Trump Will Only Accept Iran Deal That ‘Satisfies His Red Lines’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald Trump has deferred his “final determination” on a potential ceasefire agreement with Iran after a two-hour meeting with his national security team at the White House Situation Room, insisting that he will only accept a deal that “satisfies his red lines” and guarantees that “Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon” . The Situation Room meeting, which lasted approximately two hours on Friday, concluded without a final decision from the President. “President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his redlines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon,” a White House official said in a statement following the meeting, speaking on condition of anonymity . It was not immediately clear why Trump did not reach a decision, though officials indicated that key disputes remain unresolved, including the matter of unfreezing Iranian assets .

Earlier on Friday, Trump took to his Truth Social platform to outline his conditions for a potential agreement. He wrote that “Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb” and demanded that “the Hormuz Strait must be immediately open, no tolls, for unrestricted shipping traffic, in both directions” . The President added that “all water mines (bombs), if any, will be terminated” and that the U.S. naval blockade “will now be lifted” . Trump had earlier stated that he had ordered US negotiators “not to rush into a deal” with Iran, amid growing expectations and criticism of an accord to end the Middle East conflict. “The negotiations are proceeding in an orderly and constructive manner, and I have informed my representatives not to rush into a deal in that time is on our side,” Trump wrote . “The blockade will remain in full force and effect until an agreement is reached, certified, and signed” . The United States has imposed an embargo on Iranian ports since April 13, after Tehran essentially stopped transportation through the economically critical Strait of Hormuz in reaction to US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28 .

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Regarding Iran’s nuclear materials, Trump insisted that the country’s enriched uranium stockpiles will be “unearthed by the United States in close coordination and conjunction with Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency and destroyed” . “Both sides must take their time and get it right,” Trump wrote while slamming the 2015 nuclear deal that former president Barack Obama agreed to with Iran . On financial compensation, Trump stated that “no money will be exchanged, until further notice,” dismissing both Iran’s demands for war reparations and any suggestion of U.S. investments .

Iran has vehemently rejected Trump’s characterization of the potential agreement. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said in a phone interview with Iranian state media on Friday that current negotiations were limited in scope and did not include “the nuclear issue,” directly contradicting Trump’s framing of the talks . Speaking to state television, Baghaei emphasized that Tehran does not accept directives from Western governments. “Tehran has said goodbye to the language of ‘must’ 47 years ago. None of the Western parties can use the language of ‘must’ when they talk about the Islamic Republic of Iran. We make our own decisions based on the interests and rights of the Iranian nation,” Baghaei said . Baghaei also addressed Trump’s comments on the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the strategically important waterway falls within the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman . He also disclosed that the two sides are working to finalize a memorandum of understanding (MoU) consisting of 14 clauses . “Our intention has been to firstly agree on a MoU consisting of 14 clauses,” Baghaei said, noting that “within a period of 30 to 60 days,” they would “reach a final agreement” . “We are at the stage of finalizing the MoU. The issues that are being discussed are focused on ending the war (on all fronts, including Lebanon). Among the major topics to be addressed in the MoU are the cessation of U.S. maritime attacks, or naval blockade as they themselves call it, and other issues pertaining to the release of Iranian frozen assets” .

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed deep scepticism about any deal with the United States, writing on social media: “We do not trust guarantees and words; only actions are the criterion. No action will be taken before the other side acts” . He added that the Islamic Republic “achieved its rights not through dialogue, but with missiles,” warning that “the victor in any agreement is the one who plans better for the war on the day after” . Ibrahim Azizi, chairman of the Iranian parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, stressed that Iran will not retreat from its “red lines” under pressure from Trump’s rhetoric. He identified Iran’s red lines as including the right to enrich uranium, possession of enriched uranium, authority over the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of sanctions.

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Several Republican voices close to Trump have expressed fears of an agreement beneficial to Iran as details of the potential deal began to leak . The main Republican senator in charge of military policy, Roger Wicker, stated that agreeing to a “rumored 60-day ceasefire” with Iran would mean that “everything accomplished by Operation Epic Fury would be for naught!” . Fellow Republican senators Ted Cruz and Lindsey Graham have also expressed objection to Iran potentially getting perks such as the right to freely sell its oil. “If the result of all that is to be an Iranian regime — still run by Islamists who chant ‘death to America’ — now receiving billions of dollars, being able to enrich uranium & develop nuclear weapons, and having effective control over the Strait of Hormuz, then that outcome would be a disastrous mistake,” Cruz wrote on X . Thom Tillis, a Republican senator from North Carolina, said the deal “doesn’t make sense to me.” “We were told about 11 weeks ago by (Secretary of Defense Pete) Hegseth and the Department of Defense that they had obliterated Iran’s defenses, and it was just a matter of time before we had the nuclear material. Now we’re talking about a posture where we may accept the nuclear material remaining in Iran. How does that make sense at all?” Tillis said on CNN’s “State of the Union” morning program .

