US and Iran issue conflicting reports on potential sanctions relief agreement

US President Trump Says Iran Cannot ‘Out-Wait’ Him on Deal

Washington D.C. - US President Donald Trump stated at a cabinet meeting that Iran cannot “out-wait” him in negotiations, suggesting that the US is not satisfied with Tehran’s offers for a deal. The comments came despite ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two countries.

Trump reiterated that Iran would not receive any sanctions relief as part of the negotiations. He also claimed that Iran would surrender its reserves of enriched uranium, which the country has stated it will not do. The dispute over the future of Iran’s nuclear program is one of several points of divergence in the ceasefire negotiations.

The US and Iran have clashed over issues including the continuation of US sanctions against Iran, the US blockade on Tehran’s ports, and control over the Strait of Hormuz, a major trade artery. Trump also made claims that Iran’s navy and air force are gone, which has not been verified.

Trump stated that he is not satisfied with the current negotiations, but will continue to work towards a deal. He also suggested that further military action may be necessary if an agreement cannot be reached. The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28 without direct provocation, killing several top officials and hundreds of civilians.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has had significant economic impacts, including soaring energy prices across the world and fueling inflation in the US. Trump stressed that Iran’s nuclear ambitions are a major concern for the US, stating that “people understand it” and that Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon.

In addition to the nuclear program, the US and Iran have also disagreed on the possibility of a short-term deal allowing joint control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump hinted at a military response if Oman were to participate in such an arrangement.

Source: Al Jazeera