US President Donald Trump denied that he said he was willing to offer Iran sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds in exchange for concrete progress in nuclear talks, in response to Monday reports alleging the contrary.
A US official had confirmed to The Jerusalem Post earlier on Monday that Trump was willing to make concessions to Tehran, adding that indirect negotiations between US and Iranian officials had remained positive and constructive.
"Axios just released a story that “Trump” offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING!" Trump said in a post to Truth Social.
The official added that indirect negotiations between US and Iranian officials have remained positive and constructive, but no deal will be made unless they address Iran's nuclear program.
Araghchi hopes for US answer to deal by Tuesday
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that Iranian representatives had met with Qatari mediators and came up with ideas to be raised with the US, which Araghchi hoped would be answered by Tuesday.
Araghchi is set to leave the US on Monday and said that the Qatari mediators would communicate the US's answer.
“If the Americans claim they are seeking an agreement or a peaceful solution, we have presented that solution,” said Araghchi.
US skeptical of Iran's willingness to follow through on commitments
The US is also skeptical of Iran’s willingness to follow through on a nuclear deal since the previous Memorandum of Understanding collapsed.
The official said that to reach a deal, Iran must assure the US that it is serious about fulfilling its commitments, and not just trying to ease economic pressure from US sanctions and a blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump is remaining patient as Qatari-mediated indirect talks proceed and is committed to the goal of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, the official claimed.
The US official’s statements to the Post came as Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly met with Qatari mediators in New York to discuss changes to a deal Iran proposed last week.
According to Reuters, US officials are set to meet with the Qatari mediators on Monday or Tuesday to offer Washington’s input on the potential agreement.
Trump rejected the proposal, telling reporters on Saturday that Tehran only wanted to make a deal “because they’re losing so badly.”