and future negotiations, Graham argued that pursuing diplomacy carries little risk.

“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 South Carolina senator also emphasized the broader economic and geopolitical benefits that could result from easing tensions in the region.

“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 said that a larger objective remains expanding regional normalization efforts between Israel and its Arab neighbors, particularly Saudi Arabia.

“The expansion of the Abraham Accords and normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel is President Trump’s and my ultimate goal. 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. The signing of the MOU is an essential step to make that happen and thus it is worthwhile,” concluded Graham.

His endorsement came as the United States and Iran formally put the agreement into effect. According to Axios, both governments electronically signed the memorandum of understanding on Wednesday, making it officially operational.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that the signing process was underway and nearing completion.

“Right now, as I’m speaking with you, the text of the Islamabad memorandum has probably reached the presidents of Iran and the United States for signature.”

Baghaei said both sides agreed to execute the accord electronically and suggested that doing so would strengthen compliance with the agreement.

“It has been agreed that the Iran-US memorandum will be signed digitally. Once the memorandum reaches the presidents of both countries for signature, any violation of it will carry a higher cost.”

He also revealed that earlier plans for a formal signing ceremony in Europe had been scrapped because of the decision to finalize the document electronically.

According to Baghaei, negotiators had considered holding an in-person ceremony in either Geneva or Brussels, but the digital signing process eliminated the need for a public event in Switzerland.

{Matzav.com}

A unique and educational Torah event will take place this evening, Thursday, June 18, when the Agudath Israel of America Torah Projects Commission presents a special shiur featuring Rav Amitai Ben-David, acclaimed author of Sichas Chulin and a renowned expert in the practical and halachic aspects of shechitah.

The program will begin at 8:45 p.m. at Bais Medrash Lutzk (Simcha Hall), located at 520 New Egypt Road in Lakewood, New Jersey, and is expected to attract Daf Yomi participants, bnei Torah, rabbanim, and members of the broader community seeking a deeper understanding of one of the most fascinating and practical areas of halachah.

What makes this event especially noteworthy is that the shiur will feature a live shechitah and treifos demonstration, offering attendees a rare opportunity to witness firsthand many of the concepts discussed in Maseches Chulin and related areas of Torah study. Through practical examples and real-life illustrations, participants will gain a clearer appreciation of the intricate halachos governing kosher slaughter and the examination of animals.

Organizers explain that the program is designed not only for Daf Yomi learners studying or reviewing the sugyos of Chulin, but also for anyone interested in understanding the halachic foundations behind the kosher food that appears on Jewish tables every day.

Rav Amitai Ben-David has earned widespread recognition for his ability to present complex halachic subjects in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner. His sefer, Sichas Chulin, has become a highly regarded resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of shechitah and treifos.

The shiur, as mentioned, will take place this evening at Bais Medrash Lutzk (Simcha Hall), 520 New Egypt Road in Lakewood, beginning at 8:45 p.m.

{Matzav.com}

Rav Nir Ben Artzi delivered a sharp critique of recent chareidi demonstrations that have involved blocking major roads, arguing that such tactics are inappropriate and undermine the honor of Torah and Judaism.

Addressing the protests, Rav Ben Artzi, a mekubal, head of the Tlamim community in southern Israel, and the head of the Tair Neri organization, said that chareidim should not engage in demonstrations that disrupt traffic and inconvenience the public.

“It is forbidden for chareidim to hold protests like these and block roads. This is not honoring Hashem,” he said.

According to Rav Ben Artzi, road closures and disruptions harm innocent people and run contrary to the values of derech eretz and consideration for others.

“There is a proper way to act,” he said. “Stopping traffic and holding people up is already hatred and wrongdoing. It is not derech eretz. It is not honorable. It is not kavod Hashem.”

He pointed to the hardships caused by lengthy traffic disruptions, noting that motorists may be delayed for hours while trying to get to work, care for family members, or attend to urgent personal needs.

“You cannot hold demonstrations, close roads, and leave people waiting on the highway for 10 hours,” he said. “A woman may need a restroom. There are pregnancies. There is work. There are children waiting at home. There is livelihood. What are you doing?”

Rav Ben Artzi further argued that many participants are simply following instructions without fully understanding the consequences of their actions.

“Ninety percent of the protesters are demonstrating only because they were told to demonstrate,” he claimed. “That is forbidden. It is a very serious sin. Derech eretz kadmah laTorah, and ‘Ve’ahavta l’reiacha kamocha’—that is the entire Torah.”

Instead of street protests, he urged opponents of government policies to channel their efforts into prayer.

“Want to hold a demonstration? Don’t close roads. Go to the desert. Go and daven,” he said.

Rav Ben Artzi emphasized that the true strength of the Jewish people lies not in physical confrontation but in prayer, Torah study, and the recitation of Tehillim.

“The power of the Jewish people is in the mouth—prayer, Torah, and Tehillim,” he said. “That is an infinite power.”

He suggested organizing massive tefillah gatherings at locations throughout Israel, including the Negev and the Galilee, where tens or even hundreds of thousands of chareidim could beseech Hashem for help.

“‘Ribbono Shel Olam, save us, help us.’ That is worth 100 billion demonstrations,” he said. “It would shake Heaven and earth.”

