Trump seeks stricter Iran terms, delaying ceasefire extension deal

President Donald Trump has demanded tougher conditions in a proposed agreement with Iran aimed at extending a fragile ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, according to US media reports, complicating efforts to finalize a deal after high-level talks at the White House.

The New York Times reported that Trump sent back a draft framework that had been awaiting his approval after seeking stronger provisions on issues he considers critical, particularly Iran’s nuclear program. Axios said the US president wants additional safeguards to ensure Tehran cannot develop nuclear weapons.

The revisions are expected to prolong negotiations between Washington and Tehran as both sides seek to preserve a ceasefire that followed the conflict sparked by US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Trump met national security advisers in the White House Situation Room on Friday but stopped short of approving the agreement. Although he had signaled he was preparing to make a “final determination,” administration officials said he would only endorse a deal that meets his red lines and significantly curbs Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The proposed agreement would reportedly extend the ceasefire by 60 days while negotiations continue over Iran’s nuclear program and broader regional security concerns.

Trump has repeatedly insisted that any deal must include a binding commitment from Iran never to acquire nuclear weapons and must guarantee the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies.

“Iran must agree that they will never have a Nuclear Weapon or Bomb,” Trump wrote on social media, while also calling for the removal of sea mines and the restoration of normal international shipping through the strait.

Iran, however, has indicated that major disagreements remain unresolved. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said the agreement has yet to be finalized, while parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Tehran would judge Washington by its actions rather than its promises.

“No step will be taken before the other side acts,” Qalibaf wrote on X. “We do not gain concessions through talks, but through missiles.”

The nuclear issue remains a central sticking point. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran possesses 440.9 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a level close to weapons grade. Trump has renewed demands that the stockpile be removed and destroyed under international supervision.

Under the draft memorandum, Iran would also be required to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days and refrain from imposing transit fees on vessels using the route. In return, the US would gradually ease restrictions on Iranian ports and relax some sanctions, allowing Tehran to expand oil exports.

Iran is seeking additional concessions, including access to frozen assets worth billions of dollars and a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon.

Tehran has also resisted US proposals concerning management of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials argue that transit arrangements should be determined by Iran and Oman, which jointly oversee the waterway, in line with their national interests and broader international considerations.

The strait has remained largely closed since fighting erupted in late February, disrupting global trade and contributing to higher energy prices. While some commercial traffic has resumed in recent weeks, shipping volumes remain well below pre-war levels.

Despite repeated accusations of ceasefire violations and sporadic military strikes, both sides have so far avoided a return to full-scale conflict as negotiations continue.