Trump: No Lifting of Sanctions in Exchange for Iran Giving Up Highly Enriched Uranium

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 27th that the United States would not lift sanctions in exchange for Iran abandoning highly enriched uranium, underscoring Washington's firm stance on Iran's nuclear issue. At a time when U.S.-Iran relations are advancing ceasefire and nuclear talks to end the escalating Middle East conflict over the past three months.

During an interview with PBS News on Wednesday, when asked whether current negotiations involved "Iran surrendering highly enriched uranium in return for U.S. sanctions relief," Trump explicitly denied it.

"No, no, absolutely not. Not sanctions relief at all, absolutely not," he said. He emphasized again: "They will give up highly enriched uranium, but not in exchange for relief from sanctions. No, no, absolutely not."

At a cabinet meeting held at the White House, Trump reiterated that Iran wants to reach an agreement, but the proposals currently on the table have not satisfied Washington yet.

"Iran really wants to make a deal; they're very eager to do so. So far, they haven't done it… We're not satisfied with what we have now, but we will be satisfied in the end. Either we get a deal, or we must finish the job."

Observers believe that Trump’s reference to "finishing the job" implies that if diplomatic efforts fail, the U.S. may resume military pressure. Over recent months, tensions in the Middle East have intensified due to conflicts between Iran and the U.S. and its allies. The U.S. military has launched strikes against missile facilities and maritime targets inside Iran under the pretext of self-defense; Iran, in turn, accuses the U.S. of undermining ceasefire and peace negotiations.

Despite the tense situation, the White House has recently continued sending signals that negotiations are making progress. On the 26th, Trump posted on his social platform Truth Social stating that talks with Iran were "proceeding smoothly." The White House also said Trump would discuss the latest diplomatic developments with his cabinet members on the 27th.

In parallel, Iranian official media recently revealed what is purported to be a draft memorandum of understanding between both sides, including the withdrawal of U.S. forces from areas surrounding Iran and the lifting of blockade measures on Iranian ports.

The White House swiftly denied the report. The White House’s “Rapid Response” account posted on the social platform X stating that the content released by Iranian state media was "entirely fabricated."

White House spokesperson Olivia Wales stated that Trump had clearly defined the negotiating red lines, adding that the U.S. would only accept agreements ensuring Iran could never obtain nuclear weapons.

"As President Trump has said, the negotiations are going well, and he has clearly set the bottom line. President Trump will only secure a good deal for the American people, and that deal must ensure Iran can never possess nuclear weapons."

One key focus of ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations concerns how Iran will handle its highly enriched uranium. Washington has long maintained that Iran’s continuous increase in uranium enrichment levels is approaching weapons-grade, potentially enabling nuclear weapons development. Iran insists its nuclear program is solely for civilian energy and scientific research purposes.

Beyond nuclear issues, Trump has also recently pushed to expand the framework of the Abraham Accords—a deal initiated during his first presidential term aimed at normalizing relations between Arab states and Israel.

Trump revealed he has recently spoken with leaders of several Arab nations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, and believes these countries should join the Abraham Accords.

Currently, signatories include the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Kazakhstan. However, Saudi Arabia—the region’s heavyweight—has consistently stressed that Riyadh will not formally establish diplomatic ties with Israel unless there is clear progress on Palestinian statehood.

When asked why Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman should still join the accord without a concrete Palestinian statehood plan, Trump replied: "Because it's very beneficial for Saudi Arabia. It's very beneficial for Saudi Arabia."

Analysts point out that the U.S. is attempting to build a new regional security architecture through expanded cooperation among Arab nations and Israel, aiming to counterbalance Iran’s influence across the Middle East.

However, the Trump administration’s current policy toward Iran faces domestic pressure within the United States. Some conservative Republicans question whether negotiations might grant Tehran breathing room; others argue that given the ongoing escalation in regional conflicts, both sides are keen to avoid war spiraling out of control.

To date, neither the U.S. nor Iran has disclosed final terms of any agreement. Experts widely agree that nuclear issues, sanctions arrangements, Middle East security dynamics, and the Palestinian question are deeply intertwined, meaning future negotiations remain full of uncertainty.

Source: rfi

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1866411746613320/

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