Following reports of a framework agreement to end hostilities, Donald Trump stated that Iran has formally committed to ceasing nuclear development, though Tehran has yet to confirm the terms.
The Framework for De-escalation
Reports indicate that on May 26, U.S. and Iranian negotiators reached a preliminary agreement on a ceasefire extension of 60 days and the commencement of talks regarding Iran’s nuclear program. Axios reported that the memorandum includes the full restoration of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran required to remove mines within 30 days and cease charging transit fees, in exchange for the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade.
The document also mandates that Iran stop efforts to acquire nuclear weapons, with future negotiations prioritized to address the disposal of highly enriched uranium and the future of the nation’s enrichment program. In return, the United States would initiate discussions on lifting sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets, while creating a mechanism to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Negotiation Hurdles and Trump’s Stance
While U.S. officials claim Iranian negotiators secured necessary approval for the document, Tehran has not confirmed this. On May 29, President Trump convened a meeting in the Situation Room. Reports from The New York Times and Axios suggest that Trump has sent a revised draft with more restrictive conditions back to the Iranian side.
In a Fox News interview on May 31, Trump remarked that negotiations are moving slowly but progress is being made. He emphasized that he is not in a rush, stating that if a favorable deal—which he defines as the total destruction of enriched uranium—is not reached, he will pursue alternative, decisive military actions.
Contradicting Claims from Tehran
Trump asserted that Iran’s agreement to forgo nuclear weapons was a significant breakthrough. He previously made similar claims in March, asserting that Tehran had pledged never to pursue a nuclear arsenal.
Tehran, however, has expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s public statements. Iran maintains that it expects the release of 12 billion dollars in frozen assets before substantive nuclear talks begin and has officially dismissed claims regarding the destruction of its enriched uranium as groundless.