Trump Sends Back Iran Deal Text with Changes, Extending Negotiations

Negotiations Hit New Hurdle

President Donald Trump sent back changes to a proposed Iran deal after meeting with advisers, officials said, extending negotiations into another week. Officials said Trump has pushed for tougher language on Iran's nuclear commitments and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Major Sticking Points Remain

Discrepancies remain between what Trump says publicly and what Iran says must be included in any agreement. While Trump claimed in his message that the US would seize and destroy Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium, Iran has consistently said it is not discussing details of its nuclear program under the current negotiations. Trump also claimed there had been no discussion of exchanging money as part of the deal, a condition Iran says must be included in any agreement.

Economic Pressure Mounting

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett said Sunday that the federal government and private companies still have "billions" of oil barrels in reserve while using supplies to offset rising oil prices, stating "There's plenty of runway … there's a lot of pressure on Iran to finally agree to the president's terms." The conflict has wreaked havoc on global energy markets and spurred inflation to its highest level since May of 2023 after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz when the war broke out. Gas prices in the U.S. on Sunday averaged about $4.34 per gallon, according to AAA.

What's Next

If a deal is confirmed with Iran and current blockades are removed from the Strait of Hormuz, it could take two months for oil supplies to return to normal. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Sunday that no agreement will be approved with the United States until Tehran's "rights" are secured, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.