Rep. Keith Self warned Iran will deceive President Trump during negotiations, arguing the regime’s survival and nuclear ambitions take priority over any peace deal.
The Texas Republican told Newsmax the regime will “lie to the president” and do whatever it takes to drag out talks while protecting its nuclear capabilities.
“They’ve got two objectives: one is regime survival, and two is to protect their nuclear program … they will lie to the president. They will do whatever is necessary to keep playing this out.”
Self’s skepticism comes as Trump has repeatedly said the United States is close to securing a deal with Tehran. Iranian officials have publicly disputed those claims, saying significant issues remain unresolved.
The House Foreign Affairs Committee member argued Iran’s long-term strategy hasn’t changed despite ongoing diplomatic discussions reportedly focused on uranium stockpiles, sanctions relief, and regional security arrangements.
Self told Newsmax that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the central objective of any agreement — but he expressed doubt the regime would honor such commitments.
Many congressional Republicans share Self’s concerns that Iran may exploit negotiations to buy time while preserving key elements of its nuclear program.
The Texas lawmaker also addressed the House rejection of a temporary FISA extension, dismissing concerns about immediate national security risks.
Self, who voted against the extension, said the surveillance authorities will continue operating until March 2027 under existing court orders.
“It will expire by congressional action, but it continues until March of 2027,” Self said. “The FISA court has ordered it by law.”
He pointed to a 2008 precedent when authorities lapsed but intelligence operations continued legally.
“Yes, the congressional authority did,” Self said. “The program will not. We will keep things safe and keep national security moving.”
