Trump denies offering to ease sanctions on Iran — Cyprus Mail
US President Donald Trump said he had not offered Iran sanctions relief or the unfreezing of funds in exchange for steps regarding its nuclear program. He was responding to reports by Axios and CNN, which, citing unnamed US officials, said such terms could be part of a final agreement, Cyprus Mail reports.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump called the reports false and said he had offered Iran nothing. He also described preventing Tehran from obtaining a nuclear bomb as one of the goals of the war, alongside ending Iran's ability to attack neighboring countries and creating conditions for Iranians themselves to change the country's leadership.
Tehran's readiness for talks
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in an interview with CBS's Face the Nation that Tehran was ready to discuss the nuclear program and other issues, but would not accept intimidation or coercion. According to him, Iran does not seek war but will defend itself against pressure, threats and attacks.
Iran does not possess nuclear weapons and denies intending to develop them, while insisting on its right to develop domestic nuclear energy capacity. US and Iranian representatives separately spoke with mediators on Monday as part of renewed efforts to end the seven-month war, officials from both countries said.
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The strait and oil prices
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that any steps toward opening the Strait of Hormuz depend on Tehran's conditions being met. According to him, the proposed agreement provided for a seven-day countdown to opening the strait and a pause in regional hostilities.
Trump rejected the plan on Saturday, saying Iran was seeking an agreement on the strait because of its position in the war. Araghchi replied that mediators had not yet conveyed an official US rejection to Tehran.
Amid concerns over energy supplies from the Middle East, oil prices rose for a second consecutive session on Tuesday. Brent futures climbed 1.4% to $106.77 per barrel, while US WTI crude gained 1.5% and traded at $93.94 per barrel.
