US Intelligence Doubts Iran's Nuclear Commitment, Trump Team Divided

Amid final negotiations between the United States and Iran, a recent intelligence report has raised serious doubts within the Trump administration. CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly cautioned President Trump that Iran is not prepared to offer the nuclear concessions Washington is seeking. According to sources familiar with the discussions, the intelligence suggests a discrepancy between what Iranian officials convey to mediators and their internal deliberations, fuelling concerns that Tehran will not fulfil its nuclear commitments in a final agreement. This issue has created a faction within Trump’s senior team. On one side, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth are sceptical. On the other, Vice President JD Vance, along with special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, remain strong proponents of the deal. A White House official noted that President Trump is hearing all views but will be the ultimate decision-maker. The success of the nuclear element of the agreement hinges on the parties reaching a detailed accord within a 60-day window. Senior US officials have stressed that if Iran fails to demonstrate concrete steps in the first two to three weeks, the process could be halted before Iran gains any benefits. Talks are set to begin this week, with Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner scheduled to meet Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday.