US President Donald Trump has laid out a new set of demands for Iran as negotiations continue over a proposed agreement aimed at extending a ceasefire and reopening one of the world's most important shipping routes.
In his extensive post on Truth Social, President Trump stressed that Iran "must agree" not to acquire any nuclear weaponry and demanded the immediate resumption of the freedom of navigation within the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, the president stated that all naval restrictions would be lifted, and all sea mines would be destroyed.
This came ahead of his visit to the White House Situation Room, where Trump was expected to make his "final determination" on the memorandum of understanding proposed by Washington and Tehran. However, no decisions were announced after the discussion.
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Nuclear programme remains key sticking point
In his post, Trump also addressed Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, suggesting that the material could either be removed or destroyed under international supervision.
He claimed the United States, working alongside Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), would oversee the recovery and destruction of enriched nuclear material allegedly buried beneath sites damaged during previous US military strikes.
Trump further stated that no money would be exchanged under the proposed arrangement "until further notice" and suggested that several additional issues had already been agreed upon.
The proposed agreement reportedly includes a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire, the reopening of shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme. However, US officials said the proposal still requires Trump's approval.
Iran disputes Trump's account
Iranian officials moved quickly to challenge elements of Trump's statement.
According to Iran's Fars News Agency, sources described Trump's account as a "mixture of truth and falsehood" and accused him of attempting to portray a "fabricated victory". Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei also said no final agreement had been reached between Tehran and Washington.
"We are focused on the end of war at this point and are not discussing the details of the nuclear plan," Baghaei was quoted as saying.
The disagreement highlights the uncertainty that continues to surround the negotiations despite reports of progress in recent days.
US signals readiness for diplomacy and force
Addressing the situation in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that an agreement which stops Iran from making a nuclear weapon will be good but added that military force is always there if talks do not work.
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"Our ability to recommence if necessary. We are more than capable," Hegseth said, adding that Washington remained prepared for further action if negotiations collapsed.
The Strait of Hormuz continues to play a critical role in the talks. This body of water is used to ship out much of the world’s crude oil and natural gas, and anything that disrupts shipping traffic in the water has serious implications for the global energy market. For now, the suggested deal is still not signed, and neither side offers the same version of the talks while no decision comes from the White House.
