Republicans press Trump over Iran sanctions relief and nuclear deal details

The Senate split 50-48 to approve a House-passed war powers resolution after Donald Trump signed a temporary U.S.-Iran memorandum that pauses fighting and includes sanctions relief tied to nuclear talks. Four Republicans, Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Rand Paul and Lisa Murkowski, voted with most Democrats, while John Fetterman sided with most Republicans. The resolution is symbolic and will not become law, but it marked the first time both chambers agreed to rebuke Trump over Iran.

The memorandum includes lifting U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil sales and a proposed $300 billion Iranian reconstruction plan, even as the White House sent the full text to Congress after Trump signed it. Many lawmakers still want more information, and Speaker Mike Johnson said a Wednesday briefing from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth might have to suffice. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said Congress may still need a vote if the administration reaches a final deal with Iran, while Vice President JD Vance said the administration was confident it could temporarily lift sanctions without going to Congress for approval.

Sanctions on Iran have been in place in some form since 1979, after the seizure of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran. The Congressional Research Service calls the regime one of the most extensive and comprehensive sanctions programs the United States maintains, covering Iran’s energy, financial, shipping, construction, mining, textiles, automotive, manufacturing and arms-trade sectors, along with key government bodies such as the Supreme Leader and the IRGC.

Trump has defended the accord as a path to peace and said critics need to be “educated,” but Republicans in Congress are signaling that temporary sanctions relief will not count as strength unless the administration explains exactly what Tehran gives up in return.