Trump Extends Standoff With Iran, Reportedly Returning Deal With Harsher Terms

The standoff between the United States and Iran over a potential deal to de-escalate Middle East tensions continues, with no clear resolution in sight after more than three months of conflict. Despite President Donald Trump's previous statements about an imminent final decision, reports indicate he has sent back a proposed agreement with harsher conditions from the White House.

Sources within the Republican administration revealed that Trump met with his national security team to discuss the proposal. While specific changes were not detailed, officials suggested the modifications were intended to expedite a truce extension by pressuring Iran to accept the framework submitted to Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. However, other sources speaking anonymously indicated that Trump intensified the language concerning Iran's nuclear commitments and its pledge to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Trump has publicly stated that enriched material would be handled by the U.S. in coordination with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and subsequently "destroyed." Iran, however, has resisted relinquishing its enriched uranium, with state media rejecting Trump's claims. The current understanding includes Iran's commitment not to develop nuclear weapons and a 60-day period for further discussions, but it lacks specific concessions regarding the removal of approximately 450 kilograms of enriched uranium from Iran.

An administration official clarified that the new terms focus on "more specific details about how the United States obtains the material and about the deadlines." In response to reports of Trump hardening his stance, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Tehran would not approve any agreement until it was certain of its terms.