U.S. President Donald Trump delayed a final decision related to cease-fire talks with Iran. The White House said Trump will accept only an agreement that meets U.S. interests and his core conditions.
A White House official on the 29th said, in response to a question about the outcome of an Iran-related meeting Trump held with the national security team in the White House Situation Room, "President Trump will make only an agreement that benefits the United States and satisfies his red line."
The official also emphasized, "Iran can never possess nuclear weapons."
Trump held a meeting with his national security advisers in the White House Situation Room for about two hours that day. Before the meeting, he had said on his social media, Truth Social, "I will meet in the Situation Room to make a final decision."
But no specific conclusion was made public after the meeting ended. The New York Times (NYT) reported that Trump deferred a final judgment on Iran's proposal. Citing an administration official, the NYT said the United States and Iran had come close to an agreement in large part but were continuing discussions over some issues, including the release of Iran's frozen asset.
Trump, via Truth Social that day, set as key conditions a ban on Iran's development of nuclear weapons, full opening of the Strait of Hormuz, removal of underwater mines, and U.S.-led removal of highly enriched uranium trapped in nuclear facilities.
He also said, "No monetary transaction with Iran will take place until further notice," drawing a line on economic support, including the release of frozen asset.
However, Iran has shown a different tone from the talks disclosed by the United States. Esmail Baghaei, Spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, said in an interview with state media, "Negotiations are currently proceeding within a limited scope and do not include the nuclear issue."
With differences in positions over the cease-fire memorandum of understanding (MOU) being pursued by the United States and Iran still evident, it remains uncertain whether the talks will conclude in a deal.