Agencies- President Donald Trump has sought tougher terms in a proposed agreement to extend the ceasefire with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, US media reported on Saturday, as negotiations remained unresolved despite high-level talks at the White House.
According to The New York Times, Trump requested changes to several provisions of a draft deal that had been awaiting his approval, sending a revised framework back to Iran for consideration. The changes reportedly strengthen provisions that Trump considers critical, including the handling of Iran’s nuclear material.
Axios reported that Trump wanted to reinforce multiple elements of the proposal, particularly measures aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The revisions could prolong negotiations for days as Washington and Tehran seek to preserve a fragile ceasefire that followed the conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
Trump met with national security advisers in the White House Situation Room on Friday but emerged without making a final decision on whether to proceed with the agreement.
Ahead of the meeting, Trump said he was preparing to make a “final determination.” A senior administration official later said the roughly two-hour session concluded without a decision, adding that Trump would sign only a deal that “satisfies his redlines” and curbs Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The talks came after reports that US and Iranian negotiators had reached a tentative understanding that would extend the ceasefire for 60 days while negotiations continue on Iran’s disputed nuclear program and regional security issues.
Trump reiterated that any agreement must include a commitment from Iran never to develop nuclear weapons and must ensure the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
“Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb,” Trump wrote on social media. He also demanded that sea mines in the strait be removed and international navigation restored.
Iran, however, signaled that major differences remain.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Friday that the agreement “has not been finalized yet,” while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf insisted Tehran would judge Washington by actions rather than promises.
“No step will be taken before the other side acts,” Qalibaf wrote on X. “We do not gain concessions through talks, but through missiles.”
The nuclear issue remains among the most contentious points.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60 percent purity, close to weapons-grade levels. Trump has renewed demands that the stockpile be removed and destroyed under international supervision.
The proposed memorandum would also require Iran to eliminate mines in the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days and prohibit the imposition of transit tolls on vessels using the waterway, according to a US official familiar with the negotiations.
In exchange, Washington would gradually ease its blockade of Iranian ports and relax some sanctions, enabling Tehran to increase oil exports.
Iran has sought additional concessions, including access to billions of dollars in frozen funds and a truce between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon, where clashes have intensified despite a nominal ceasefire.
Iranian officials have also pushed back against US proposals regarding the strait. Baghaei said Iran and Oman, which sit on opposite sides of the waterway, would manage transit arrangements according to their national interests and those of the broader international community.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained effectively closed since the outbreak of hostilities in late February, contributing to higher global fuel prices and disruptions to international trade.
Although Iran has allowed limited commercial traffic to pass in recent weeks, vessel movements remain far below pre-war levels, while new US sanctions have targeted Iranian entities involved in regulating passage through the waterway.
Since the ceasefire took effect about seven weeks ago, both sides have exchanged accusations of violations and occasional military strikes, but have refrained from returning to full-scale conflict while negotiations continue.
