Trump and Iran Deadlocked Over Nuclear and Maritime Terms

The United States and Iran remain deadlocked in negotiations to formally end a conflict that began with U.S.-Israeli strikes in February 2026. Donald Trump has demanded the permanent abandonment of Iran's nuclear program, the destruction of its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, and the toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While a tentative memorandum of understanding for a 60-day ceasefire extension was reached in late May, Trump has repeatedly requested tougher amendments to the text, specifically targeting nuclear disposal and maritime access.

Iran has consistently rejected these terms, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissing the "language of 'must'" used by Washington. Tehran demands the unconditional release of frozen assets—estimates range from $12 billion to $300 billion—and an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has signaled deep distrust in U.S. guarantees, asserting that Iran secures concessions through missiles rather than dialogue.

Military tensions have frequently spiked during the diplomatic process. U.S. Central Command conducted several self-defense strikes on missile sites in southern Iran, including Bandar Abbas, and disabled the vessel M/V Lian Star. Iran retaliated by downing multiple U.S. drones and launching a ballistic missile strike on a U.S. airbase in Kuwait. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that the U.S. maintains the operational capacity to resume full-scale military action if diplomacy fails. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon, capturing the Beaufort fortress, further complicating regional peace efforts.