Not at all: Trump rules out sanctions relief for Iran uranium handover
US President Donald Trump ruled out the possibility that the current framework under discussion could involve sanctions relief in exchange for Iran's highly enriched uranium.
US President Donald Trump has ruled out sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, sending a clear signal that Washington is not ready to soften its position despite ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
Speaking during a brief phone interview with PBS News on Wednesday, Trump rejected suggestions that the current framework under discussion could involve sanctions easing in return for Iran’s nuclear concessions.
"No, no, not at all. Not sanctions relief, no," Trump said when asked if Iran would receive relief from economic restrictions for handing over its enriched uranium reserves.
He repeated the point moments later, saying: "They're gonna give up their highly enriched uranium not for sanctions relief. No, no, not at all."
US DIGS IN AS IRAN TALKS CONTINUE
The US-Iran talks have not materialised into a deal yet. On Wednesday, Iranian state TV released details of a new memorandum of understanding draft peace proposal, which would allow commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-war levels within 30 days. In exchange, the US would reduce its military presence around Iran and end what Tehran describes as a naval blockade.
However, hours after the claim, the White House dismissed the report as a "complete fabrication".
Trump also addressed the issue during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, where he stated Iran was eager to strike a deal but had not yet met US expectations.
"Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "So far they haven't gotten there."
The President added that Washington is not satisfied with the current state of negotiations.
"We're not satisfied with it, but we will be," Trump said. "We will be either that or we'll have to just finish the job."
He has repeatedly asserted that Iran must accept strict conditions if it wants a lasting agreement with Washington.
Minutes before Trump's Cabinet meeting began, Iran's Fars news agency claimed that the US president may unilaterally announce success in the talks. However, a member of Tehran's negotiating team said disagreements over unresolved issues still remain.
TRUMP DROPS ABRAHAM ACCORDS INTO THE MIX
Alongside the Iran negotiations, Trump is also pressing Arab nations to deepen ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords. During a recent call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and other Arab countries, Trump asked Muslim nations to join the accords. Following that, in a Truth Social post, he said it should become mandatory for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan.
When asked why Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should support the accords without a clear Palestinian pathway, Trump responded: "Because it's great for Saudi Arabia."
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump and members of his administration continue to deliver mixed messaging throughout the talks. On several occasions, he said that negotiations with Iran were "proceeding nicely".
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said there has been some progress in negotiations with Iran toward a deal.
"I think there's been some progress and some interest, and we'll see over the next few hours and days whether progress could be made," Rubio said at a meeting of Trump's cabinet.
US President Donald Trump has ruled out sanctions relief for Iran in exchange for giving up its stockpile of highly enriched uranium, sending a clear signal that Washington is not ready to soften its position despite ongoing negotiations with Tehran.
Speaking during a brief phone interview with PBS News on Wednesday, Trump rejected suggestions that the current framework under discussion could involve sanctions easing in return for Iran’s nuclear concessions.
"No, no, not at all. Not sanctions relief, no," Trump said when asked if Iran would receive relief from economic restrictions for handing over its enriched uranium reserves.
He repeated the point moments later, saying: "They're gonna give up their highly enriched uranium not for sanctions relief. No, no, not at all."
US DIGS IN AS IRAN TALKS CONTINUE
The US-Iran talks have not materialised into a deal yet. On Wednesday, Iranian state TV released details of a new memorandum of understanding draft peace proposal, which would allow commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-war levels within 30 days. In exchange, the US would reduce its military presence around Iran and end what Tehran describes as a naval blockade.
However, hours after the claim, the White House dismissed the report as a "complete fabrication".
Trump also addressed the issue during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, where he stated Iran was eager to strike a deal but had not yet met US expectations.
"Iran is very much intent, they want very much to make a deal," Trump told reporters. "So far they haven't gotten there."
The President added that Washington is not satisfied with the current state of negotiations.
"We're not satisfied with it, but we will be," Trump said. "We will be either that or we'll have to just finish the job."
He has repeatedly asserted that Iran must accept strict conditions if it wants a lasting agreement with Washington.
Minutes before Trump's Cabinet meeting began, Iran's Fars news agency claimed that the US president may unilaterally announce success in the talks. However, a member of Tehran's negotiating team said disagreements over unresolved issues still remain.
TRUMP DROPS ABRAHAM ACCORDS INTO THE MIX
Alongside the Iran negotiations, Trump is also pressing Arab nations to deepen ties with Israel through the Abraham Accords. During a recent call with leaders from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and other Arab countries, Trump asked Muslim nations to join the accords. Following that, in a Truth Social post, he said it should become mandatory for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan.
When asked why Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should support the accords without a clear Palestinian pathway, Trump responded: "Because it's great for Saudi Arabia."
Despite the aggressive rhetoric, Trump and members of his administration continue to deliver mixed messaging throughout the talks. On several occasions, he said that negotiations with Iran were "proceeding nicely".
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said there has been some progress in negotiations with Iran toward a deal.
"I think there's been some progress and some interest, and we'll see over the next few hours and days whether progress could be made," Rubio said at a meeting of Trump's cabinet.
