WATCH: Cruz sounds alarm on Trump Iran deal, warns against handing billions to 'theocratic lunatics'

By Fox News · Fox News

A bipartisan group of lawmakers voiced strong skepticism about President Donald Trump's newly signed Iran peace deal, arguing the agreement leaves Iran in a stronger position while questioning whether the United States secured enough in return. Prior to Trump signing the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Thursday, Sen. Ted Cruz , R-Texas, offered some of the sharpest criticism among lawmakers, arguing the deal rewards "theocratic lunatics" of a hostile regime. "Giving billions of dollars to theocratic lunatics who want to murder us is not a good idea," Cruz told Fox News Digital. "I think the president, unfortunately, is receiving bad advice on this deal." Other Republicans stormed off when confronted about the new terms. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION UNVEILS SWEEPING TERMS OF PROPOSED IRAN AGREEMENT The MOU provides immediate sanctions relief , including waivers on Iranian oil exports and access to frozen funds, while establishing a framework for more than $300 billion in reconstruction and economic development. It also sets a 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a final accord on Iran's nuclear program — provisions critics like Cruz argue would provide Tehran with billions in economic benefits. Democrats were even more brazen in their criticism of the Republican president. "Iran is now going to be able to export their oil and gas, rake in billions more. It's going to get access to its frozen assets," Sen. Adam Schiff , D-Calif., said. "And what is Iran giving up for this? Nothing." "This is a great deal for Iran," he told Fox News Digital. "I just don’t understand the thinking at all." NUCLEAR EXPERTS WARN IRAN’S URANIUM ‘RIGHT’ IS A MYTH, SAY TRUMP IS RIGHT TO HOLD FIRM Several lawmakers also questioned whether the agreement secures meaningful concessions on Iran's nuclear program, the issue that drove the conflict in the first place. "I think when it comes to the development of nuclear weapons, the language is the same," Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., said. "We wen…