Trump Concludes Two Hour Secret Meeting On Iran Deal Without Final Agreement

US President Donald Trump convened a critical and highly confidential meeting on Saturday in the White House Situation Room, lasting approximately two hours. The session was focused on the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities and establishing a long-term agreement. While there was significant anticipation that this meeting might result in a major breakthrough or the announcement of a ceasefire, the session concluded without a final decision or a formal deal being reached between the two nations.

The American Stance and Trump's Conditions

Following the conclusion of the meeting, a White House official clarified the administration's position, stating that President Trump is committed to securing a deal that strictly aligns with American interests and fulfills his specific conditions. The official emphasized that the United States won't, under any circumstances, allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons. This remains a non-negotiable pillar of the US strategy in these talks.

Prior to the meeting, President Trump shared his perspective on the social media platform Truth Social, outlining several key requirements for a potential agreement. He stated that Iran must remove the sea mines it has placed in the Strait of Hormuz, while once this condition is met, the United States would be prepared to end its naval blockade, allowing for the resumption of normal maritime traffic in the region. Plus, Trump asserted that Iran's highly enriched uranium must be located and destroyed as part of any comprehensive settlement.

Financial Disputes and Frozen Assets

A major point of contention remains the issue of financial compensation and frozen assets, while trump explicitly stated that no money would be provided to Iran at this stage. This statement was a direct response to reports suggesting that Iran is demanding the release of 12 billion dollars in seized assets as a prerequisite for moving into the next phase of negotiations. The US administration appears firm in its stance that financial concessions won't precede verifiable actions from the Iranian side.

Iran's Official Response and Sovereignty

From the Iranian perspective, the government has confirmed that no final deal has been finalized with the United States. Esmaeil Baghaei, the spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, noted that while the exchange of messages and negotiations continues, a definitive agreement remains elusive. Baghaei highlighted that Iran's primary priority at this moment is to bring an end to the ongoing conflict.

The Iranian spokesperson also clarified that technical discussions regarding uranium enrichment and the nuclear program aren't currently part of the final-stage deliberations. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran maintains a firm stance on its sovereignty, with Baghaei stating that the future of the strategic waterway will be determined solely by Iran and Oman. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, echoed this sentiment on social media, asserting that Iran secures concessions through its inherent strength rather than through negotiations alone, while he expressed a deep-seated mistrust of American promises, suggesting that the US must take the first step to prove its sincerity.

Core Areas of Disagreement

Several significant hurdles continue to block the path to a final agreement. The United States is demanding that Iran cease all uranium enrichment activities and transfer its existing stockpile of enriched uranium to a third country, while 9 kilograms of uranium enriched up to 60 percent, a level that's considered dangerously close to weapons-grade material.

In addition to the nuclear issue, the US is pushing for the complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of all sea mines within a 30 day timeframe. Conversely, Iran is seeking the return of approximately 24 billion dollars in assets currently frozen in foreign accounts. Iran is also demanding a formal guarantee that the United States won't unilaterally withdraw from any future agreement, as has happened in the past. As both sides remain entrenched in their positions, the dialogue continues, but the road to a final settlement remains complex and uncertain.