Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told Newsmax on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's emerging deal with Iran could pave the way for a lasting peace agreement, reopen a critical global shipping route, and prevent Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear program.

On "Ed Henry The Big Take," Paul praised Trump's efforts to negotiate an end to the war following U.S. military action against Iran.

The libertarian-leaning senator, who had cautioned against a wider war, said military force alone cannot achieve America's long-term goals.

"Most people realize that war has to end through negotiation," he said. "Even when you defeat someone militarily — the United States is an overwhelming military force, we've overwhelmingly defeated Iran — but still, to get things we want, there has to be a negotiation."

Paul said the first step should be restoring normal traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy corridors.

"My understanding of the first thing that's going to happen is that the U.S. will stop blockading the Strait of Hormuz, and the Iranians will stop mining it, and we'll get back to a normal flow of oil tankers going through the Strait of Hormuz," he said. "I think that's a good step forward."

Trump has said the developing agreement would help restore stability to the region and contribute to lower energy costs by ensuring the uninterrupted flow of oil through the strategic waterway.

Paul urged Congress to give Trump time to complete negotiations and pursue the next phase of the agreement.

"I think that we should give the president some room to do this, and then we'll see where we go from there," he said.

A key component of any final deal, Paul said, should be the removal of Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

The Republican lawmaker said Iran's estimated 440 kilograms of 60% enriched uranium should be removed from the country in exchange for sanctions relief and renewed access to global markets.

"I think that a good deal would be removing that from the country, in exchange for removing trade sanctions and letting Iran get back into the world's economy," Paul said. "The military defeat alone is not enough. There still has to be negotiations."

He said he remains optimistic that the president can secure a durable agreement that will end the conflict.

"I'm hopeful and supportive of President Trump in finding a solution and a resolution to the war," Paul said.

GET TODAY NEWSMAX+:

NEWSMAX is the fastest-growing cable news channel in America with more than 30 million people watching!

Reuters Institute reports NEWSMAX is one of the top news brands in the U.S.

You need to watch NEWSMAX today.

Get it with great shows from Rob Schmitt, Greta Van Susteren, Greg Kelly, Carl Higbie, Rob Finnerty – and many more!

Find the NEWSMAX channel on your cable system – Go Here Now

BEST OFFER:

Sign up for NEWSMAX+ and get NEWSMAX, our streaming channel NEWSMAX2 and our military channel World at War.

Find hundreds of shows, movies and specials.

Even get Jon Voight's special series and much more!

Watch NEWSMAX+ on your smartphone or home TV app.

Watch NEWSMAX anytime, anywhere!

Start your FREE trial now: NewsmaxPlus.com