US senator warns Trump may be bypassing Congress on Iran

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday sharply criticized the Trump administration over reports of a potential undisclosed agreement with Iran, warning it could undermine congressional oversight.

Speaking on the Senate floor, Schumer called on the administration to “come clean immediately” following an Axios report alleging that President Donald Trump’s team is pursuing a so-called side deal with Tehran that could allow limited enrichment inside Iran.

“If true, this is terribly troubling,” Schumer said. “What is in this so-called side deal? The American people deserve transparency.”

Despite public statements from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US envoy Steve Witkoff that Washington would demand the complete dismantling of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, the reported deal suggests otherwise, Schumer said.

“This administration must clarify what they might be hiding,” he added, accusing officials of adopting a “trust, but not verify” approach that Republicans once denounced under the Obama-era 2015 nuclear agreement.

Schumer said any future agreement with Iran must not only address nuclear issues but also Tehran’s support for regional militant groups. “Any negotiation with Iran should openly and transparently use all of our leverage and address non-nuclear issues, like their support for terrorism and regional proxies.”