Back to Gold Price Tracker & Alerts Blog
finance Jun 23, 2026

Thune says Congress should have a say in Iran deal as GOP unease grows

C
CNBC Finance
2 min read
Key Points
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said he expects Congress would “have some sort of vote” if the Trump administration strikes a final deal with Iran. Thune said he does not yet know whether that vote would come as a resolution or another legislative vehicle.
  • The comments come as Republicans are increasingly split over Trump’s Iran memorandum of understanding, with some praising the pause in fighting and others warning about sanctions relief, Iran’s nuclear program and a proposed reconstruction fund.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., arrives at the Capitol in Washington, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, as he prepares for a meeting with President Donald Trump.
J. Scott Applewhite | AP

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said Tuesday that he expects Congress would likely vote on any broader Iran deal that emerges from the Trump administration's 60-day negotiating window, though he said he does not yet know what form that vote would take.

"If there is some deal that is struck, I would expect at some point Congress would have some sort of vote on it," Thune told reporters. "Whether that's a resolution of disapproval or something, I don't know the answer to that," he added.

Asked what role Congress should play in approving whatever comes out of the talks, Thune said many senators are still "anxious to hear more" from officials involved in the negotiations.

There is growing Republican pressure on the White House to involve Congress and potentially submit any final Iran agreement to the legislative branch for review.

Several GOP senators have praised Trump's effort to end the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but they have also raised concerns about possible sanctions relief, frozen Iranian assets, a proposed reconstruction fund and whether Tehran will accept enforceable limits on its nuclear program.

Last week Thune told reporters that nuclear components of the deal could trigger congressional notification requirements.

Thune's remarks Tuesday also come as the Senate is set to vote on a war powers resolution that would block additional U.S. military action against Iran.

The U.S. and Iran met last weekend in Switzerland along with representatives from Pakistan and Qatar to discuss terms for a final deal and an end to fighting in Lebanon involving Israel.

Choose CNBC as your preferred source on Google and never miss a moment from the most trusted name in business news.
Gold Price Tracker & Alerts
Get Gold Price Tracker & Alerts
Free on iOS & Android
Install
Share Your Feedback
Help us improve SmartLinks
What kind of feedback?
Rate your experience