US President Donald Trump has expressed willingness to ease sanctions on Iran and release frozen Iranian funds. However, he wants Tehran to make concrete progress on its nuclear programme before agreeing to any deal.
According to a US official, Washington is holding constructive discussions with mediators to restart negotiations with Tehran. However, both countries still disagree on key nuclear commitments and the timing of a possible agreement.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What happened | Trump is open to Iran sanctions relief in exchange for concrete nuclear progress. |
| Location | United States and Iran |
| Date | September 2026 |
| Key figures | Donald Trump, Abbas Araghchi, Steve Witkoff, JD Vance, Jared Kushner and Marco Rubio |
| Main issue | Iran's nuclear programme and sanctions relief |
| Iran's position | Tehran denies changing its negotiating position. |
| Mediators | Qatar is helping facilitate discussions. |
| Current status | Negotiations continue, with no final agreement announced. |
| Why it matters | The talks could affect sanctions, nuclear diplomacy and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. |
Trump Links Sanctions Relief to Nuclear Progress
Trump is considering sanctions relief and the release of Iran’s frozen assets as part of a potential agreement. However, he wants Tehran to demonstrate meaningful progress on its nuclear program first.
Nevertheless, Washington insists that any final agreement must address nuclear concerns.
Trump rejected Iran’s latest proposal concerning the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. He described the proposal as unacceptable and questioned whether Tehran was negotiating in good faith.
On Sunday, Trump told Axios that he expected further discussions with Iran during the week.
US and Iranian Officials Disagree Over Nuclear Commitments
According to the US official, Iran has shown some flexibility on nuclear matters. However, the two sides have yet to agree on when Tehran should fulfil its commitments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected reports of a change in Tehran’s position. Speaking to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB on Tuesday, he said Iran had not changed its stance.
Several key developments have shaped the latest negotiations:
Trump has expressed conditional support for sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian funds.
Washington wants tangible progress on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Tehran has reportedly shown flexibility, according to a US official.
Iranian officials deny changing their position.
Qatar is helping facilitate communication between the two countries.
Both sides continue to disagree over the timing of nuclear commitments.
US Sanctions and Iran's Nuclear Programme
The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Iran over several issues, including its nuclear activities. These restrictions have affected Iran’s access to international finance and trade.
The latest diplomatic efforts aim to address disagreements over Iran’s nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries have different expectations about the order in which they should address these issues.
Trump Links Sanctions Relief to Nuclear Progress
Trump’s willingness to consider Iran sanctions relief has added a new element to the ongoing diplomatic discussions. However, he continues to demand concrete progress on nuclear issues.
Iran, meanwhile, maintains its existing position and has focused its public statements on the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides have yet to resolve their differences, leaving the future of negotiations uncertain.
US Iran Talks Face Continued Uncertainty
Trump’s willingness to consider Iran sanctions relief has added a new element to the ongoing diplomatic discussions. However, he continues to demand concrete progress on nuclear issues.
Iran, meanwhile, maintains its existing position and has focused its public statements on the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides have yet to resolve their differences, leaving the future of negotiations uncertain.
