Iran Deal Unravels as Tehran Rejects US Terms and GOP Rebels

The purported US-Iran agreement is collapsing as Iran maintains its long-held positions on the Strait of Hormuz, enriched uranium, and frozen assets. Iran's Foreign Ministry denies any nuclear commitments or uranium handover, calling such reports a 'pure lie.' Iranian sources report US backtracking on unfreezing assets and a Lebanon ceasefire framework. Republican stalwarts like Senator Ted Cruz and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have rebelled against the deal, with Cruz calling it a 'disastrous mistake.' Experts argue the negotiations are a gimmick to appease financial markets during Hajj, with former Congressional staffer Brandon Weichert suggesting Trump may escalate after the holiday. Iran insists on a sustainable Lebanon ceasefire and rejects Israeli demands for military flexibility. The US faces legal hurdles in releasing frozen assets without Congressional action. Trump told negotiators 'not to rush,' while Secretary of State Rubio acknowledged talks might fail. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there is no assurance Trump will honor commitments.