Lawmakers Discuss Potential U.S.-Iran Deal and Antisemitism Rise

Representatives Josh Gottheimer, Democrat of New Jersey, and Mike Lawler, Republican of New York, discussed a potential memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran during an interview on CBS News' Face the Nation on May 24, 2026. Lawler said the administration had forced Iran into negotiations for the first time in 47 years. S.

strikes had targeted Iran's ballistic missile program, drone capabilities, naval fleet, and airspace control, while Iran responded with a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that the United States then blockaded.

Gottheimer said reopening the Strait of Hormuz would likely lower gas prices for American consumers. S. goals included reducing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, ballistic missile capabilities, drone activity, and funding for proxy groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

Lawler said lawmakers should review the full terms of any agreement before issuing public judgments, particularly regarding limits on enriched uranium.

The lawmakers also addressed a reported 70 percent increase in antisemitic incidents in the United States since October 7, 2023. Gottheimer cited examples of candidates and public figures on both sides of the political spectrum using antisemitic language. Gottheimer said Congress can draw attention to specific incidents but has limited direct authority to address the broader rise in antisemitism.