Iran's chief negotiator said they do not trust the United States after reports that Donald Trump submitted a stricter proposal back to Iran for consideration, which could further delay reaching an agreement.
On Sunday, 31 May 2026 GMT+7, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran's chief negotiator, warned that the United States is an untrustworthy country and stated that the Iranian government will absolutely not sign any agreement with the U.S. unless it fully guarantees Iran's rights.
Ghalibaf’s statement came after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump sent a peace proposal that is more stringent and uncompromising back to Iran, underscoring the persistent rift both sides must still navigate.
Any further changes to the draft agreement could delay the official end to the Middle East conflict and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, following weeks of negotiations amid sporadic clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces.
The New York Times and Axios reported on Saturday that Trump sent a "stricter" new framework proposal back to Iran for review, though details remain unclear.
Trump emphasized that his top priorities include preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route Iran has sought to control since the conflict began.
However, Tehran has previously expressed skepticism about Trump's claims, and both sides continue to hold significantly differing views on key issues.
"We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people are fully protected," Ghalibaf said in a video broadcast on state television.
Iranian media reported that Iran demands the U.S. unfreeze $12 billion in Iranian assets before nuclear program talks proceed and rejected Trump’s previous claim that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium would be destroyed, calling it "baseless."
Furthermore, Tehran insists that Lebanon must be included in any agreement, while Israel continues its attacks on Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
Source:cna