Trump Denies Copying Obama in Iran Negotiations Amid Senate Criticism

Democratic Senator Chris Coons of Delaware accused President Donald Trump of pursuing negotiations with Iran that resemble the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal Trump previously abandoned in 2018. Coons called for the Trump administration to provide Congress with full intelligence about recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities and share a comprehensive strategy on Iran. In response, Trump vehemently denied offering Iran any deal or incentives, emphasizing that the U.S. had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear sites, and dismissed the JCPOA as a "stupid" agreement that paid Iran billions of dollars. Despite Trump's public denials, administration sources indicate ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a long-term agreement, which marks a significant reversal from his prior stance. The United Nations’ chief nuclear inspector reported that while the damage to Iran’s nuclear program was severe, it was not total, and Iran might have moved enriched uranium before the strikes. This dispute highlights a stark contrast between Trump’s public statements and behind-the-scenes diplomatic activities concerning Iran’s nuclear program.