WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump claimed on Monday that Iranian leaders have made a major pledge not to develop nuclear weapons as part of ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict, though Iranian officials have disputed the characterization of any new agreement.
Trump made the assertion during interviews and public statements, saying Iran had “agreed to that, and it was very interesting,” according to reports. He emphasized that preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons remained a core demand.
Iranian officials pushed back against the claim. One unnamed official told CNBC the framing was “misleading” and inconsistent with Iran’s longstanding position that its nuclear program is peaceful and that it has never sought nuclear weapons, as a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
The comments come amid negotiations aimed at ending the escalation in the Middle East that began earlier in 2026. Indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have addressed issues including the Strait of Hormuz and aspects of Iran’s nuclear activities, but details on any nuclear commitments remain subject to differing interpretations.
Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran must provide guarantees against pursuing nuclear weapons. In earlier remarks, he referenced commitments regarding highly enriched uranium and facility operations, though Iranian representatives have described the focus of recent discussions as primarily on ceasing hostilities rather than detailed nuclear provisions.
White House officials have not released a full text of any purported pledge. Negotiations have involved mediators and multiple rounds since early 2026, following periods of heightened tensions and military actions that damaged Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
“The one guarantee that I have to have is that there will be no nuclear weapons,” Trump said in a recent interview.
U.S. officials have described progress toward a broader agreement that could include reopening key shipping routes and addressing Iran’s nuclear program in phases. Iranian statements have cautioned that no comprehensive nuclear deal is imminent and that further talks would be needed.
The International Atomic Energy Agency and other monitors have continued to track Iran’s nuclear activities, but specific verification mechanisms for any new pledges were not detailed in public statements on Monday.
As of Sunday evening, both sides indicated that discussions were continuing, with no final agreement announced. Further updates are expected in the coming days as talks proceed.
