US President Donald Trump has stated that Iran has misrepresented the status and substance of the ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran, claiming that the details reported by the media “bear no relation” to the terms which, he said, had already been agreed in writing.
In a post on Truth Social on 12 June, Trump accused Iranian officials of acting in bad faith and described them as “very dishonest” negotiating partners.
He also condemned the attack by Iranian drones on Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz last night, stating that the attack had been repelled and was “totally unacceptable”.
Trump warned Tehran to “come to its senses, and as quickly as possible”.
The US president’s comments came a day after he stated that a “major agreement” had been reached with Iran to end the war that began on 28 February, adding that he expected the document to be signed in Europe in the coming days.
According to him, the agreement would permanently prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and could lead to the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, Iranian officials have publicly downplayed the prospect of a final agreement. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bakai stated that key issues remain unresolved and accused Washington of repeatedly changing its position.
The state-affiliated Iranian news agency Mehr reported on 12 June, citing an unnamed official, that the draft memorandum between Iran and the United States includes a commitment by Tehran not to develop nuclear weapons; a definitive end to the war on all fronts, including Lebanon; the opening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days; and 60 days of negotiations to reach a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Reports by Iranian state media during negotiations are often used to promote certain ideas or positions and have frequently proved to be inaccurate or incomplete.
The White House has not specified the details of a potential deal, but Axios reported that, according to the memorandum of understanding, “Iran will undertake certain commitments regarding its nuclear programme – first and foremost, never to possess nuclear weapons and to resolve the standoff over its enriched uranium”.
Axios also reported, citing “a diplomat from one of the mediating countries and a US official”, that the memorandum would extend the ceasefire by 60 days and “calls for the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz without charging for passage, with a return to pre-war shipping volumes within 30 days. In return, the US blockade will also be lifted.”
The Mehr news agency also claims that other provisions include the lifting of the naval blockade of Iran, the withdrawal of US troops from areas surrounding Iran, the suspension of sanctions against Iran and the release of $24 billion in frozen Iranian funds.
Citing a spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mehr stated that the text requires final approval by the Iranian authorities.