Donald Trump has dismissed reports that the United States will pay Iran $300 billion as part of a peace agreement, labeling the claims as 'fake news put out by the Dumocrats' in a post on Truth Social.
Background of the Reported Deal
Yesterday, Axios and other outlets reported that one condition of the peace deal—which would reopen the Strait of Hormuz—included a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. The talking points, printed on White House letterhead, stated that Iran would not receive American taxpayer money for its nuclear agreement and would only get financial incentives if it met certain benchmarks.
Trump refuted these claims, reiterating that Iran agreed to 'never build a nuclear weapon.' On Truth Social, he wrote: 'Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon! Also, the story that the U.S. is paying Iran 300 million Dollars is Fake News, put out by the Dumocrats!!! President DJT.'
Key Points of the Reported Peace Deal
- Iran, Oman, and Gulf states would negotiate new shipping and maritime security arrangements for the Gulf.
- Iran, the U.S., and their allies would cease hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon.
- Tehran would reaffirm its pledge never to build a nuclear weapon.
- The U.S. and Iran would determine the fate of Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile.
- Both sides would discuss Iran's future enrichment activities and nuclear needs.
- Iran would maintain the 'status quo' of its nuclear program—largely decimated—while talks continue.
- The U.S. would lift its naval blockade, refrain from new sanctions, and avoid sending more troops to the region.
- Iran would guarantee safe, toll-free passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
- Washington would release an unspecified amount of frozen Iranian assets once the memorandum of understanding (MOU) takes effect.
- A final deal after 60 days would see the U.S. withdraw forces within 30 days and lift all sanctions on Iran.
- It would pave the way for a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
- The U.S. would allow Iran to resume oil sales through temporary sanctions waivers.
Iranian Denials and Clarifications
Iranian outlet Tasnim News reported a source close to the negotiations described the reports as 'inaccurate.' The source stated: 'As previously announced, the memorandum of understanding has 14 clauses, and issues related to the 14 clauses have been raised many times in the media. The text of the memorandum of understanding will be published on Friday after signing, based on the agreement of the parties.'
The agreement was provisionally reached on Sunday after months of exchanged fire between the two nations. According to initial reports, a deal to halt Iran's nuclear program permanently and determine the fate of its highly enriched uranium stockpile would be reached within 60 days. Iran has agreed to discuss ways to 'dilute or remove' it, but it remains unclear whether Tehran will ultimately agree to complete removal, as hard-liners oppose giving it up.
Nuclear Program Status
Both U.S. intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have stated that Iran closed its nuclear weapons development program in 2003. However, the IAEA noted that Iran has continued enriching uranium, including to near weapons-grade, in recent years. All three plants involved in this enrichment were hit in the last U.S. strikes on Iran last June. While Trump claimed the strikes obliterated Tehran's nuclear facilities, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could resume enrichment on a more limited scale within months.
Iran has not allowed the UN to inspect the damaged facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan since last summer's '12-day war.' An IAEA report stressed that it 'cannot verify whether Iran has suspended all enrichment-related activities' or the 'size of Iran's uranium stockpile at the affected nuclear facilities.' The report emphasized that the 'loss of continuity of knowledge ... needs to be addressed with the utmost urgency,' which has directly influenced ongoing peace discussions between Iran and the U.S.
