Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States will not provide sanctions relief to Iran unless Tehran turns over its highly enriched uranium and commits to abandoning any path toward a nuclear weapon.
Speaking at the White House, Bessent said sanctions will remain in place until Iran meets key conditions laid out by President Donald Trump.
The comments came as reports suggested the U.S. and Iran had reached a tentative understanding to extend a ceasefire for 60 days and begin new talks over Iran’s nuclear program.
Bessent declined to confirm whether a ceasefire extension had been finalized.
TRENDING TODAY
He said any decision would ultimately be made by Trump and warned against getting ahead of the president.
Bessent said the administration’s position is clear: Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, hand over highly enriched uranium and agree that it cannot have a nuclear weapons program.
“Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open,” Bessent said.
He added that Iran must also agree to turn over its enriched uranium and stop any work toward obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major flashpoint because a significant share of global oil shipments passes through the narrow waterway.
Any threat to traffic there can quickly raise concerns about energy prices, shipping security and broader military escalation in the region.
The Trump administration has repeatedly said Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
Trump has also warned that the U.S. is prepared to return to military action if diplomacy fails.
Bessent said the president would not accept a bad deal and would make the final call on any agreement.
The comments show the administration is trying to keep diplomatic talks alive while maintaining maximum pressure through sanctions.
Iran has reportedly pushed for sanctions relief and access to frozen funds as part of any broader agreement.
But Bessent’s remarks suggest the White House will not provide economic relief before Iran makes major concessions on uranium, nuclear activity and regional security.
For now, the talks remain uncertain, with both sides appearing to test whether a longer ceasefire can lead to a formal deal.
Why It Matters
Bessent’s comments set a high bar for any Iran agreement. The administration is signaling that sanctions relief will not come first — Iran must make nuclear and security concessions before Washington offers economic relief.
What Comes Next
Trump will decide whether to approve any ceasefire extension or nuclear talks framework. If Iran refuses to hand over enriched uranium or reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the risk of renewed military escalation could rise.
Reporter: Is sanctions relief for Iran on the table?
Bessent: Nothing is going to be on the table until we see the Strait of Hormuz open and the Iranians agree that they have to turn over the highly enriched uranium and that they can’t have a nuclear program. pic.twitter.com/Tl39swLl3i
— Clash Report (@clashreport) May 28, 2026
