President Trump denounced reports that his administration is weighing a $30 billion deal with Iran that would allow for the development of civilian nuclear facilities — days after Trump said a deal with the Islamic republic may not be necessary.
“Who in the Fake News Media is the SleazeBag saying that ‘President Trump wants to give Iran $30 Billion to build non-military Nuclear facilities.’ Never heard of this ridiculous idea,” the president wrote late Friday on Truth Social.
“It’s just another HOAX put out by the Fake News in order to demean. These people are SICK!!!” he added.
The potential agreement was first reported by CNN citing multiple sources familiar with the matter. The outlet shared that details of the proposal were hashed out last week during a secret, hours-long meeting between Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, and partners in the Gulf.
That plan was presented a day before the U.S. carried out its attack on Tehran’s Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities last week, per CNN.
The president earlier Friday suggested he could retract previously imposed sanctions on Iran as the White House has maintained the U.S. military’s strikes “obliterated” the nation’s nuclear capabilities. Trump also took a swing at Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, after the ayatollah said his nation was “victorious.”
“During the last few days, I was working on the possible removal of sanctions, and other things, which would have given a much better chance to Iran at a full, fast, and complete recovery — The sanctions are BITING!” he wrote on Truth Social. “But no, instead I get hit with a statement of anger, hatred, and disgust.”
Trump, in the same post, said Khamenei should be grateful that the U.S. spared his life, citing Israel’s “regime change” goals.
“His Country was decimated, his three evil Nuclear Sites were OBLITERATED, and I knew EXACTLY where he was sheltered, and would not let Israel, or the U.S. Armed Forces, by far the Greatest and Most Powerful in the World, terminate his life,” he wrote. “I SAVED HIM FROM A VERY UGLY AND IGNOMINIOUS DEATH, and he does not have to say, ‘THANK YOU, PRESIDENT TRUMP!’”
Dueling reports on how influential the U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have emerged in recent days. Multiple outlets reported earlier this week that preliminary assessments from intelligence show the damage only delaying Tehran’s program by a few months. Israel and the Trump administration have contended that the damage “destroyed” it and have gone after news outlets for their coverage.
Still, Trump has touted the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran — which has largely held up and said talks would proceed. He voiced optimism that the strikes have deterred Iran from continuing their nuclear program.
“The way I look at it, they fought the war is done. I could get a statement that they’re not going to go nuclear. We’re probably going to ask for that,” he said Wednesday, following the NATO Summit in the Netherlands. “But they’re not going to be doing it.”
“We’re going to talk to them next week with Iran, we may sign an agreement. To me, I don’t think it’s necessary,” he said at the time.
The president has also warned Tehran that he is not against more strikes should concerns rise again.