Senate Armed Services chairman Roger Wicker calls Iran deal out of step with Trump goals

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) blasted the US-Iran memorandum of understanding Thursday, saying it “negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the President’s goals.”“Since day one, I have supported President Trump’s efforts to end Iran’s 47-year threat to the United States and our partners,” Wicker said.“Specifically, the $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran – though not funded by U.S.taxpayers — would make Iran’s payoff under President Obama’s 2015 deal look like a pittance by comparison,” he added.Follow The Post’s live coverage of President Trump and national politics for the latest news and analysis“I believe it would be an error to force Israel to stand down against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed terrorist organization that continues to attack Israel on its northern border.

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.”“The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal — ‘Death to America, Death to Israel.’ The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim,” he also said.“President Trump has pursued peace through strength.

I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective.”...