President Trump has revised the terms of a proposed agreement to end the conflict with Iran. According to three officials, these changes have been sent back to Iran for consideration.
Specific alterations to the agreement’s text remain unclear. However, officials note Trump is concerned about provisions related to unfreezing Iranian funds. Trump believes similar actions by President Obama undermined the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Frustrated by Iran’s slow response to U.S. proposals, Trump is reportedly applying pressure to accelerate the process. His adjustments aim to compel Iran to accept the existing framework, which has been conveyed to Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, for approval.
Communicating with Khamenei has proved challenging. Any updates to the memorandum of understanding could result in additional delays. Trump recently convened top aides for a two-hour meeting in the Situation Room to discuss ending the war, but left without publicizing any decisions.
The framework suggests ending the U.S.-Israeli military campaign in exchange for Iran lifting the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway, critical for oil and gas shipping, was accessible before the conflict escalated on February 28.
Further discussions are planned to address complex issues, like Iran’s nuclear program.
Reporters Aaron Boxerman and Farnaz Fassihi contributed to this article. Luke Broadwater covers the White House, and Ronen Bergman writes for The New York Times Magazine from Tel Aviv. Tyler Pager, a White House correspondent, reports on President Trump and his administration.