Trump denies offering Iran sanctions relief as Tehran receives US proposal

US President Donald Trump has denied reports that he offered sanctions relief to Iran in exchange for concessions from Tehran on its nuclear program, pushing back on characterizations of ongoing diplomatic contacts between the two countries.

The denial comes as Iran has received a proposal from the United States following talks mediated by Qatar, a development that has drawn attention to the current state of indirect diplomacy between Washington and Tehran.

Denial amid ongoing talks

Trump did not specify in detail what alternative characterization he believes better reflects the substance of the US proposal or the broader diplomatic contacts with Iran, leaving ambiguity around what exactly Washington is offering Tehran.

The question of sanctions relief has long been central to any potential agreement between the US and Iran over its nuclear program, given the extensive sanctions regime the United States has imposed on Iran over the years.

Qatar has played a mediating role in facilitating communication between the two governments, which do not maintain direct diplomatic relations, relaying proposals and responses between Washington and Tehran.

It remains unclear how Iranian officials have responded to Trump's denial, or whether it will affect Tehran's approach to the proposal it has received through Qatari mediation.

The exchange underscores the sensitivity surrounding any reporting on the terms of US-Iran diplomatic contacts, with both sides appearing cautious about how the substance of their communications is characterized publicly.