Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has strongly defended the proposed nuclear agreement with Iran, rejecting media reports that questioned whether the draft framework adequately addresses Tehran’s nuclear ambitions.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump accused sections of the media of misrepresenting the contents of the proposed deal, insisting that the agreement explicitly prevents Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
“Fake News CNN said today, routinely, that my Iran Nuclear Deal doesn’t talk about Nuclear, when actually it states, very clearly, that Iran will not have a Nuclear Weapon,” Trump wrote.
The US president said the draft goes far beyond a simple prohibition, arguing that much of the agreement is dedicated to nuclear-related provisions and safeguards aimed at addressing proliferation concerns.
The remarks come amid renewed uncertainty surrounding negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Although Trump recently described the agreement as “largely finalized,” reports indicate that he has since sought significant revisions to the draft, delaying a final decision and extending diplomatic efforts.
According to media reports, Trump requested tougher language on Iran’s nuclear commitments and stronger provisions related to the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz during discussions with senior advisers.
The president is also said to be cautious about the level of economic relief offered to Tehran, seeking to avoid comparisons with the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated during the administration of Barack Obama, which Trump has repeatedly criticized as overly lenient.
US officials have continued to signal progress in negotiations, with discussions focused on ending hostilities, ensuring the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and establishing a framework for future talks on Iran’s nuclear program. However, a key White House meeting reportedly ended without a final decision despite expectations that Trump would settle on the agreement’s core terms.
Trump has also outlined several conditions publicly, including a proposal that the United States would take control of and destroy Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium. Iranian officials, however, have consistently maintained that detailed discussions about the country’s nuclear program are not part of the current negotiations.
Another major sticking point remains financial arrangements. Trump has stated that no discussions have taken place regarding monetary incentives or payments under the deal, while Iranian officials have insisted that economic considerations must be included in any final agreement.
Reports from Axios similarly suggested that Trump pushed for revisions to strengthen language concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and other key provisions before approving the draft.
Meanwhile, officials in Tehran have responded cautiously to Washington’s evolving demands. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said no agreement with the United States would receive approval unless Iran’s interests and rights are fully protected.
According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Ghalibaf said Iranian negotiators remain skeptical of American assurances and would only support an agreement that delivers concrete and verifiable benefits for the country.
Adding a perspective from Capitol Hill, Democratic Senator Chris Coons said the broad objectives outlined by Trump appear reasonable in principle but could prove difficult to implement in practice, particularly concerning arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz.
With disagreements persisting over nuclear commitments, sanctions relief and maritime security provisions, negotiators from both sides continue to work through the language of the proposed agreement as efforts to reach a final deal remain ongoing.
