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Trump’s main concern relates to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The current draft does not contain detailed concessions beyond that pledge.
US President Donald Trump. (AFP file photo)
US President Donald Trump has asked for several changes to a proposed agreement with Iran, sending the deal back for further negotiations despite signalling that he wants it finalised soon.
According to a report by Axios, Trump requested amendments during a Situation Room meeting on Friday, with particular focus on strengthening provisions related to Iran’s nuclear programme.
The move has triggered another round of discussions between Washington and Tehran and could now delay the agreement by several days.
Trump wants stronger uranium clauses
Officials familiar with the discussions said Trump’s main concern relates to Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. The current draft includes a commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon. However, the Axios report said that the draft does not contain detailed concessions beyond that pledge.
The memorandum of understanding provides for a 60-day period during which both sides would negotiate nuclear commitments from Iran and sanctions relief from the United States. Among the first issues to be discussed would be the disposal of Iran’s enriched uranium and limits on future enrichment.
According to US officials, Trump wants more precise language covering how and when the United States would take possession of Iran’s enriched uranium.
A senior administration official described the proposed changes as seeking greater clarity on the transfer of nuclear material and the timeline involved.
Strait of Hormuz clauses also under review
Trump has also reportedly sought amendments to wording related to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Officials said the president wants adjustments to that section of the draft, though no further details were provided regarding the specific changes being sought.
The proposed revisions emerged after Trump convened a Situation Room meeting on Friday to review the agreement.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump had appeared open to approving the draft.
White House reiterates red lines
Following the meeting, a White House official stressed that Trump would only approve a deal that met key American conditions.
The official said the president would only support an agreement that was good for the United States, satisfied his red lines and ensured that Iran could never obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump has repeatedly identified preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as his primary objective in the negotiations.
Iran yet to approve final text
Iranian officials have also indicated that they have not yet approved the final version of the agreement.
Iranian state media reported that a deal was close but not yet complete. It also claimed that Tehran would receive billions of dollars in frozen funds under the arrangement, a claim rejected by the White House.
US officials said Tehran would likely need around three days to respond to the latest American proposals.
Deal still expected
Despite the latest revisions, administration officials insisted that negotiations remain on track.
“There will be a deal,” a senior administration official said, while acknowledging that the timeline remains uncertain.
Officials said the administration is prepared to wait until Trump receives the terms he wants before moving ahead.
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
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