Summary
- The New York Times reported that President Donald Trump did not approve a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at ending the war with Iran.
- Trump raised concerns about clauses related to the unfreezing of Iranian funds and the nuclear program, and sent Iran a revised proposal with tougher terms.
- Trump also directed changes to language on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and was told it would take about three days to receive Iran's response to the revised proposal.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
President Donald Trump did not approve a draft memorandum of understanding, or MOU, aimed at ending the war with Iran, the New York Times reported on May 30.
The newspaper said Trump withheld approval from a ceasefire MOU that US and Iranian negotiators had recently reached on a provisional basis. The US then sent Iran a revised version with tougher terms.
Trump raised concerns about provisions related to the unfreezing of Iranian funds, according to the report. He has repeatedly criticized the Obama administration over cash payments to Iran.
The original MOU called for discussions on Iran's nuclear program during a 60-day ceasefire. Top agenda items included how to handle Iran's existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium and how to limit additional enrichment activity.
Axios reported that Trump also wants changes to the nuclear provisions. A senior US official told Axios the clause on highly enriched uranium was more about details on how the US would secure the nuclear material and what the timeline would be.
Trump also ordered revisions to language on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Axios and other outlets reported. He was told it would take about three days to receive Iran's response to the revised proposal.
JOON HYOUNG LEE
gilson@bloomingbit.ioCrypto Journalist based in Seoul
