US President Donald Trump has refuted media reports that question the nuclear stipulations of his proposed agreement with Iran, asserting that the deal explicitly prevents Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities. In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump rejected claims made by certain news outlets, particularly CNN, that the deal lacks clarity on nuclear issues.

Trump insisted that the draft framework addresses proliferation concerns comprehensively and not superficially. He stated that the text provides detailed discussions on nuclear matters and claimed that the majority of the agreement focuses on such issues, aiming to counter any misconceptions regarding its content.

This public defence comes after Trump declared that the agreement with Tehran was “largely finalised.” However, reports indicate that he has since requested significant revisions to the draft, which may prolong the negotiation process and create further uncertainties regarding the potential deal.

Demands for Stronger Provisions

In recent discussions with his advisors, Trump sought tougher clauses pertaining to Iran’s nuclear commitments and the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Concerns have been raised about the financial relief that could potentially be offered to Iran, echoing Trump’s critiques of the previous Obama-era nuclear deal.

The latest round of amendments comes shortly after Trump had indicated that the deal was nearing completion. US officials have suggested that there has been headway towards an agreement that would not only prevent hostilities but also facilitate further negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.

Despite Trump’s intention to make a “final determination” during a key meeting, the session concluded without a resolution. The President had previously mentioned the possibility of the US seizing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium, while Tehran has consistently refrained from discussing its nuclear agenda during negotiations.

Iran’s Firm Stance on Negotiations

The Iranian legislative leadership has responded firmly to the evolving demands from the US. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that no agreement would be ratified until Iran’s rights were guaranteed. He emphasised that tangible progress is crucial for Iran to fulfil its commitments, reflecting a cautious approach to the ongoing discussions.

Ghalibaf’s remarks were reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, indicating that trust in the US remains low, particularly regarding diplomatic exchanges. He underscored the need for concrete outcomes rather than promises, highlighting the challenges that Iran faces in the current talks.

On the American side, Democratic Senator Chris Coons, who serves on the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed that while the terms outlined by Trump may seem acceptable theoretically, they could pose implementation challenges, particularly concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This concern illustrates the complexities that both nations face in reaching a consensus.

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