Trump’s denial follows conflicting reports about possible sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday denied reports that his administration had offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for concrete steps on its nuclear program, as conflicting accounts emerged about Washington’s position.
Axios reported, citing unidentified US officials, that Trump was prepared to ease sanctions and allow Iran access to frozen funds in return for concrete measures related to its nuclear program. Trump rejected the report on Truth Social, saying, “This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING!”
CNN separately reported a more conditional version of the potential offer, saying the administration was open to sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds if Tehran demonstrated concrete progress on the nuclear issue. A CNN transcript said sanctions relief and access to frozen funds were among Iran’s objectives in the diplomatic discussions.
The differing accounts came as US and Iranian officials pursued separate contacts with mediators in an effort to revive diplomacy and end the seven-month conflict. Qatar and Pakistan have been involved in efforts to facilitate communication between Washington and Tehran.
The dispute over the reported offer follows Trump’s rejection of an earlier Iranian proposal. Axios reported that Iran’s proposal focused on the Strait of Hormuz and sought changes involving the US blockade, sanctions and frozen assets, while Washington has been pressing Tehran for nuclear-related concessions.
Trump has repeatedly said that preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons is a key objective of US policy. Iran has maintained that it does not seek nuclear weapons and says its rights under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty include peaceful nuclear technology.
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