Rep. David Kustoff, R-Tenn., told Newsmax on Wednesday that the newly announced U.S.-Iran accord is a positive first step, praising President Donald Trump for securing negotiations after months of conflict.
On "The Record With Greta Van Susteren," Kustoff said the agreement offers an opportunity to test whether Iran will follow through on its commitments while easing concerns about the economic impact of the conflict on Americans.
"I think it is a good start," Kustoff said. "And I applaud the president because obviously, we've been in this conflict now for almost four months."
The lawmaker argued that military operations have significantly weakened Iran's armed forces.
"We've gotten a lot out of it," Kustoff said. "The Iranian military has been strongly decimated — both the navy and the army itself, and the air force."
Kustoff's comments came after the Trump administration announced a 60-day framework that he said gives Iran an opportunity to demonstrate compliance with its obligations.
According to Kustoff, the administration's strategy combined military pressure with diplomacy to bring Iranian leaders to negotiations.
"The fact that the president has forced the Iranians to the table" demonstrates the administration's leverage, he said. "We've got 60 days now to try to see if we can hold their feet to the fire."
The congressman also pointed to the economic consequences of the conflict, particularly rising energy costs that have affected consumers in the United States.
"There's no doubt that Americans are hurting here at home with gas prices," Kustoff said.
Global energy markets have closely monitored tensions involving Iran, a major oil-producing nation, amid concerns that instability in the Middle East could disrupt supplies and drive up fuel costs.
Kustoff said the administration has made clear that military action could resume if Iran fails to comply with the terms of the memorandum of understanding.
"The president has said if they don't live up to their end of the agreement at the end of the 60 days, then we resume the bombing," Kustoff said.
The White House has argued that a combination of military pressure and negotiations offers the best path toward preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear capabilities and threatening regional stability.
Kustoff said the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the deal can produce meaningful results and prevent a renewed escalation in hostilities.
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