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned at the Shangri-La Dialogue that “if Iran doesn’t want to make a great deal that ensures they don’t get a nuclear weapon,” then Iran can “deal with” the U.S. military . This statement underscores the continued threat of military action should negotiations fail to produce an agreement acceptable to Washington. Regional tensions escalated significantly earlier this year when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28. Tehran retaliated with strikes targeting Israel as well as U.S. allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation and was later extended by Trump indefinitely . As of Saturday, the proposed 60-day ceasefire extension and the broader memorandum of understanding remain pending Trump’s final determination, with both sides publicly staking out positions that appear, at least for now, irreconcilable.

Trump Will Only Accept Iran Deal That ‘Satisfies His Red Lines’

US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a preliminary framework for a 60-day ceasefire extension in the Middle East conflict, but the deal remains subject to final approval from US President Donald Trump, according to American sources.

The development follows renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran after both sides accused each other of violating an existing truce, raising fears of further escalation in the already volatile region.

According to reports cited by US officials and international media, the proposed framework is based on a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at extending the ceasefire and reopening structured negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme and broader regional security issues. A key component of the deal includes the restoration of normal commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil shipping routes.

Under the proposed arrangement, commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would be free of tolls, restrictions, or harassment. Iran would also be required to remove naval mines within 30 days, while the United States would lift its naval blockade on Iranian ports once safe maritime movement is restored. However, despite reported progress, the agreement has not yet been finalized or officially signed off by President Trump.

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Iranian authorities have pushed back on claims that a final deal has been reached. The semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing a source close to Tehran’s negotiation team, said the draft text is still under review and has not been concluded. Iranian officials also stressed that any ceasefire agreement would only be considered valid once formally announced by Tehran, not through external declarations.

The diplomatic developments come after a fresh spike in violence following strikes linked to US forces on the Iranian port city of Bandar Abbas, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Iran. Iranian state media claimed the Revolutionary Guards targeted an American-linked airbase in response, while US allies in the region, including Kuwait, reported intercepting incoming projectiles.

Kuwait later condemned what it described as Iranian attacks on its territory, calling them a “dangerous escalation.” The US Central Command described Iran’s response as an “egregious ceasefire violation,” while Iranian officials insisted the US strikes were themselves breaches of the truce.

A major sticking point in the negotiations remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route through which a large portion of the world’s energy supply flows. Reports indicate Iran has restricted access to the waterway since the conflict began on February 28, significantly affecting global oil shipments and energy prices.

US forces said they intercepted multiple Iranian drones and prevented further attacks near the strait, highlighting the continued military volatility in the area. Global oil prices reportedly fluctuated following news of both renewed clashes and the potential ceasefire framework, with traders reacting to uncertainty over supply disruptions in the Gulf region.

President Donald Trump’s approval is now seen as the decisive factor in whether the proposed framework progresses into a formal agreement or collapses amid ongoing hostilities. US officials have indicated that any final deal must align with Washington’s security conditions and regional red lines.

Meanwhile, the conflict continues to spill into Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah forces remain engaged despite a separate ceasefire arrangement. Israeli airstrikes near Beirut and southern Lebanon reportedly killed multiple civilians and military personnel, while cross-border attacks continue between both sides. Analysts warn that without a sustained diplomatic breakthrough, the Middle East risks further escalation across multiple fronts.

US, Iran Reach Ceasefire Extension Framework, Await Trump’s Approval

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead

At least 82 people have been confirmed dead and two others remain missing following a devastating coal mine explosion in China, officials said, after rescue authorities revised an earlier higher death toll in the chaotic aftermath of the disaster.

The blast occurred on Friday at the Liushenyu Coal Mine in Shanxi province, one of China’s major coal-producing regions, and is now being described as the country’s worst mining disaster since 2009.

According to state media reports and officials, about 247 workers were on duty at the time of the explosion, which struck at around 19:29 local time (11:29 GMT). More than 100 workers were rescued from the site as hundreds of emergency responders were deployed to the scene.

Authorities initially reported a higher death toll of around 90 before later revising the figure down to 82, citing confusion in the early stages of the rescue operation.

Officials explained that the situation at the mine was chaotic immediately after the explosion, which led to an unclear headcount and inconsistent reporting of casualties.

A total of 128 injured miners are currently receiving hospital treatment, with at least two reported to be in critical condition. Many of the victims are believed to have suffered from inhaling toxic gases released during the explosion, though the exact substance has not yet been officially confirmed.

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One injured miner, identified as Wang Yong, recounted the terrifying moment the blast occurred, describing a sudden plume of smoke and a strong sulphur-like smell spreading through the mine.

“I smelled sulphur, the same smell you get from blasting. I shouted at people to run. As we were running I could see people collapsing from the fumes. Then I blacked out too,” he said, adding that he later regained consciousness and helped another worker escape.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered that “no effort must be spared” in rescue and treatment operations, while also calling for urgent medical care for the injured.

China’s State Council has also announced a full investigation into the incident, promising that those found responsible for any safety violations or negligence will face strict punishment.

The Liushenyu explosion has renewed concerns over coal mine safety in China, where industrial accidents have historically been linked to safety lapses despite repeated government crackdowns.

Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities continue searching for the missing workers and assess the full extent of the disaster.

China Coal Mine Explosion Leaves at Least 82 Dead