Trump Denies Seeking to Fund Iran’s Civil Nuclear Project
U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday denied media reports claiming that his administration had discussed offering Iran up to $30 billion to help develop a civil nuclear energy program. He dismissed the idea as “ridiculous.”
CNN and NBC News reported, citing sources on Thursday and Friday respectively, that the Trump administration had recently explored offering Iran economic incentives in exchange for halting uranium enrichment. According to CNN, multiple proposals were floated but remained in the preliminary stages.
On Friday evening, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Who is the liar in the fake news media saying ‘President Trump wants to give Iran $30 billion to build non-military nuclear facilities’? I’ve never heard of such a ridiculous idea,” labeling the reports a “hoax.”
Since April, the United States and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks aimed at finding a new diplomatic approach to Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran maintains its program is peaceful, while Washington insists on guarantees that Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons.
Last week, Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel—Washington’s ally—and its regional rival Iran, ending a conflict that began on June 13 when Israel launched an attack on Iran.
The Israeli-Iranian conflict has heightened concerns in a region already strained by tension since Israel began its war in Gaza in October 2023.
The United States struck Iranian nuclear sites earlier last week. In retaliation, Iran targeted a U.S. base in Qatar on Monday, before Trump declared a ceasefire.
Israel is widely believed to be the only country in the Middle East to possess nuclear weapons. It claims its military action against Iran is intended to prevent Tehran from acquiring such weapons.
Iran is a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, while Israel is not. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which conducts inspections in Iran, has stated that it has “no credible indication” of an active, coordinated weapons program in Iran.
On Friday, Trump stressed his desire to allow IAEA inspectors—or another trusted source—to access the Iranian nuclear sites that were bombed earlier in the week.
During a White House press conference, Trump said he believed the sites were “wiped out,” rejecting suggestions that the damage was less severe than previously stated. However, he voiced support for IAEA visits to the bombed locations.
IAEA Director Rafael Grossi said Wednesday that resuming inspections was his top priority, noting that none had taken place since Israel began its bombardment on June 13. Nevertheless, the Iranian parliament approved measures on the same day to suspend such inspections.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that Tehran might refuse any request from the IAEA director to visit nuclear sites.
Trump also said he no longer believes Iran wants to pursue nuclear weapons following the U.S. and Israeli strikes, adding that Iran now seeks to arrange a meeting.
The White House stated yesterday that no meeting had yet been scheduled between the U.S. and an Iranian delegation.
