Trump Administration Says Iran Deal Depends on Nuclear Terms Still in Dispute

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s White House briefing does not fully support claims that Iran is “ready to abandon” its nuclear program.

Bessent said negotiators have been going back and forth and that President Donald Trump’s conditions include opening the Strait of Hormuz, turning over highly enriched uranium, and preventing Iran from having a nuclear program. But he also repeatedly declined to confirm that a tentative deal had been finalized, saying it would depend on Trump’s decision.

That leaves the central claim unresolved. Reuters reported that Iran-linked sources said the potential deal does not include nuclear-related issues, while Iran’s Fars news agency cast Trump’s comments as an attempt to claim a victory before the terms are settled.

The stakes are substantial: sanctions relief, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, uranium verification, and the risk of renewed U.S. strikes all remain tied to a deal that has not been finalized.

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