Former US President Donald Trump has forcefully denied media reports suggesting his administration considered offering Iran a $30 billion package to support a civilian nuclear energy program. The reports, which surfaced amid renewed diplomatic backchannel activity following the Israel-Iran ceasefire, have sparked political debate and raised questions about the future of US-Iran relations.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the controversy and what it reveals about the evolving geopolitical landscape.
Key Developments and Denials
- Trump took to his Truth Social platform to reject the reports, calling them a hoax and accusing the media of fabricating the story
- He stated he had never heard of such a proposal and reaffirmed his hardline stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions
- The denial came in response to reports by CNN and NBC News that claimed the Trump administration had floated a $30 billion civilian nuclear aid package as part of a broader diplomatic overture
What the Reports Alleged
- The alleged proposal involved unfreezing billions in Iranian assets and easing sanctions in exchange for Iran halting uranium enrichment
- The funds were reportedly intended to support a non-enrichment nuclear energy program, with Gulf allies potentially financing the initiative
- Talks were said to be in preliminary stages, with no formal offer made or confirmed by either side
- The plan was reportedly discussed in the context of indirect US-Iran negotiations aimed at de-escalating nuclear tensions
Backdrop of Escalation and Ceasefire
- The reports emerged shortly after the US launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22
- A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Iran took effect on June 24, following a 12-day conflict
- The alleged proposal was reportedly discussed during a White House meeting with Gulf allies just before the strikes
Political and Strategic Implications
- Trump’s denial underscores the political sensitivity of any perceived softening toward Iran, especially during an election cycle
- The reports, if accurate, would mark a significant shift from Trump’s 2018 decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal
- Analysts suggest the idea of Gulf-funded civilian nuclear support reflects a broader strategy to contain Iran’s nuclear ambitions without direct US financial involvement
What to Watch Next
- Whether the US or Iran officially confirms or denies the existence of such a proposal beyond Trump’s personal statement
- The impact of the controversy on ongoing indirect talks and regional diplomacy
- Potential responses from Gulf states reportedly involved in the backchannel discussions
While the truth behind the $30 billion nuclear deal remains murky, the episode highlights the fragile and complex nature of US-Iran diplomacy—where even rumors can reshape narratives and trigger political firestorms.
Sources: CNN, NBC News, Times of India, Kurdistan24, MSN India, Yeni Safak, Reuters, DeepNewz, Trump’s Truth Social post June 28, 2025
