Trump Meets National Security Team to Discuss Iran Deal

<p>President Trump convened his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Friday to discuss the agreement reached between U.S. and Iranian negotiators.</p><p>The memorandum of understanding (MOU) could represent a significant diplomatic breakthrough, but further negotiations are needed to address Trump's nuclear demands.</p><hr /><ul><li>The MOU, which includes a proposed 60-day ceasefire extension and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, was largely agreed upon by Tuesday. However, Trump indicated he required more time to make a decision.</li></ul><p>In a post on Truth Social, Trump outlined key elements of the deal he wants to highlight, suggesting he may be close to accepting it.</p><ul><li>He emphasized that Iran must agree to never develop a nuclear weapon.</li><li>He stated that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened immediately for unrestricted shipping traffic and that Iran would need to remove any mines left in the strait.</li><li>Trump mentioned that ships currently blocked in the Strait would be able to start heading home once the naval blockade is lifted.</li></ul><p>The MOU indicates that Iran will negotiate on its nuclear program, but lacks specific concessions.</p><ul><li>Trump asserted that Iran's enriched uranium, which he described as being buried underground, would be destroyed in coordination with the U.S. and the International Atomic Energy Agency.</li><li>U.S. officials reported having verbal commitments from Iran regarding nuclear materials, but emphasized that formal agreements are crucial during negotiations.</li><li>Trump also stated that no money would be exchanged until further notice, referring to Iran's frozen funds.</li></ul><p>Iran's Fars news agency, linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, denied some of Trump's statements, citing sources who claimed the MOU is still pending final approval in Iran.</p><ul><li>Fars accused Trump of attempting to project a false victory and misrepresenting the MOU's content. They stated that Iran would determine the terms for reopening the strait after the U.S. blockade is lifted, which could involve monitoring and inspection of ships.</li><li>Fars also claimed that Iran would receive an immediate payment of $12 billion in frozen assets, asserting that no further negotiations would occur until the payment was made. U.S. officials countered that Iran would only receive frozen funds as part of a final nuclear agreement.</li><li>Additionally, Fars reported that the MOU includes a ceasefire in Lebanon in line with Hezbollah's position, which U.S. officials confirmed would be part of the deal.</li></ul><p>This story is developing and will be updated.</p>