Trump Refutes $300 Billion U.S. Funding to Iran Ahead of Peace Deal Signing

Topline

President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that the United States is not providing Iran with a $300 billion reconstruction fund, marking the second time this week he has rejected the claim as the two nations prepare to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday.

Key Facts

In a Truth Social post, Trump asserted that there is no “$300 billion payment to Iran by the U.S.,” describing the claim as “Dumocrat propaganda at play!!!”

A $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran does exist, though Vice President JD Vance indicated this week that the financing would be supplied by the Gulf Cooperation Council, which includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

“The United States isn’t giving up a cent of money to Iran,” Vance told reporters on Thursday, adding that Iran could access the $300 billion only if it “fully complies” with the peace accord scheduled for signing on Friday.

The agreement obligates the U.S. and its Gulf partners to “develop a definitive, mutually agreed plan with at least $300 billion for the reconstruction and economic development of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”

Trump informed reporters on Thursday that Gulf nations could finance the $300 billion fund, but he cautioned that they should refrain from making commitments “until they find out the behavior” of Iran after the peace deal is concluded.

Tangent

Under the terms of the accord, the United States also agreed to unfreeze Iranian funds and assets estimated at $24 billion. Trump has stipulated, however, that unfreezing will be contingent on Iran meeting unspecified benchmarks in subsequent peace talks, stating, “If they behave, if they do a good job, we start talking [about unfreezing assets].”

Republican Reception Of The Peace Deal Is Mixed

Senator Lindsey Graham, Republican of South Carolina, who initially voiced skepticism, said on Wednesday that the agreement could be advantageous for the United States, while noting that the ultimate success hinges on reaching an “acceptable, verifiable deal with Iran regarding its nuclear program and other issues.” Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, called the prospect of Iran receiving $300 billion “an incredibly foolish idea” and “utterly indefensible” during a podcast appearance on Wednesday. Read more reactions from Trump’s allies here.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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