The Natanz nuclear facility complex and surrounding infrastructure in Isfahan Province. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (left) and U.S. President Donald Trump. [Getty Images=New York Post]

The New York Post reported on the 24th (local time) that "although Iranian state media officially denied the U.S. claims, it has been confirmed that Iran's Supreme Leader has already signed a framework for a broad agreement." 

U.S. President Donald Trump also posted twice in a row on his social media platform, "Truth Social," regarding negotiations with Iran, stating that "an agreement with Iran is close to completion and will be finalized soon."

"No Uranium, No Dollars"

The White House emphasized, "No dust, No deal!" stating that there would be no sanctions relief or agreement unless Iran completely abandons its nuclear program and hands over all enriched uranium (dust) to the United States. In fact, with the continuation of the U.S.'s strong maritime blockade, Iran's economic lifeline is being completely squeezed.

President Trump also emphasized on Truth Social on the 24th, "Both sides need to take their time to do the right thing. There should be absolutely no mistakes." While the broad framework for the negotiations has been established, the process of coordinating the final details is reportedly unfolding fiercely. 

In a report on the same day, the New York Post quoted a White House official as saying, "95% is complete, but it takes days of deep deliberation within the administration to change even a single word."

In particular, the high-level source emphasized, "This negotiation will never revert to the infamous 'cash-on-delivery' deal from the Barack Obama administration in 2016. There will be absolutely no pallet-loads of cash (cash bags) sent, nor will there be any handouts in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz."

He also criticized former President Obama's Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), saying, "In the past, not only was some enrichment allowed for Iran, but $1.7 billion in cash was airlifted from American banks. Iran used that money to build centrifuges and fund terrorism. But this time, it is completely different."

Currently, negotiators from the United States and Iran are reportedly discussing a "complete ban on uranium enrichment" for decades. A White House official added, "There is no disagreement on the need to dispose of the stockpiled enriched material. The issue is 'how' it will be disposed of. While coordinating the method, the strait may be temporarily opened and the blockade eased, giving Iran's economy a brief respite."

"Don't Even Mention the Incompetent Obama"

On the same day, President Trump once again attacked Obama's JCPOA agreement on social media, demonstrating his awareness of the Iranian regime's sophisticated negotiation tactics. 

"Our deal is the opposite (of Obama's). Nobody has ever seen it, and nobody knows what it is. It's not even fully negotiated yet. So don't listen to the losers who criticize without knowing anything. Unlike those incompetent people who should have resolved this issue years ago, I never make bad deals."

In fact, according to U.S. officials, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has agreed in principle to abandon uranium as part of a peace agreement. However, the method by which the Iranian regime will handle and transfer the enriched uranium is reportedly complex due to internal issues of "national pride."

Regarding this, a White House official told the New York Post, "The United States acquiring the uranium has immense political value. Conversely, for Iran, it is politically important domestically to appear as if they are not willingly handing it over to the United States. Therefore, the current debate is not about 'whether to dispose of the stockpile or not,' but rather a conversation about 'how Iran will package and persuade its hardliners and the public about this agreement,' and 'how we can secure 100% of our desired benefits in that process.'"

According to reports, President Trump proposed last week to receive and destroy approximately 1,000 pounds of highly enriched uranium held by Iran, and U.S. officials clarified that only the United States or China possess the technology to safely collect and process it.

Furthermore, it is reported that hardliners within Iran, while not entirely pleased with the agreement, also fear a return to catastrophic war.

The New York Post concluded by stating, "Contrary to distorted media reports, President Trump is aiming for the greatest victory in history – 'complete nuclear disarmament and uranium export' – through high-intensity pressure that is draining Iran's resources."

Reporter Im Yo-hee