West Asia Conflict: Trump Denies Claims of US Channelling Funds to Iran
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, FRANCE – United States President Donald Trump has denied reports claiming that Washington channelled payments to Iran as part of an agreement between the two countries.
In a statement on the Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that the allegation that the US paid Iran US$300 million is false and described it as “fake news” spread by political opponents.
At the same time, he stated that Iran has agreed not to develop nuclear weapons, in line with the framework of a peace deal currently being finalised between Washington and Tehran.
The denial came following media reports claiming the existence of financial incentive elements in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict and reaching an agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, several senior US administration officials were previously reported to have discussed other possible measures, including the release of frozen Iranian funds, the easing of economic sanctions, and the establishment of a large-scale fund to support the country’s redevelopment — subject to Tehran’s compliance with conditions in further negotiations.
The development comes as the US and Iran have reached a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as an initial step towards a peace deal. The agreement is scheduled to be officially signed in Geneva, Switzerland, this Friday, June 19, marking a significant milestone towards ending the prolonged conflict between the two countries.
The MoU also includes efforts to ease tensions in West Asia and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic route for global oil trade.
The conflict between the US and Iran has escalated again in recent months following geopolitical tensions involving Washington’s allies in the region, particularly Israel.
Military clashes and economic sanctions have heightened global concerns over energy security and the stability of oil markets.
Relations between the two countries have long been tense, especially after the US withdrew from the 2015 Iranian nuclear deal and reimposed large-scale economic sanctions.
Iran, for its part, insists that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes, while Washington seeks to ensure that Tehran does not possess nuclear weapons capability.
In this latest context, both sides appear to be attempting to frame the progress of negotiations as a political victory for themselves, although the full details of the agreement have yet to be finalised and are expected to be a focus of further negotiations. – Agency
Astro Awani