Trump defers 'final determination' on draft deal with Iran
Washington, May 30
US President Donald Trump deferred his "final determination" on a draft deal with Iran after meeting for about two hours with his national security team at the White House Situation Room.
"The Situation Room meeting has concluded and lasted approximately two hours. President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon," a White House official said in a statement on Friday.
It was not immediately clear why Trump did not reach a decision, reports Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on Friday, Trump outlined conditions for a deal with Iran in a post on Truth Social, claiming he will be meeting his national security team "to make a final determination" on the day.
Among the US key demands are the elimination of Iran's enriched nuclear materials, reopening the Hormuz Strait with no tolls and removing water mines left.
"Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb. The Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions. All water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated," Trump wrote.
The US Naval blockade "will now be lifted," said Trump.
Iran's enriched nuclear material, the so-called "nuclear dust" which has been buried deep underground due to US bombing in June last year, will be unearthed by the United States in close coordination and conjunction with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency and destroyed, said Trump.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said in a phone interview with Iranian state media on Friday that current negotiations were limited in scope and did not include "the nuclear issue."
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I'm watching this closely. Iran is our strategic partner for Chabahar Port and access to Afghanistan/Central Asia. A stable Iran is in India's interest. But the US keeps treating the Middle East like it's their personal chessboard. Hope India maintains its independent foreign policy on this.
Honestly, the US should just let the IAEA handle nuclear inspections professionally. Trump's theatrical approach - making demands on social media, waiting in the Situation Room - it's all drama. Meanwhile, oil prices fluctuate and countries like India bear the cost. 🤷♀️
"Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon" - that's non-negotiable and India supports that. But Trump's problem is he keeps tearing up existing agreements without a proper replacement. The JCPOA was working okay. Now we're back to brinkmanship. India should quietly push for dialogue.
From a Western perspective, this is classic Trump - creating uncertainty to get better terms. But the "no tolls" on Hormuz is a non-starter for Iran who controls the strait. India imports 80% of its oil through there. This affects our fuel prices and economy directly. Not a fan of this game.
I appreciate that Trump wants a tough deal, but humiliating Iran in public won't work. Diplomacy needs dignity. Iran says current talks don't even include the nuclear issue - that's worrying. India has good relations with both US and Iran. Maybe we can help mediate? 🤔
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.