Deal to end Iran war collapses after Trump's social media claims undermine negotiations
As US-Iran peace talks appeared to be closing in on a deal, President Trump posted claims on social media about agreements Iran had not finalized, derailing negotiations. Trump claimed Iran had agreed to nuclear concessions that sources say haven't been confirmed, causing Iranian officials to retreat from talks.
Negotiations Derailed
As the weekend approached, the US and Iran appeared to be closing in on a deal to end the seven-week war. Then President Donald Trump did exactly what his staffers have repeatedly said they wouldn't do: He seemed to try negotiating via the press, posting about ongoing talks on social media and speaking to several reporters by phone Friday morning as Pakistani intermediaries updated him on ongoing talks with Iranian officials in Tehran.
Disputed Claims
He claimed Iran had agreed to a host of provisions that sources familiar with the talks said have not yet been finalized. He also asserted that Tehran had agreed to many of the most contentious US demands — including handing over the enriched uranium — and declared an imminent end to the war.
Iran's Response
Iranian officials outwardly rejected many of those assertions and denied they were preparing for another round of talks, rapidly tanking the rising optimism.
Ceasefire Timeline
But Trump told Bloomberg the truce ends "Wednesday evening Washington time," allowing for an extra 24 hours of talks before he must choose whether make good on his threat to blow up Iranian bridges and power plants, a possible war crime. He added that it was "highly unlikely" that he would extend it further.