Washington: US President Donald Trump has denied reports that Washington offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds in exchange for concessions on its nuclear programme, as indirect talks between the two sides continue through mediators.
Responding to an Axios report citing US officials, Trump wrote on Truth Social, “This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING.”
The report said the US was prepared to consider economic relief if Iran made concrete commitments regarding its nuclear activities.
US and Iranian officials held separate discussions with mediators Monday as diplomatic efforts continued to end the seven-month conflict.
Qatar and Pakistan have been involved in the mediation efforts, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was awaiting a formal US response to its latest proposal.
Iran’s proposal calls for an end to hostilities, the release of frozen Iranian assets, an easing of oil sanctions and the removal of restrictions on Iranian ports.
In return, Tehran has proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resuming nuclear negotiations. Trump has said he rejected the proposal but indicated that further talks could take place.
The two sides remain divided over nuclear restrictions, sanctions relief and the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has said it will not make nuclear concessions even if the US accepts its proposal, while maintaining that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes.
The renewed mediation efforts are aimed at narrowing those differences, but no agreement has been announced.
