Speaker Mike Johnson Flees Questions About Iran Deal

It seems like Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-La.) doesn’t want to push back on a key part of President Donald Trump’s emerging peace deal with Iran.

The Republican appeared in a rush to get to House chambers as CNN’s Manu Raju tried to get him on the record regarding the White House’s Monday decision to ease oil sanctions in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“You were very critical of sanctions relief under the JCPOA,” Raju said of the 2015 nuclear agreement brokered under President Barack Obama. “They’re easing oil sanctions here, and other sanctions will be eased. Do you have similar concerns here?”

Avoiding the question, Johnson said, “Look, there’s a lot of moving parts right now. It’s something the Trump administration is working around the clock on.”

He went on to say he trusted the White House to find a “lasting solution,” adding that he was pleased to see gas prices dipping after news of the framework, called a memorandum of understanding, was signed last week.

Ducking the crux of his question, Raju pushed Johnson for an answer on oil sanctions and received a brusque reply.

“I have always been a supporter of strong sanctions against Iran,” he told Raju before brushing him off as he added, “I got enough to do to manage the House over here. I’m not gonna tell the administration how to negotiate that.”

While Johnson has long advocated for putting maximum economic pressure on Iran, it seems he’s hoping House Republicans follow his lead and put their full faith in Trump and his diplomats.

The Senate on Tuesday approved a resolution already passed by the House calling for an end to the Iran war. Four Republicans in the House joined with Democrats to advance the measure earlier this month.