WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Monday dismissed reports that Iran would receive a $300 billion reconstruction fund as part of a recent agreement with Washington, calling the claim “fake news.”
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said Iran had agreed never to develop a nuclear weapon but rejected suggestions that the United States would provide billions of dollars in reconstruction funding.
“Iran has agreed to never have a Nuclear Weapon! Also, the story that the U.S. is paying Iran 300 billion Dollars is Fake News,” Trump wrote.
His comments came after a US official told reporters earlier in the day that discussions surrounding the agreement had included the possible release of frozen Iranian funds, sanctions relief, and the prospect of a reconstruction fund worth up to $300 billion, contingent on Tehran fulfilling its commitments.
“We discussed the possibility of releasing frozen funds, sanctions relief, a big reconstruction fund for their country, and all of these things are going to be tied to performance,” the official said.
Vice President JD Vance also suggested that economic incentives could become available to Iran if it complies with the terms of the agreement.
Speaking to CBS News, Vance said reconstruction assistance was among the benefits Iran could potentially access, provided it honored its obligations under the deal. He indicated that any such support would be financed by regional partners rather than direct U.S. payments.
The proposal has drawn attention following reports that a draft agreement includes provisions for a large-scale reconstruction and investment package aimed at supporting Iran’s economy after years of sanctions and regional tensions.
However, senior US officials stressed that the memorandum of understanding signed digitally over the weekend represents only an initial framework. They said detailed technical negotiations are expected to begin later this week under Vance’s leadership.
Before the agreement was finalized, Vance sought to clarify that Iran would not receive immediate financial transfers.
“The Iranians are not receiving any cash, and no funds are being released simply for signing a deal,” he wrote on social media. “If Iran meets its obligations, economic benefits could follow for both Iran and the wider region.”
The agreement marks a significant step in ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, although key details remain subject to further negotiations.
