Donald Trump has dismissed reports of a $300 billion payout to Iran as 'fake news put out by the Dumocrats' in a post on Truth Social. The former president's comments come after Axios and other outlets reported that a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran was part of a peace agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's Denial
Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated: '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.' He reiterated that Iran committed to never building a nuclear weapon.
Reported Peace Deal Talking Points
According to leaked talking points on White House-headed paper, the proposed agreement includes several conditions:
- Iran, Oman, and Gulf states would negotiate new shipping and maritime security arrangements for the Gulf.
- Iran, the US, and their allies would cease hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon.
- Tehran would reaffirm its pledge never to build a nuclear weapon.
- The US and Iran would determine the fate of Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile.
- Both sides would open talks on Iran's future enrichment activities and nuclear needs.
- Iran would maintain the 'status quo' of its nuclear program, which has been largely decimated, during negotiations.
- The US would lift its naval blockade, hold off on new sanctions, and refrain from 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 US withdraw its forces within 30 days and lift all sanctions on Iran, paving the way for a $300 billion reconstruction fund.
- The US would allow Iran to resume oil sales through temporary sanctions waivers.
Iranian Response
Iranian outlet Tasnim News reported a source close to the negotiations dismissed the reports as 'inaccurate.' The source stated that the MOU has 14 clauses, and the text will be published on Friday after signing, based on the agreement of the parties.
Nuclear Program Status
The agreement was provisionally reached on Sunday after months of exchanged fire. Initial reports suggest a deal to halt Iran's nuclear program and determine the fate of its highly enriched uranium stockpile within 60 days. Iran has agreed to discuss ways to 'dilute or remove' the stockpile, but it remains unclear whether hard-liners will agree to complete removal.
Both US intelligence and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have stated that Iran closed its nuclear weapons development program in 2003. However, Iran has continued enriching uranium, including to near weapons-grade, at three plants that were hit in US strikes last June. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could resume enrichment on a limited scale within months.
Inspection Challenges
Iran has not allowed UN inspections of 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 its uranium stockpile. The report emphasized that the 'loss of continuity of knowledge ... needs to be addressed with the utmost urgency,' which has driven ongoing peace discussions.
