US President Donald Trump responded on Friday evening to media reports claiming that his administration had discussed the possibility of helping Iran obtain up to $30 billion to build a civilian nuclear energy program. Trump categorically denied this.
In detail, CNN and NBC News reported on Thursday and Friday, respectively, that the Trump administration had discussed in recent days the possibility of offering economic incentives to Iran in exchange for its government halting uranium enrichment. CNN quoted officials as saying that several proposals had been put forward, but they were preliminary.
Trump Accuses Media of Lies
Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social on Friday evening: "Who is the liar in the Fake News Media who is saying that President Trump wants to give Iran $30 billion to build non-military nuclear facilities? I have never heard of this ridiculous idea," describing the reports as a "hoax."
Read also:
Iran Suspends Cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Previously, the US president confirmed that he would bomb Iran again if it sought to enrich uranium. Trump also criticized Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's declaration of victory in the war, saying that Khamenei should thank him for preventing a strike and that the Iranian leader was badly defeated.
Inspecting Iran's Nuclear Facilities
Trump also demanded that Tehran allow the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to inspect its nuclear facilities and confirmed that Iran is seeking a meeting.
Read also:
Top Biden aides summoned for investigation... What's the matter?!
The United States and Iran have been holding indirect talks since April with the aim of finding a new diplomatic solution regarding Iran's nuclear program. Tehran maintains that its program is peaceful, while Washington says it wants to ensure that Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon.
Last week, Trump declared a ceasefire between Israel, a US ally, and its regional rival Iran to halt the war that began on June 13 when Israel launched an attack on Iran.
The United States bombed Iranian nuclear sites early last week, and Iran targeted a US base in Qatar on Monday in retaliation, before Trump announced the ceasefire.
Read also:
Iran: No nuclear deal as Trump continues to attack Khamenei