Former President Barack Obama is already trying to downplay the peace deal President Donald Trump achieved with Iran.
During an interview with host Robin Roberts on Good Morning America, the former president didn’t waste time trying to attack Trump and what he’s accomplished.
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“You spent a lot of time wrestling with the threat of a nuclear Iran. How do you think things are being handled right now there?” Roberts asked Obama
“It is doubtful that any agreement that arises is going to be significantly different or a significant improvement from the deal that we had in the first place and had worked for, for a long stretch of time before we, the United States, pulled out of it,” Obama responded.
“So, I’m hopeful that bombing stops and ordinary people are no longer suffering as a consequence of the war,” Obama added.
“And then in retrospect, it’s a reminder that on a lot of difficult foreign policy problems, the notion that we can just bully our way or bomb our way to solutions may sometimes seem appealing,” he continued.
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“But the fact of the matter is that taking the time to explore diplomacy and exhaust the possibilities of coming up with deals that don’t solve 100 percent of the problem but solve 80, 90 percent of the problem while avoiding the necessity of going to war — you’d think we would have learned that lesson by now,” Obama claimed.
“But it seems like every so often we have to relearn that lesson,” Obama concluded.
Iran’s Supreme National Security Council also announced Sunday that Tehran and Washington have finalized a memorandum of understanding aimed at formally ending the conflict after months of negotiations, according to multiple reports.
In a statement, the council said all military operations across several theaters, including those involving Iranian-backed forces in Lebanon, will cease “immediately and permanently” beginning Sunday night.
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The council also said the U.S. would fully lift its naval blockade of Iran, which would take effect immediately, according to Iran International.
Under the reported framework, negotiations on a broader and more comprehensive agreement will begin only after both sides have fulfilled the commitments outlined in the initial memorandum.
Iranian officials also thanked Pakistan and Qatar for their roles in facilitating talks and helping broker the agreement.
The memorandum is reportedly scheduled to be formally signed on June 19 and would launch a 60-day negotiating period focused on Iran’s nuclear program and the terms of a wider long-term agreement between the two countries.
“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.
“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!” he added.
In a follow-on post, the president said, “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me.
“The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace,” Trump said.
“With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” he noted further.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz praised the agreement as well.
“I welcome the agreement between the U.S. and Iran and congratulate President Trump and the Iranian side on this diplomatic breakthrough,” Merz said in a post on X.
“This can pave the way for a reinvigorated global economy and a more secure Middle East. It is crucial to implement it with determination,” he added.
This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
