Political leaders in the US and many Americans breathed a sigh of relief on Tuesday evening after Donald Trump announced a temporary ceasefire with Iran, just hours after threatening to destroy Iran's "entire civilization" if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The deal was announced about 90 minutes before Trump's deadline for the US to bomb power plants and bridges in Iran. A last-minute intervention by Pakistan led the US president to temporarily backtrack on his ultimatums.
Trump declared that he would suspend the bombing for two weeks, provided that Iran guarantees the full and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic.
The Iranian Foreign Minister later confirmed that ship passage through the strait would be allowed for two weeks, under the management of Iranian military forces.
Harsh criticism from Democrats
Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said he was "relieved that Trump is desperately seeking a way out of his absurd rhetoric."
Some Democrats went even further. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, along with dozens of lawmakers, called for Trump's removal from office, either through impeachment or invoking the 25th Amendment to the Constitution.
Progressive congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declared that the two-week agreement "changes nothing," accusing the president of threatening genocide against the Iranian people.
Meanwhile, Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, Hakeem Jeffries, called Trump's behavior "unsustainable, unpresidential and unacceptable."
Republicans support the decision
On the other hand, many Republicans in Congress welcomed the ceasefire decision, presenting it as a smart tactical move.
Senator Rick Scott called the development "a strong step to hold Iran accountable."
Senator Lindsey Graham also expressed hope that the Iranian regime can be stopped through diplomacy, but warned that Iran should not be rewarded for attacks on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw criticized those who reacted to Trump's rhetoric, saying the president "speaks in the language of power, the only language his opponents understand."
The debate in Washington is expected to continue, as Congress prepares to discuss a resolution to limit the president's war powers, with the aim of avoiding a new escalation of the conflict with Iran.
