Trump rejects claims of offering Iran sanctions relief

• Axios reported that US officials claimed Trump is open to providing sanctions relief if Iran takes verifiable nuclear steps.
• Trump rejected the report as a "HOAX," asserting he offered Iran "NOTHING" and demanding an immediate retraction.
• Qatari and Pakistani envoys continue shuttle diplomacy with Iranian FM in New York to establish a deal framework.
• Washington requires upfront nuclear concessions, while Tehran seeks an end to the US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump has issued a sharp denial following a report by Axios alleging that his administration offered Iran relief from economic sanctions and the release of frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions.

Taking to Truth Social on Monday evening, Trump dismissed the news outlet's reporting.

"Axios just released a story that 'Trump' offered Sanctions Relief and Frozen Funds to Iran. This is untrue. I offered them NOTHING!" President Trump posted on Truth Social. "Axios' story, like most others, is a HOAX, used only for purposes of satisfying their Trump Derangement Syndrome. They should withdraw this fake story, IMMEDIATELY!"

The public denial came shortly after Axios reported that US officials claimed Trump was open to providing economic relief and releasing Iranian assets if Tehran agreed to take concrete steps addressing its nuclear program.

Axios report

According to US officials cited by Axios, the reported proposal emerged as Qatari and Pakistani mediators re-engaged in diplomatic efforts to broker an agreement between the two warring nations.

Qatari mediators met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York on Monday to discuss a Qatari proposal negotiated over recent days, with discussions with Trump administration officials expected on Monday or Tuesday.

A US official with knowledge of the indirect negotiations told Axios that discussions have been "positive and constructive," adding that Iran "has indicated they are flexible on the nuclear issues."

However, the official emphasized that substantial gaps persist between the two sides, reiterating that a final agreement will not be reached "unless the nuclear issues are addressed."

"The sides still remain apart on the timing of the commitments and who takes which steps first," the US official told Axios.

Diplomatic hurdles persist

The negotiations occur against the backdrop of contrasting priorities: Tehran seeks to focus discussions on easing the US naval blockade and maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, whereas the Trump administration maintains that any resolution must prioritize Iranian nuclear concessions.

The US official cited by Axios indicated that Washington believes its strategic position is strengthening over time.

"The Strait of Hormuz traffic continues to rise and the blockade and sanctions continue to degrade Iran's position. The U.S. position gets stronger every day and President Trump remains patient and fully committed to his goal that Iran never have a nuclear weapon," the official stated to Axios.

The official added that the White House remains skeptical of Iranian assurances, pointing to an incident in July where Iranian forces fired at commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in violation of a previous memorandum of understanding.

"The US needs assurances this time that Iran is serious and it's not just them trying to get out of the tough situation they are in," the official noted to Axios.