Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Trump Denies Axios Report on Iran Sanctions Relief Offer
Donald Trump says a report about Iran is not true.
The report said he might offer Iran relief from sanctions and access to frozen money.
It said Iran would need to make concrete progress on its nuclear program in return.
Trump called the report a hoax and said Axios should take it back.
Other reports also cited United States officials who described a possible offer.
Iran and the United States were communicating indirectly through mediators from Qatar.
Iran wanted discussions to include the Strait of Hormuz and the naval blockade, while the United States focused on nuclear commitments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said mediators would pass ideas between the two sides.
Oil prices increased because the conflict raised concerns about energy supplies.
Donald Trump denied an Axios report that he offered Iran sanctions relief and access to frozen funds.
Trump called the report a “hoax” and demanded that Axios withdraw the story.
Axios and CNN, citing unnamed United States officials, reported that relief could depend on concrete Iranian nuclear steps.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held or pursued indirect discussions with Qatari mediators as Washington and Tehran remained divided.
Oil prices rose amid concerns about Middle Eastern supply disruptions, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the conflict’s objectives.
- Who
- United States President Donald Trump, Iran, Axios, CNN, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, Qatari mediators, and United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
- What
- Trump rejected reports that he offered Iran sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds in exchange for nuclear-related steps.
- When
- The reports and Trump’s denial were published on September 29, 2026; the articles describe the denial as occurring on Monday or Tuesday depending on the report’s time zone.
- Where
- The indirect discussions involved Washington, Tehran, Qatari mediation, and meetings in New York during the United Nations General Assembly.
- Why
- The reported proposal was linked to efforts to resume negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, the Strait of Hormuz, and the United States naval blockade.
Trump’s Position
Reported Account
Whether an offer was made
Trump’s Position
Trump said he offered Iran no sanctions relief or frozen funds and described the report as false.
Reported Account
Axios and CNN, citing unnamed United States officials, reported that such relief could be offered in exchange for concrete Iranian nuclear steps.
Main focus of negotiations
Trump’s Position
The Trump administration emphasized commitments concerning Iran’s nuclear program before any agreement.
Reported Account
Iran reportedly wanted talks to address the Strait of Hormuz, the naval blockade, and sanctions alongside other conditions.
Status of diplomacy
Trump’s Position
Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but said talks could resume.
Reported Account
Iranian officials said mediators were carrying ideas between the sides, although reports differed on whether direct talks were scheduled.
- Trump’s response
- Trump said he offered Iran “nothing,” called the Axios report a hoax, and demanded its withdrawal.
- Reported proposal
- Axios and CNN reported that sanctions relief and the release of some frozen Iranian funds could be offered for concrete nuclear progress.
- Mediation
- Qatari mediators were reportedly conveying ideas between Washington and Tehran.
- Iranian position
- Iran wanted negotiations to address the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and the United States naval blockade.
- United States position
- The Trump administration said the nuclear issue had to be addressed and sought commitments from Iran.
- Araghchi’s comments
- Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was waiting for mediators to convey Washington’s position before deciding its next steps.
- Market impact
- Brent crude rose to $106.77 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate reached $93.94 per barrel in the reported trading session.
