President Donald Trump on Friday flatly rejected the terms of a potential U.S.-Iran agreement that Tehran had leaked to multiple news outlets, labeling the disclosures as false and accusing the Iranian government of spreading disinformation.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote, “The terms that Iran leaked out to the Fake News have NOTHING to do with the terms that were agreed to, in writing.” He went on to describe Iran’s description of the deal as “weak and pathetic” and said it “bears no relation to the truth.” The president characterized the Iranians as “very dishonorable people to deal with.”
The sharp denial came just a day after Trump threatened to launch fresh strikes against Iran but then abruptly called them off, telling reporters that Iran’s supreme leader had approved a proposed settlement. Trump said he expected a signing ceremony in Europe over the weekend, with Vice President JD Vance representing the United States.
Vance echoed the president’s frustration on Friday, posting on social media that he had seen “a lot of fake information about a potential deal to reopen the strait and end Iran’s nuclear weapons program.” He emphasized that under any agreement, Iran would not receive any cash upfront. “No funds are being released for simply signing a deal or attending a meeting,” Vance wrote. He described the deal as structured to ensure U.S. and allied concerns are prioritized, with economic benefits flowing to Iran and the region only if Tehran meets its obligations. He added, “This deal has the potential to remake the region and lead to lasting peace.”
A senior White House official told NewsNation on Friday morning that the two nations were “very close” to finalizing an agreement. The official outlined key provisions, including the destruction of Iran’s highly enriched uranium, restrictions on its ability to develop nuclear weapons, and plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for global oil trade.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged the proximity of a deal in a social media post Friday, writing that the agreement “has never been closer.” However, he cautioned the media against speculation, stating, “Pending its finalization, the media should refrain from entering speculation about its content. In line with our responsible and transparent approach, all details will be shared with the public in due course.”
Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), a vocal supporter of the Trump administration’s military actions against Iran, praised the president’s warning about the leaked terms. In a social media post, Graham expressed hope that the new agreement would be “vastly different” from the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) negotiated under President Barack Obama. “As to the Iranian nuclear program, President Trump’s red line has been no enrichment. I hope that holds—as it must,” Graham wrote. He added, “Allowing Iran to enrich under the JCPOA was one of the major flaws of that terrible deal. Any deal with Iran must come to Congress for scrutiny and approval.”
This latest back-and-forth comes amid a broader diplomatic push that has also seen tensions over expiring surveillance authorities and domestic political maneuvers. The administration’s handling of the Iran talks continues to draw sharp reactions from both allies and critics, with some questioning the reliability of the reported breakthrough.
