Americans: Trump ready to grant Iran sanctions relief for nuclear steps

American officials said President Trump is prepared to provide Iran with sanctions relief and release frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete steps regarding the nuclear program, but after publication Trump denied offering Iranians anything and wrote on TRUTH social network: "I haven't offered Iranians anything."

The American message comes as mediators from Qatar and Pakistan attempt this week to reach an agreement between the United States and Iran. According to the report, Iran wants to focus talks on the Strait of Hormuz and the American naval blockade, while the Trump administration demands nuclear concessions from it. The mediators are meeting in New York with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss a Qatari compromise proposal.

An American official involved in the indirect talks described them as "positive and constructive" and said Iran "signaled it was willing to show flexibility on nuclear issues." However, according to him, significant gaps remain, and there will be no agreement "unless nuclear issues are addressed."

The official added that the White House is skeptical of Iran's promises, and accused the Iranians of violating the last memorandum of understanding after they fired at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July. "This time the United States needs guarantees that Iran is serious," he said.