Trump’s Iran deal delivers key gains for Tehran, Washington scrutiny

President Donald Trump on Thursday lashed out at criticism over the terms of the interim U.S.-Iran peace deal, saying those who think he hasn’t been tough enough on Tehran were either “jealous, bad people or stupid.”

His comments come shortly after the U.S. and Iranian president signed a 14-point memorandum of understanding to extend the ceasefire, including in Lebanon, and reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

The deal sees both sides commit to further talks to reach a final agreement over the next 60 days and includes a $300 billion plan for Iran’s reconstruction as well as the removal of “all types” of U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

The agreement has prompted some to conclude that the terms appear to have strengthened Tehran’s hand.

“These fools, who think I haven’t been tough enough on Iran, when the Stock Market Just Hit A RECORD HIGH, and Oil prices are ‘tumbling’ down, are either jealous, bad people, or stupid,” Trump said Thursday via his Truth Social platform.

The U.S. stock market recently notched a fresh record high and oil prices have fallen on news of the Iran peace deal, although they remain significantly higher than pre-war levels.

Iranian leaders have broadly sought to frame the agreement as a strategic victory. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described the MOU as an opportunity to tackle Iran’s economic and political problems, saying it could help to create “a different world” in Iran and the Middle East.

“This is a historical document and a message from a powerful Iran: Peace will be realized in the shadow of mutual respect,” Pezeshkian said in a social media post, alongside images of the signed MOU.

“I think it is fair to say, at least what has been given to us in terms of the 14-point plan, the language is quite favorable or heavily favorable towards Iran,” Amrita Sen, founder of Energy Aspects, told CNBC’s Dan Murphy on Thursday.

“There are a lot of details that still need to be worked out. For instance, the pace at which the ships are going to be allowed, right?” Sen said, referring to language in the MOU about the U.S. removing its naval blockade and Iran making arrangements for the safe passage of commercial vessels.

Under the MOU, Iran says it will allow the safe passage of commercial ships without tolls for 60 days only. The country will then hold talks with Oman “to define the future administration and maritime services” in the Strait of Hormuz in discussion with the other Gulf states.

In justifying the interim peace deal with Iran, Trump reaffirmed his view that Tehran should never be able to acquire a nuclear weapon.

He did say, however, that Iran should have the right to enrich uranium, receive access to billions of dollars in frozen funds and be allowed to develop ballistic missiles. All of these issues test what…