U.S. Treasury Secretary warns Iran: Trump will not accept a "bad deal," easing sanctions depends on the extent of Iran's concessions on the nuclear issue.

U.S. Treasury Secretary warns Iran: Trump will not accept a "bad deal," easing sanctions depends on the extent of Iran's concessions on the nuclear issue.

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On Thursday the 28th Eastern Time, U.S. Treasury Secretary Besent made his latest remarks on the potential U.S.-Iran agreement, sanctions on Iran, and the Trump administration’s Iran policy.

On Thursday, U.S. media learned that the U.S. and Iran had reached a consensus on a 60-day memorandum of understanding, pending final approval by President Trump. Subsequently, during a White House press conference, Besent avoided several questions from reporters concerning this report. When asked about the memorandum, Besent said it would be inappropriate to make statements “ahead of the President” on this matter.

When asked whether there was indeed an Iran agreement on the table, according to CCTV News, Besent stated at the briefing that the U.S. and Iranian negotiation teams are still engaging in talks, but President Trump has drawn several “red lines” and will not accept a “bad deal.”

According to Xinhua News, Besent stated at the White House press conference that whether the U.S. and Iran can reach a potential agreement depends on whether Trump supports it, emphasizing that “everything depends on what the President wants to do.”

Besent said Trump has consistently favored reaching a peace deal, and all current U.S. actions are “defensive in nature.” However, if Trump believes a peace deal cannot be reached, the U.S. will also make corresponding decisions.

Besent stated that whether the U.S. relaxes sanctions on Iran will depend on Iran’s concessions on the nuclear issue, especially whether Iran is willing to meet U.S. core demands regarding its nuclear program, regional security, and free navigation. He reiterated that the Trump administration will continue to pressure Iran through economic and financial tools.

Trump Will Not Accept a Deal Detrimental to the American People

Regarding recent news about a potential U.S.-Iran understanding, Besent gave a cautious statement on Thursday.

He stated that no U.S.-Iran agreement would be automatically implemented, and the final decision rests with Trump himself. Besent emphasized that Trump “will not accept a deal detrimental to the American people,” nor will he repeat the “bad deal” path long criticized by Washington conservatives.

When pressed again by reporters to confirm the existence of a tentative agreement, Besent replied: “It all depends on the President’s intentions.”

This statement essentially responded to the recent debate surrounding escalating U.S.-Iran negotiations.

Several media outlets previously revealed that U.S. and Iranian representatives had reached a certain consensus on a preliminary framework, involving a ceasefire extension, initiation of nuclear talks, arrangements for shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, and sanctions discussions. However, the deal still requires final approval from Trump and formal confirmation from Iran.

Within Trump’s camp, Republican hawks remain highly vigilant against any arrangement that might be seen as “easing pressure on Iran,” fearing a repeat of the JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal) controversy.

On the highly watched sanctions issue, Besent gave very clear conditions: sanction relief is not an unconditional option.

According to CCTV, Besent said Trump requires Iran to hand over highly enriched uranium, not to develop nuclear weapons, and for the Strait of Hormuz to be restored to free and open navigation.

He stated that whether the U.S. would consider relaxing sanctions on Iran in the future depends on the extent of Iran’s concessions on the nuclear issue. In other words, sanction relief is directly tied to Iran’s nuclear commitments.

Judging by current U.S. information, the Trump administration’s core demands include limiting Iran’s nuclear activities, ensuring free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and satisfying U.S. security requirements. Trump has also repeatedly emphasized publicly that the U.S. will not accept any arrangement that cannot effectively limit Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Besent’s comments mean that, at least at this stage, the U.S. government still sees “sanction leverage” as an important negotiation tool to force further Iranian concessions, rather than an exchange chip to be handed over in advance.

Additionally, according to CCTV, Besent posted on social media Thursday that the U.S. government would not tolerate any attempt to impose a toll system in the Strait of Hormuz. Besent specifically named Oman, stating the U.S. Treasury will severely crack down on any parties, direct or indirect, involved in facilitating a toll regime for the Strait of Hormuz, and that any partners involved would be penalized as well.

According to Iranian media reports on Wednesday, Ali Bagheri, Deputy Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Iran is currently negotiating with Oman on a new mechanism for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Also on Wednesday, Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz is under no one’s jurisdiction and warned Oman against interfering, adding that if Oman “does not behave,” it will be “bombed by the United States.”

The U.S. Will Impose Multiple Restrictions on Iranian Airlines

Although the negotiation window has not completely closed, Besent simultaneously sent another signal: the Trump administration will not relax economic pressure on Iran.

Recently, the U.S. Treasury has continued to expand Iran sanctions. On Thursday, Besent stated that the U.S. is further cutting off Iran’s aviation system from international operations, including restricting Iranian airlines from accessing international landing, refueling, and ticketing services.

According to CCTV News, Besent posted on social media Thursday that as part of economic pressure on Iran, the U.S. will cut off Iranian airlines’ channels for landing slots, refueling, and ticketing.

Besent did not provide further details, and the U.S. Treasury website has not yet released an official announcement on this matter.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control announced Thursday that the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” has been added to the “Specially Designated Nationals List,” increasing sanctions and pressure on Iran.

On a broader level, Besent has previously emphasized that the Trump administration is restoring and strengthening the “maximum pressure” strategy, targeting Iran’s financial sources through energy, finance, shipping, and shadow banking networks. The goal is to weaken Iran’s nuclear program, regional proxy networks, and related financing capabilities.

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