United States President Donald Trump on Tuesday strongly dismissed a report claiming that his administration was willing to grant sanctions relief and unfreeze assets for Iran in exchange for nuclear concessions. The clarification is significant as it challenges the possibility of a diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran, which is in its seventh month.

Trump Denies Offering Sanctions Relief

In a post on Truth Social, Trump called the reporting a “hoax” fueled by “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” Stating that he had not "offered them NOTHING”, Trump demanded that Axios withdraw the fake story immediately. “Axios just released a story that “Trump” offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING! Axios’ story, like most others, is a HOAX, used only for purposes of satisfying their Trump Derangement Syndrome. They should withdraw this fake story, IMMEDIATELY! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

The Axios report emerged amid the ongoing US-Iran war, which began following a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28 and an escalating global energy crisis driven by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The report, citing US officials, noted that Trump was willing to give Iran sanctions relief and release Iranian frozen funds in return for “concrete Iranian steps regarding the nuclear programme.”

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What Did The Reports Say

Similarly, news outlet CNN, citing officials, also reported that Trump was "open" to sanctions relief for Tehran, and the discussions through the mediators were “positive and constructive.” The reports had come as a relief for many at a time when the US is severely tightening economic and aviation sanctions on Iran under “Operation Economic Outcast.” However, the latest development has further raised uncertainty over when the conflict will truly end.

While Trump has publicly denied providing sanctions relief to Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in an interview with the CBS show "Face the Nation", asserted that Tehran was ready for talks on its nuclear programme and other relevant issues. However, Pezeshkian firmly stated that Iran would not accept "bullying or coercion". "Iran is not seeking war, but will defend itself against pressure, threats and attacks,” he said, adding that Tehran had already agreed that "we're not supposed to develop nuclear weapons".

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