Trump Says Iran Deal Is Close but Rejects Iranian Draft Proposal

He stated that Iranian negotiators have not yet addressed several core issues and that talks are proceeding at an uneven pace. The president rejected an Iranian state television draft released May 27 that proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within a month in exchange for lifting the U.S. naval blockade and withdrawing forces. The White House called the document a fabrication.

Trump said the United States will not release any of the $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds or ease sanctions until Iran meets U.S. conditions. He added that enriched uranium stockpiles must be removed to the United States or destroyed at an acceptable location, ruling out Russia or China.

Iranian officials have indicated they may accept third-country storage but have not agreed to permanent removal. Supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has stated that enriched uranium should remain inside Iran.

Congressional Reactions Sen.

Roger Wicker posted that a rumored 60-day ceasefire would be a disaster and would undo gains from Operation Epic Fury. Sen. Lindsey Graham posted that continued Iranian ability to threaten the strait would shift regional power and harm Israel. Rep. Seth Moulton said on CNN that the United States is losing the war and should end operations.

Rebeccah Heinrichs of the Hudson Institute said guided naval escorts could reopen the strait without Iranian permission. Trump said he is not under time pressure from midterm elections and will only accept a strong agreement.