Rav Ben Artzi also expressed frustration with what he described as a reliance on physical activism rather than spiritual means, saying that unity and prayer are the proper response to challenges facing the community.

“The power of Am Yisroel is prayer, not physical force,” he said. “Unity and peace.”

In addition, he claimed that many leading rabbanim and admorim are not receiving accurate information about events unfolding in Israel, asserting that aides and advisors often present them with distorted accounts.

“All your admorim are being lied to,” he said. “The people around them tell them stories that are not true, and they believe them.”

Rav Ben Artzi concluded by encouraging the public to listen directly to Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and members of the right-wing government rather than relying on intermediaries.

“Believe only the right-wing government and Binyamin Netanyahu,” he said. “Listen to him directly. He will tell you the truth.”

A leading Israeli news outlet is sharply attacking President Donald Trump’s developing agreement with Iran, warning that the proposed arrangement could undermine the goals of the recent military campaign against Tehran and leave much of the regime’s nuclear infrastructure untouched.

In a strongly worded opinion article published Wednesday, Times of Israel founding editor David Horovitz argued that the emerging deal amounts to a “catastrophic capitulation to” Iran’s aggressors and could leave Israel exposed to future threats while limiting its ability to respond.

Horovitz contended that the draft memorandum of understanding currently under discussion would grant Tehran substantial economic benefits while delaying decisive action on the central issue of Iran’s nuclear program.

The criticism comes as the Trump administration moves toward completing a framework agreement following months of warfare, diplomatic maneuvering, and negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

According to Horovitz, the proposed framework falls well short of the objectives previously articulated by Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff. Earlier this year, Witkoff stated that any acceptable agreement would require Iran to end its nuclear activities, dismantle its ballistic missile program, and cease support for regional proxy organizations.

Horovitz highlighted comments Witkoff made in March concerning Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. At the time, Witkoff referenced Iranian claims that the regime possessed roughly 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, material that experts say could potentially be further refined for weapons purposes.

The opinion piece argues that permitting Iran to maintain its current nuclear posture during a proposed 60-day negotiating period could provide the regime with additional opportunities to move closer to nuclear weapons capability.

Horovitz also pointed to reports indicating that American intelligence officials remain skeptical about Iran’s willingness to make meaningful compromises in any final agreement.

In addition, he criticized portions of the framework that he believes would significantly restrict Israel’s ability to launch future military operations against Iran, while raising doubts about whether the deal would permanently block Tehran from eventually acquiring nuclear weapons.

The article also scrutinized Trump’s recent remarks regarding Israel and Hezbollah. The president has repeatedly called for restraint in Israeli military actions and has suggested that regional actors, including Syria, could help contain Hezbollah’s influence and activities.

Trump, however, has vigorously defended his approach, maintaining that American military action combined with diplomacy successfully prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and strengthened Israel’s overall security position.

Speaking during the G7 summit, Trump asserted that Israel had benefited enormously from U.S. intervention and argued that Iran was nearing nuclear weapons capability before American forces acted.

Horovitz disputed that conclusion, insisting that the proposed agreement effectively rewards Tehran and risks leaving Israel to confront ongoing dangers from both the Iranian regime and its network of regional proxies.

{Matzav.com}

Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley forcefully condemned the emerging U.S.-Iran agreement on Wednesday, arguing that the deal would effectively finance the reconstruction of the very regime and infrastructure targeted by American military operations during the war.

In a sharply worded social media post, Haley defended the military strikes against Iran while warning that the proposed agreement risks undoing their gains.

“Hitting Iran’s nuclear and missile sites was the right move. This regime chants death to America, murders our troops, and attempts to assassinate Americans on US soil. They believe they have an obligation to destroy us,” Haley wrote in a post on social media.

She went on to criticize provisions that would unlock Iranian assets and ease economic restrictions, arguing that Tehran would use the resources to strengthen its military and terrorist networks.

“Now, we plan to unlock billions of dollars and lift sanctions, with the promise of even more money. They will use that money the way they always do- to further their nuclear ambitions and on terrorist proxies against us. It’s a huge mistake to pay to rebuild the threat we just destroyed,” she added.

Haley’s comments came after details of the U.S.-Iran framework agreement were made public earlier Wednesday. The document outlines a preliminary understanding under which Iran receives substantial economic and diplomatic benefits while pledging not to pursue nuclear weapons.

The framework establishes a 60-day period during which negotiators are expected to finalize a permanent agreement.

Until that process is completed, the United States would end its naval blockade of Iran, remove additional restrictions imposed on the country, and pull its forces farther from the region.

Under the agreement, Iran would guarantee the free and secure movement of commercial shipping between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for a period of 60 days.

The framework also includes a U.S. commitment to develop a reconstruction and economic development package for Iran worth at least $300 billion, while eliminating sanctions imposed by the United States, the United Nations Security Council, and the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors.

In addition, Washington agreed to immediately issue a waiver permitting the export of Iranian crude oil, refined petroleum products, and related derivatives, along with the banking and financial services necessary to facilitate those transactions.

Haley is not the only prominent Republican raising alarms about the agreement.

On Tuesday, former Vice President Mike Pence sharply criticized the memorandum of understanding being negotiated between the Trump administration and Iran.

During an interview with CNN, Pence argued that the deal “smells of appeasement” and said it provides sweeping benefits to Tehran without requiring significant concessions in return.

{Matzav.com}

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