Trump signs initial Iran framework deal amid record-low approval ratings

President Donald Trump signed a framework agreement to end the war with Iran during a dinner with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Palace of Versailles, according to the Trump administration. The deal came after Trump attended the G7 summit, where he shared details of the accord during a press conference. The framework aims to restore oil flows through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and includes a commitment from Iran not to build a nuclear weapon, while the U.S. states it is prepared to lift decades of sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy.

NPR's Greg Myre noted the president's striking language during the announcement. Trump said he did not want to be "another Herbert Hoover" and warned that world oil supplies could run out within four weeks. In the early stages of the conflict, Trump had demanded Iran's "unconditional surrender," but he now says he is ending the war to prevent an economic crisis. Myre pointed out that while the deal aims for peace, Trump still used belligerent rhetoric, saying he retains the right to resume hostilities.

Iran stands to gain significantly from the agreement. If a final accord is reached, all U.S. and UN sanctions are expected to be lifted, allowing Iran to sell oil freely on global markets for the first time since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. This would mark a major shift in the long-standing U.S. policy of pressuring Iran through punitive measures. However, analysts caution that the deal remains preliminary and many details are yet to be negotiated.

Meanwhile, Trump's approval ratings have sunk to record lows, according to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll. Only one-third of Americans approve of his handling of the economy, three points lower than the worst ratings of former President Joe Biden. Overall, just 36% approve of Trump's job performance, while 59% disapprove—the widest gap of his two terms. NPR's Stephen Fowler said high gas prices, soaring inflation, tariff policies, and the Iran war are working against Republicans, with independent voters particularly pessimistic about the economy.

In a related development, Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton announced that the Senate has postponed the confirmation hearing for Jay Clayton as director of national intelligence after Trump urged Republicans to delay the process. Trump posted on social media saying he is blocking the renewal of the FISA section 702 surveillance tool until it is tied to other legislation.