By Ginika Igboke
President Donald Trump said on May 27 that the United States is not currently considering immediate sanctions relief for Iran as negotiations continue over a broader agreement aimed at ending tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking during a White House Cabinet meeting, Trump emphasized that any future financial concessions would depend on Iran’s long-term behavior and compliance with the terms of a potential agreement.
“We’re not talking about any easing of sanctions or giving money,” Trump said.
The president made the remarks after being asked whether the administration was considering allowing Iran to resume broader oil exports or receive economic relief as part of ongoing diplomatic discussions.
Trump Says US Will Maintain Control Over Frozen Iranian Assets
Trump indicated that the United States intends to retain control over Iranian assets currently restricted under sanctions until Washington determines that Tehran is acting responsibly.
“We have control of money that they claim is theirs. We’ll keep control of that money,” Trump said during the meeting.
“When they behave properly, and when they do what’s right, we’ll let them have their money,” he added.
His comments signaled a tougher approach to negotiations despite recent reports suggesting progress toward a possible agreement between the two countries.
Talks Continue on Broader Middle East Agreement
The president’s remarks came just days after he announced that a memorandum of understanding aimed at resolving the current regional conflict had been “largely negotiated.”
Iranian officials have also acknowledged progress in discussions, although they have suggested that major disputes remain unresolved.
Over the weekend, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the developing framework agreement would focus first on ending active hostilities and lifting the U.S. naval blockade affecting Iranian ports.
According to Baghaei, issues involving sanctions relief and Iran’s nuclear program would likely be addressed during later stages of negotiations.
“In later stages—within 30 days, 60 days, or whatever timeframe is ultimately agreed upon—we can discuss the nuclear issue or other mutually agreed matters separately,” Baghaei said.
“But at this stage, all our focus is on ending the war,” he added.
Nuclear Program Remains Central Issue
Iran continues to insist that its nuclear activities are intended solely for peaceful purposes.
However, international concern has grown after Tehran enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, a level considered technically close to weapons-grade material.
The Trump administration has repeatedly stated that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability remains a central objective of negotiations and military pressure campaigns.
During the Cabinet meeting, Trump also rejected suggestions that Iran could transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to countries such as Russia or China.
“I wouldn’t be comfortable with that,” the president said.
Trump has previously suggested several alternatives for handling Iran’s nuclear material, including transferring the uranium stockpile directly to the United States or destroying it under international supervision.
He also mentioned the possibility of disposal at another approved location overseen by international atomic energy authorities.
Trump Says Political Pressure Will Not Influence Negotiations
The president also addressed speculation that domestic political considerations could affect the administration’s negotiating timeline ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
Trump dismissed the idea that Iran could gain leverage by prolonging talks.
“They thought they were going to outwait me, you know, ‘We’ll outwait him, he’s got the midterms,’” Trump said.
“I don’t care about the midterms,” he added.
The comments underscored Trump’s message that the administration intends to continue negotiations on its own timetable while maintaining economic and military pressure on Tehran until a broader agreement is finalized.
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