Sen. Roger Wicker says Obama deal gave Iran a ‘pittance’ compared to MoU

Wicker further said he opposes sanctions relief or releasing frozen Iranian assets.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) voiced concerns Thursday about the memorandum of understanding involving Iran, arguing that key provisions of the agreement risk diminishing the gains achieved through Operation Epic Fury and could weaken pressure on Tehran.

In a statement released in Washington, Wicker said he had backed President Donald Trump’s efforts to confront Iran since the beginning of his administration.

“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.

The senator said he was troubled by elements of the memorandum of understanding, which he believes depart from the objectives pursued by President Trump.

“I am concerned that the memorandum of understanding negotiates away the victories of Operation Epic Fury in ways that are completely out of step with the president’s goals,” he said.

Wicker specifically criticized the proposed $300 billion fund for the reconstruction and economic development of Iran. Although he noted that the fund would not be financed by U.S. taxpayers, he argued that its scale far exceeds the benefits Tehran received under the 2015 nuclear agreement reached during President Barack Obama’s administration.

“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,” Wicker said.

The Mississippi Republican also objected to any arrangement that would require Israel to halt military action against Hezbollah, which he described as “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,” he said.

Wicker argued that Iran’s leadership has not abandoned its stated objectives toward the United States and Israel.

“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 concluded by expressing support for President Trump’s broader approach while cautioning against efforts that could weaken it.

“President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective.”