29 September 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : US President Donald Trump is reportedly open to providing Iran with sanctions relief and releasing some frozen funds if Tehran makes “concrete progress” on nuclear issues, according to a US official familiar with the diplomatic discussions.
The reported position comes as mediators attempt to restart negotiations between Washington and Tehran following renewed military confrontation and prolonged tensions over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Nuclear Issue at Centre of Possible Deal
According to the US official, any agreement would require Iran to make tangible progress on outstanding nuclear issues.
The reported proposal links possible economic relief to steps addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities, rather than offering sanctions relief without conditions.
Frozen Funds Could Be Part of Discussions
The US official said the administration could consider releasing frozen Iranian funds as part of a broader final agreement.
Such measures would represent significant economic concessions, but they would depend on progress in negotiations and resolution of the nuclear questions under discussion.
Trump Later Denies Offering Concessions
The reported position has been complicated by Trump’s subsequent public comments.
On September 29, Trump denied that he had offered Iran sanctions relief or the release of frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions. Reuters reported that he said there had been no such offer.
This means the reported US official’s comments and Trump’s later public denial should be treated as separate and potentially conflicting accounts of the diplomatic position.
Mediators Working on New Talks
Mediators have continued efforts to bring the United States and Iran back to negotiations.
Reports indicate that indirect discussions have remained active, with officials attempting to identify terms that could address Iran’s nuclear programme while also reducing the broader military confrontation.
Strait of Hormuz Also a Key Issue
The nuclear dispute is unfolding alongside a wider confrontation involving the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial international energy route.
Iran’s position on the waterway and US demands regarding shipping and security have become important elements of the wider diplomatic picture.
Pressure and Diplomacy Continue Together
Washington has continued to apply military and economic pressure on Tehran while diplomatic channels remain open.
The latest reports indicate that any potential sanctions relief would be conditional on concrete progress, but Trump’s denial suggests that the exact terms and status of any US offer remain unclear.
What Happens Next
The next stage of diplomacy will depend on whether US and Iranian negotiators can establish a framework addressing nuclear restrictions, sanctions and regional security.
For now, there is no confirmed final agreement, and public statements from Washington indicate that the details remain unsettled.