U.S. President Donald Trump pushed back again against criticism that the United States made excessive concessions to Iran in connection with the memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities between the United States and Iran, saying, "It wasn't the United States that was desperate, it was Iran."
On the 19th (local time), President Trump said on the social media platform Truth Social, "We didn't enter negotiations out of desperation. Iran was the one desperate," adding, "They are finished."
He added, "We will watch the full 60-day period to the end, and they will not receive a single penny."
This is interpreted as once again emphasizing that sanctions relief or economic benefits are possible only if Iran faithfully implements the terms of the agreement. Through this MOU, the United States and Iran agreed to continue follow-up talks, and whether the agreement is implemented over the next 60 days is expected to be the key issue.
However, variables remain in the schedule for follow-up negotiations. The White House said Vice President J.D. Vance's planned trip to Switzerland for follow-up nuclear talks with Iran has been postponed. Some observers said Iran delayed the negotiating schedule in protest of Israel continuing its military operation against Lebanon.