New Delhi: US President Donald Trump ended a two hour meeting in the White House Situation Room on Saturday without reaching a final decision on a potential agreement aimed at ending the conflict with Iran. While negotiations appear to be progressing, significant disagreements remain over Tehran’s nuclear activities, the release of frozen Iranian assets and the future of the Strait of Hormuz.
Following the meeting, the White House stated that any agreement must meet Washington’s core conditions, stressing that Iran would never be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon. Discussions reportedly continue on several unresolved issues, including the possible unfreezing of Iranian funds.
Before the meeting, Trump had indicated he would make a final decision on the next phase of negotiations. He also claimed that Iran would remove mines allegedly placed in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing maritime traffic to resume after the United States lifts its naval blockade. Trump further stated that Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be located and destroyed, while emphasizing that no financial transfers would take place for the time being.
Iran, however, signalled that no agreement has yet been reached. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said discussions between the two sides remain ongoing and that Tehran’s immediate priority is ending the conflict. He added that detailed negotiations concerning uranium enrichment have not yet been addressed.
Baghaei also rejected outside involvement in decisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz, describing its management as a matter for Iran and Oman. Iranian leaders have continued to take a firm stance, with senior officials insisting that concessions will only come through strength rather than negotiations alone.
Several major issues remain unresolved. Washington wants Iran to halt uranium enrichment, surrender its enriched uranium stockpile and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route through which about one fifth of global oil supplies pass. Tehran, meanwhile, is seeking access to billions of dollars in frozen overseas assets, stronger guarantees that any future agreement will be honoured and broader regional security arrangements.
The diplomatic effort comes amid a fragile ceasefire reached in April. Despite the truce, both sides have recently accused each other of violations, highlighting the challenges that continue to stand in the way of a lasting agreement.
