The US newspaper New York Times reported on 30/5 that President Donald Trump sought to tighten the terms of a proposed agreement. Citing sources familiar with the negotiation process, the newspaper stated that Trump returned a framework document with tougher conditions for Iran's consideration.

The US newspaper did not specify the exact changes. However, news site Axios reported that President Trump aimed to strengthen certain elements he deemed important, such as the handling of Iran's nuclear material. These new adjustments could prolong negotiations between the parties on a peace agreement for several more days.

President Donald Trump at an event in Doral, Florida last March. *Photo: AP*

Officials from both the US and Iran have not yet commented on this information.

On 31/5, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament and head of the negotiating delegation with the US, criticized Washington as an "unreliable" partner. He affirmed that Tehran would not accept any agreement if its rights were not fully guaranteed.

AFP previously cited sources indicating that the proposed agreement was awaiting Trump's signature. However, the US President made no decision after a White House meeting on 29/5. According to Trump, key priorities for the agreement must include a clause where Iran agrees never to develop nuclear weapons and reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran began negotiating with Washington on the future of its nuclear program in February, prior to the US and Israel launching an attack campaign against Iran. Tehran has consistently maintained that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes only, while the US and its allies suspect Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

President Trump recently stated, "The only guarantee I need is that there will be no nuclear weapons," adding that Iran had agreed. However, Tehran has repeatedly expressed skepticism about the US leader's statements, and both sides have yet to agree on many key issues.

Iran's nuclear facilities. *Graphic: AFP*

According to Tasnim news agency, the exchange of agreement content continues, with both sides frequently proposing amendments. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed that until a clear conclusion is reached, all terms mentioned at this time "are merely speculation".

Iran also rejected Trump's earlier statement that its enriched uranium stockpile would be destroyed, calling these claims "baseless".

The US President is under pressure to reach an agreement to end the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which has crippled one of the world's most important oil shipping routes. He previously stated that under the agreement, Iran would not charge "transit fees" for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's Fars news agency reported that "no such provision exists".

By Huyen Le (AFP)