Trump Denies Reports of $30 Billion Nuclear Deal with Iran, Calls It ‘Fake News Hoax’
Trump denies reports of $30B nuclear aid offer to Iran, calling it 'fake news.' Despite backchannel talks, president insists no such plan exists. Tensions persist as US seeks uranium freeze while Tehran maintains civilian nuclear program.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) –United States President Donald Trump on Friday denied reports that his administration had considered offering Iran up to $30 billion to support the development of a civilian nuclear energy program, calling the claims “a hoax” fabricated by the media.
The denial followed reports by CNN and NBC News on Thursday and Friday suggesting that the Trump administration had, in recent days, explored the possibility of offering economic incentives to Tehran in exchange for halting uranium enrichment.
Trump: 'Never heard of this ridiculous idea'
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump dismissed the reports in characteristically combative language.
“Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that ‘President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities?’ Never heard of this ridiculous idea. It’s just another HOAX put out by the Fake News in order to demean. These people are SICK!!!” he wrote late Friday.
Conflicting signals amid indirect talks
CNN cited unnamed officials who claimed that several proposals were floated, but all remained in preliminary stages. The alleged plan would have tied economic aid to a verified freeze on uranium enrichment by Iran.
Since April, the United States and Iran have engaged in indirect diplomatic talks, aimed at reviving a path to de-escalate tensions surrounding Iran’s nuclear activities. Washington maintains its goal is to ensure Iran is never able to develop a nuclear weapon, while Tehran insists that its nuclear program remains strictly for civilian energy purposes.
While the Trump administration has consistently adopted a hardline stance on Iran, including withdrawing from the 2015 nuclear deal during Trump’s first term, recent reports suggested a more flexible tone in backchannel engagements. However, Trump’s latest post firmly rebuked any suggestion of financial concessions.
No official confirmation of proposals
There has been no official confirmation from the US government regarding the reported economic incentives. The Iranian side has also not commented on the $30 billion claim. Talks between the two countries remain complex, with deep mistrust and divergent narratives continuing to shape the diplomatic landscape.
