US, Iran issue conflicting reports on deal as Trump says no sanction relief | US-Israel war on Iran News
U.S.-Iran Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Conflicting Statements
Despite recent speculation of progress towards a deal, officials from the United States and Iran have maintained a discordant narrative, revealing an enduring diplomatic stalemate.
During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, President Donald Trump asserted that Iran will not receive any relief from U.S. sanctions as part of ongoing negotiations. “We’re not talking about any easing of sanctions or giving money,” Trump stated.
Earlier in the day, in an interview with PBS News, Trump reiterated his claim that Iran would agree to surrender its reserves of enriched uranium. “They’re going to give up their highly enriched uranium, not for sanctions relief. No, no, not at all,” he said.
These remarks followed similar statements made on Monday, when Trump indicated that the enriched uranium “will either be immediately turned over to the United States to be brought home and destroyed or, preferably, in conjunction and coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran, destroyed in place.” However, Iranian officials have been clear that they will not relinquish the estimated 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of nuclear material they possess.
Over a month ago, Trump claimed that Iran had agreed to allow the U.S. to retrieve the uranium at a “leisurely pace,” a assertion Tehran promptly denied. The ongoing dispute regarding Iran’s nuclear program highlights one of several significant divergences in the ceasefire negotiations, which seek to end a conflict that has persisted for more than 12 weeks.
Key issues remain unresolved, including the continuation of U.S. sanctions, the blockade on Iranian ports, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical trade route.
Stalled Diplomacy
At his cabinet meeting, Trump reiterated earlier claims of Iran’s weakened military capabilities. “They want very much to make a deal,” he said, but indicated that current negotiations were lacking. “We’re not satisfied with it, but we will be,” he added, hinting at the potential for further military action.
The U.S. and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28 without direct provocation, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several officials, along with hundreds of civilian casualties. In retaliation, Iran has conducted missile and drone strikes against Israel and maintained a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which more than 20% of the world’s oil trade passes. This blockade has driven global energy prices higher and exacerbated inflation in the U.S. The Trump administration has yet to restore passage through the strait by force.
On Wednesday, Trump emphasized that Iran cannot “out-wait” him, framing the situation as a strategy to weaken his domestic support ahead of the midterm elections. “I don’t care about the midterms,” he said. “People understand it. They know that — very simple — Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.”
Furthermore, Trump dismissed the idea of a temporary agreement involving joint control of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran and Oman, suggesting military action if Oman were to pursue such a deal. “Oman will behave just like everybody else, or we’ll have to blow ’em up,” he remarked.
Despite the turmoil, Iran’s governing structure has not crumbled; Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba, was appointed as his successor, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps continues to play a significant role in Iran’s political and military landscape.
A temporary ceasefire was established on April 8, but attempts to resolve the crisis remain stalled, despite indications from Trump that Iran is eager for a resolution. On Saturday, Trump announced that a potential agreement is being finalized after discussions with regional leaders. The specifics of any concessions from either side have yet to materialize.
Trump expressed concerns over the possibility of Iran’s uranium being transferred to Russia or China instead of the U.S., stating: “I wouldn’t be comfortable with that.”
U.S. Rejects Iranian Report
Earlier on Wednesday, the White House dismissed a report from Iranian state television regarding a proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending the conflict. The report suggested that the draft deal would lift the U.S. naval blockade on Iran in exchange for allowing vessels to navigate Hormuz at pre-war levels within 30 days.
The White House quickly refuted these claims, asserting, “This report from Iranian-controlled media is not true and the MOU they ‘released’ is a complete fabrication.” The administration provided no specifics on the inaccuracies within the Iranian report and did not elaborate on potential agreements with Tehran.
Trump reiterated that the U.S. will not accept Iranian control of the Strait of Hormuz, stating, “We’ll watch over it, but nobody’s going to control it.”
Initial reports suggested that the U.S. would release frozen Iranian assets as part of the deal, but Trump reiterated that no immediate sanctions relief would be offered to Tehran. “When they behave properly and when they do what’s right, we’ll let them have their money,” he noted.
