House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) appeared reluctant to challenge a key component of President Donald Trump's emerging peace deal with Iran, dodging questions about the White House's decision to ease oil sanctions.
CNN's Manu Raju caught up with Johnson as he hurried to House chambers, asking whether he had similar concerns about the sanctions relief as he did with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) brokered under President Barack Obama. The White House announced Monday it would ease oil sanctions in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“You were very critical of sanctions relief under the JCPOA,” Raju said. “They’re easing oil sanctions here, and other sanctions will be eased. Do you have similar concerns here?”
Johnson avoids direct answer
Johnson sidestepped the question, saying, “Look, there’s a lot of moving parts right now. It’s something the Trump administration is working around the clock on.” He expressed trust in the White House to find a “lasting solution” and noted he was pleased to see gas prices dropping after news of the framework—a memorandum of understanding signed last week.
When pressed further by Raju, Johnson responded brusquely: “I have always been a supporter of strong sanctions against Iran. I got enough to do to manage the House over here. I’m not gonna tell the administration how to negotiate that.”
Shifting stance on Iran policy
Johnson has long advocated for maximum economic pressure on Iran, but his comments suggest he now expects House Republicans to follow his lead and fully trust Trump and his diplomats. The shift comes as gas prices have declined following the announcement.
Meanwhile, the Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution already passed by the House calling for an end to the Iran war. Four Republicans in the House joined Democrats earlier this month to advance the measure, signaling some bipartisan support for de-escalation.
