Peace Talks Intensify as Trump Hardens Demands, Iran Rejects Deal

US President Donald Trump has attempted to revise certain conditions in the proposed peace deal to end the Middle East conflict. However, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Tehran would not agree to any deal with the US unless it guarantees the rights of the Iranian people. According to AFP on Sunday, 31 May 2026, Trump is reported to have sought changes to the conditions of the proposed peace deal for the Middle East conflict. The New York Times reported that Trump’s revisions involve strengthening the deal’s terms. The US has sent the new framework back to Iran for consideration, according to officials familiar with the process. The report did not clarify the specific changes. However, Axios reported that Trump aims to strengthen key aspects of the agreement, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear materials. The new changes could prolong negotiations between the two sides for several days before a decision is made on whether the deal will end the conflict that began after the US and Israel launched a joint attack on Iran on 28 February. Meanwhile, US sources told AFP that the proposal was awaiting Trump’s approval, but he did not make a decision following Friday’s meeting in the White House Situation Room. Trump stated that his priorities for any deal include Iran’s commitment to never develop nuclear weapons and the reopening of the blocked Strait of Hormuz, which carries around 20% of the world’s oil supply. Iran’s Position Meanwhile, Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that Tehran would not agree to any deal with the US that fails to guarantee the rights of the Iranian people. Iran does not trust US promises. “We will not approve any agreement until we are certain that the rights of the Iranian people are upheld,” Ghalibaf said in a government television broadcast. He added that Iranian negotiators “do not trust the enemy’s words or promises.” Ghalibaf’s remarks came as Iran and Washington continue exchanging proposals for a framework to end the conflict that erupted on 28 February, which has engulfed the Middle East. On Saturday, The New York Times and Axios reported that US President Donald Trump had sent a revised framework back to Tehran for Iran’s consideration with “stricter” conditions. The specifics remain unclear. Iran views the lifting of sanctions and the release of its frozen assets held in foreign banks as key rights that must be guaranteed in any deal with the US.