Trump seeks tougher Iran deal, pushes stricter terms on Hormuz Strait and nuclear stockpile: Report

US President Donald Trump has sought changes to a proposed agreement negotiated by his envoys with Iranian officials, according to multiple reports, potentially complicating efforts to secure a longer-term ceasefire between Washington and Tehran.

Trump met with his national security team in the White House Situation Room on Friday for a two-hour discussion on the evolving negotiations. While the administration did not immediately disclose details of the meeting, reports indicated that the president requested tougher provisions in the draft deal before giving it his approval.

According to The New York Times, Trump asked negotiators to revise several key elements of the framework, with the updated proposal subsequently sent back to Iran for consideration. While the report did not specify the changes, Axios said the revisions focus on stricter conditions surrounding Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

The proposed amendments could delay a final agreement as Tehran reviews the new terms. Iranian officials are expected to respond within days.

Trump later signalled optimism about the talks on his Truth Social platform, claiming that the two sides were moving closer to an agreement and suggesting that the naval blockade affecting the Strait of Hormuz could soon be lifted. Iran, however, pushed back on those assertions, insisting that negotiations remain ongoing and that no final ceasefire arrangement has been reached.

One of the most contentious issues remains Iran’s nuclear programme. Reports indicate Trump wants more detailed language outlining how Iran’s enriched uranium would be handled, including the timeline and mechanisms for its transfer or disposal.

“It’s more specifics about how the US gets the material and the timing,” a senior US official told Axios.

The wording surrounding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is also reportedly being revisited. The narrow waterway is a critical global energy route through which a significant portion of the world’s oil shipments pass.

The latest revisions are expected to prolong negotiations as both sides continue to bargain over the terms of a broader settlement.

Despite the unresolved issues, Trump has maintained that a peace agreement remains within reach, while warning that military action remains an option if diplomacy fails.

“We are making a great deal; otherwise we’ll just go back and finish it off militarily. We’re close to a very good deal,” Trump said in an interview with Fox News.

Speaking about the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said the passage would reopen immediately once an agreement is signed.

“We’ve essentially defeated their military. I would rather get a deal because we can open the strait immediately upon signing. The one guarantee that I have is that there will be no nuclear weapons. They’ve agreed to that,” he said.

The United States and Iran have reportedly reached a preliminary understanding to extend the existing ceasefire for 60 days while negotiators continue discussions aimed at securing a permanent end to the conflict.