US President Donald Trump has forcefully dismissed reports claiming his administration was considering sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds for Iran in exchange for nuclear concessions.
Taking to his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump branded the reports as “untrue” and a complete “hoax”.
”Axios just released a story that ‘Trump’ offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING! Axios’ story, like most others, is a HOAX, used only for purposes of satisfying their Trump Derangement Syndrome. They should withdraw this fake story, IMMEDIATELY!” Trump wrote.
Media Claims vs. White House Denial
The controversy began after reports published by news outlets including Axios and CNN—citing officials familiar with indirect discussions—suggested Washington was open to granting Tehran economic relief and unlocking frozen assets if concrete steps were taken regarding its nuclear program.
Reports further described ongoing indirect talks through regional mediators as “positive and constructive,” while maintaining that a firm deal remained dependent on addressing key nuclear issues. Trump’s direct post on Truth Social pushed back aggressively against those characterizations.
Escalating Conflict & Hormuz Deadlock
The diplomatic friction unfolds as the US-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its seventh month following the outbreak of hostilities in late February 2026. The military escalation and the subsequent naval standoff in the Strait of Hormuz have sent shockwaves through global energy markets.
Trump recently rejected an Iranian peace proposal aimed at reopening the vital maritime bottleneck, calling the terms “unacceptable”. Despite the rejection, Washington indicated it remains open to further diplomatic engagements. A US delegation featuring special envoy Steve Witkoff, Vice President JD Vance, and Jared Kushner is expected to continue negotiations through indirect channels.
Tehran Stands Firm on Conditions
In an interview with CBS’s Face the Nation, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran remains willing to engage in diplomatic talks regarding its nuclear program but firmly warned against external coercion.
”Iran is not seeking war, but will defend itself against pressure, threats and attacks,” Pezeshkian noted, reasserting that Tehran has no intentions of developing nuclear weapons.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will only be reopened once Tehran’s explicit conditions are met, emphasizing that only a negotiated resolution can end the current geopolitical deadlock.
