White House Revises Iran Peace Framework, Demands Tougher Nuclear Controls
President Trump seeks stricter nuclear terms as Defense Secretary Hegseth warns the military is prepared to resume strikes if negotiations fail.
The White House is currently weighing a revised diplomatic proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Iran. Following a Situation Room meeting, President Donald Trump reportedly sent the framework back to negotiators with demands for tougher provisions, specifically targeting Iran’s nuclear material and enrichment capabilities. The proposed deal seeks a 60-day ceasefire window and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy artery, in exchange for a gradual easing of the U.S. maritime blockade.
Despite the diplomatic track, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized from Singapore that American military posture remains "explicitly coercive." Hegseth stated that U.S. stockpiles are sufficient for renewed operations and that the military is prepared to resume strikes immediately if talks collapse. The nuclear file remains the primary sticking point, as the current framework defers long-term decisions on enrichment rights and uranium stockpiles to future negotiations.
Meanwhile, an information war continues to surround the proceedings. Iranian state television has claimed the deal includes access to $12 billion in frozen assets, a claim the White House has dismissed as false. Tehran officials have also moved to dampen expectations, denying that any final agreement has been reached. For now, the ceasefire remains unconfirmed as Washington awaits Iran's response to the toughened U.S. requirements regarding maritime navigation and nuclear oversight.
Key Points
- President Trump has reportedly returned a revised 60-day ceasefire framework to negotiators, demanding stricter nuclear safeguards and material controls.
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed in Singapore that the U.S. remains 'more than capable' of resuming military strikes if diplomatic efforts fail.
- The proposed deal hinges on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of Iranian-placed mines in exchange for conditional sanctions relief.
- Tehran has denied that a final agreement is in place, contradicting optimistic reports of an imminent closure to the framework.
- US officials dismissed Iranian state media claims that the deal includes the release of $12 billion in frozen assets, labeling the reports as 'fabrication.'