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World
President Trump refutes claims of a $300 million payment to Iran, while US officials discuss a $300 billion reconstruction fund linked to a new agreement.
On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump dismissed reports claiming that the United States paid Iran $300 million, labeling them as "false news" and accusing Democratic Party-affiliated media of spreading these allegations.
Trump stated in a post on the "Truth Social" platform that these claims lack any basis and firmly denied them.
Separately, a senior US official revealed that Washington is considering easing sanctions and establishing a "massive fund" worth $300 billion to rebuild Iran. This fund would be required to finance companies rather than governments. The economic incentives would depend on Tehran's adherence to a memorandum of understanding scheduled for official signing in Switzerland next Friday.
The Financial Times cited a source familiar with the talks, explaining that the creation of this fund hinges on reaching a final settlement as part of the memorandum. Following this, a 60-day extension of the ceasefire would occur, along with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation and engagement in extensive negotiations to conclude a new nuclear agreement.
The source added that the fund would not be financed by governments but would be established for companies interested in investing in the country, which has a population of 90 million and abundant energy resources. The operational and management mechanisms of the fund have not yet been clarified.
"There is interest from many companies in Europe, Asia, South Korea, Japan, and others, in addition to American companies. If sanctions are lifted, this fund will be a large, indeed massive, amount," the source said.
US Vice President J.D. Vance told CBS News that the $300 billion reconstruction fund would be "the kind that Iran can access... as long as it fulfills its commitments."
