President Donald Trump publicly denied media reports that his administration was prepared to grant Iran sanctions relief or release frozen Iranian funds. In a Truth Social post on Monday, he wrote, “This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING,” emphasizing that the United States has not offered any concessions to Tehran.
Media claims and official denials
Axios and CNN cited unnamed U.S. officials saying Trump was willing to provide sanctions relief and free Iranian assets if Iran demonstrated “concrete progress” on its nuclear program. The president rejected those claims, stating the United States remains firm on its goal of preventing Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb and ending its ability to attack neighboring countries.
Iranian response
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told CBS’s “Face the Nation” that Tehran is ready for talks on its nuclear program and other issues, but will not accept “bullying or coercion.” He reiterated that Iran does not seek war and will defend itself against pressure, threats, and attacks, adding that Iran has already agreed it is not supposed to develop nuclear weapons.
Diplomatic efforts continue
U.S. and Iranian officials met separately with mediators on Monday as part of a renewed effort to end the seven‑month conflict that President Trump launched alongside Israel in February under the name “Operation Epic Fury.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi posted that any move toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz depends on clear conditions being met, and he told reporters at the UN that a proposed deal would trigger a seven‑day countdown to reopening the strait and a pause in regional fighting.
President Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House on Saturday, dismissed the Iranian proposal, saying the Iranians were desperate to secure a deal to open the Hormuz Strait because they were losing badly.
Impact on energy markets
The war has disrupted global energy supplies, pushing oil prices higher and fueling inflation. Brent crude rose $1.49, or 1.4%, to $106.77 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate increased $1.34, or 1.5%, to $93.94. Both benchmarks closed the previous session about $1 higher.
Iran and its regional allies have extended the conflict, with Iranian drones and missiles striking U.S. allies in the Gulf and Houthi forces in Yemen targeting Saudi interests, further threatening oil exports through the Red Sea.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
