Lawmakers from both sides of the aisle put Secretary of State Marco Rubio and top Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff under the microscope on Monday during the first all-member congressional briefings about President Donald Trump's latest Iran deal. The briefings, which involved intense exchanges, highlighted bipartisan concerns over key aspects of the agreement.

During a heated afternoon session with the House, participants noted that even some Republican members, including Rep. Darrell Issa of California, voiced apprehensions. Issa, for instance, pressed on the critical issue of Iran's stockpile of near-bomb-grade uranium. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Rubio and Witkoff reiterated the administration's stance that a final deal would prevent Iran from retaining this highly enriched uranium. This detail came as part of the broader memorandum of understanding signed by Trump, aimed to kickstart negotiations.

The technical team responsible for these negotiations is reportedly traveling from Switzerland to Qatar, where further talks with Iran are scheduled to commence tomorrow.

Democrats, on their part, did not hold back, demanding clarity on the potential financial perks for Iran, including profits from oil sales that were previously under sanctions. In particular, Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz of Florida engaged in a vigorous debate with the officials over the conditions surrounding the lifting of oil sanctions, which abruptly ended when Rubio and Witkoff cut off the conversation.

Further controversy was stirred by Rep. Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania, who questioned Witkoff’s business ties in the Middle East amidst his role in the negotiations. Rubio was quick to defend Witkoff, asserting the integrity of the negotiation process.

Adding to the chorus of skepticism, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, in a separate briefing for senators, criticized the administration's handling and transparency of the deal. Schumer highlighted that the briefings confirmed Iran would "reap billions in oil revenue while retaining dangerous leverage over the Strait of Hormuz." He called for Rubio to testify publicly and under oath before the Foreign Relations Committee, labeling the briefing as "delayed, deficient, and devoid of details."

An administration official defended the briefing process, pointing out that Schumer had previously received detailed briefings as part of a select group on national security.

Meanwhile, concerns were also raised about the $300 billion reconstruction fund intended for Iran, with many Senate Republicans worrying it might indirectly support Iran’s military activities and regional proxies. Rubio and Witkoff assured that no U.S. funds were involved in this initiative.

Despite the contentious discussions, Senator Steve Daines of Montana described the Senate briefing as "productive," though he noted it echoed much of what had been discussed in previous meetings.

As the talks move forward, the administration continues to face the challenge of balancing international diplomacy with domestic scrutiny. The implications of the Iran deal remain a focal point of bipartisan debate, reflecting the complexity and significance of the negotiations in shaping U.S. foreign policy.