Trump denies offering Iran sanctions relief for nuclear concessions
US President Donald Trump on Monday denied a report that he was prepared to offer Iran sanctions relief and help release frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concessions on Tehran's nuclear programme, dismissing the claim as false.
"This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING," Trump said in a post on Truth Social, responding to an Axios report that cited US officials as saying Washington was willing to consider economic relief if Iran made concrete commitments on its nuclear activities.
Trump's denial comes as indirect diplomacy between Washington and Tehran continues through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, who are trying to broker an agreement to end the seven-month conflict between the two countries.FRESH MEDIATION EFFORTS UNDERWAY
The denial came amid renewed diplomatic activity on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
US and Iranian officials held separate talks with mediators on Monday as part of efforts to find a path toward ending the conflict, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
Qatari mediators met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss proposals that have been under negotiation in recent days, while separate contacts with Trump administration officials were expected as mediators sought to narrow differences between the two sides.
A US official described the indirect talks as "positive and constructive" but said significant gaps remain, particularly over nuclear issues and the sequencing of commitments.
The two sides remain divided over the core issues that must be addressed in any agreement.
Iran wants negotiations to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the US naval blockade and securing sanctions relief, while the Trump administration has insisted that any deal must include meaningful restrictions on Iran's nuclear activities.
US officials say Washington remains focused on ensuring that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon and has linked progress in the talks to Tehran addressing nuclear concerns.
The White House has also expressed skepticism about Iranian intentions, arguing that previous understandings broke down after attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.IRAN AWAITS FORMAL US RESPONSE
Meanwhile, Iran said it was still waiting for Washington's formal response to its latest proposals.
Araghchi, who remained in New York after attending the UN General Assembly, said Tehran had presented its ideas and expected a clear US position before deciding on its next steps.
"If the Americans claim they are seeking an agreement or a peaceful solution, we have presented that solution," Araghchi was quoted as saying by Iranian state media.
Iran has maintained that any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would depend on the outcome of negotiations and the fulfilment of its conditions.FURTHER TALKS EXPECTED THIS WEEK
The latest diplomatic efforts are expected to focus on a revised version of a seven-day proposal presented by Iran during the UN General Assembly.
According to officials familiar with the negotiations, the proposal includes an end to hostilities, the release of frozen Iranian assets, relief from sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the lifting of restrictions on Iranian ports. In return, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume discussions on its nuclear programme.
Trump said over the weekend that he had rejected Iran's broader proposal, arguing that Tehran was under increasing economic pressure, but also indicated that further negotiations could take place this week.
With mediators continuing their efforts, the two sides remain far apart on key issues despite signs that diplomatic contacts are intensifying.- Ends
