US President Donald Trump has denied reports that he offered to ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for concrete steps on its nuclear program. According to reports, Trump was willing to ease sanctions and release frozen Iranian funds in exchange for tangible progress on Iran's nuclear issue. However, Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to refute these claims, stating that he had not offered Iran anything.
The reports, cited by Axios and CNN, claimed that Trump was willing to make concessions in an effort to reach a final agreement with Iran. In return, Iran would have to demonstrate "concrete progress" on its nuclear program. Trump's denial comes amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran. The two countries have been engaged in a war of words, with Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian stating that Tehran is open to negotiations on its nuclear program and other issues.
Pezeshkian made the comments during an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation". He emphasized that Iran would not accept "coercion or bullying" and would defend itself against threats and attacks. According to Pezeshkian, Iran is not seeking war but will not compromise on its rights. He also reiterated that Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, and the country has the right to develop its own nuclear energy capabilities.
The spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Mobebi, strongly criticized Trump, calling him a "big liar". Mobebi pointed to Trump's comments on nuclear issues and other topics, stating that the American people need to be informed about the truth. He also accused the US of failing in its military campaign against Iran and called for US forces to leave the region.
According to reports, officials from the US and Iran spoke separately with mediators on Monday in a new effort to end the ongoing conflict. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, stated that his country's conditions for negotiations are clear and that any steps towards reopening the Strait of Hormuz would depend on these conditions being met.
Araghchi also mentioned that a proposed deal would lead to a seven-day countdown to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and halt fighting in the region. However, Trump rejected the proposal on Saturday, stating that Iran's desperation was driving its desire for an agreement on the strategic waterway. Araghchi noted that the mediators had not officially conveyed the US rejection, and Iran is waiting for their final response.
The conflict between the US and Iran continues to have regional implications. Iran's Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warned that if Iran is prevented from selling its oil, no country in the region will be able to export oil. He also stated that no infrastructure in the region would be safe if Iran does not enjoy security.
Key points
- Trump denies offering to ease sanctions on Iran in exchange for concrete steps on its nuclear program.
- Iran's President Pezeshkian states that Tehran is open to negotiations on its nuclear program and other issues but will not accept coercion or bullying.
- The conflict between the US and Iran continues to have regional implications, with Iran's Parliament Speaker warning of consequences for the region if Iran's oil exports are restricted.
