Treasury Secretary Besant briefing at the White House [AP=Yonhap News]

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant reaffirmed on the 28th (local time) that the United States will not agree to a "bad deal" regarding the cessation of hostilities with Iran.

However, he reiterated warnings that U.S. patience is not infinite and that military action could be taken if negotiations with Iran break down.

Speaking at a press briefing at the White House, Secretary Besant responded to a question about whether a tentative agreement had been reached with Iran by saying, "Everything depends on what President (Trump) wants to do."

He then recalled President Trump's remarks at a cabinet meeting, emphasizing, "President Trump will not make a bad deal for the American people or for America."

The U.S. online media Axios reported that day that both sides in Iran had agreed to a "Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the cessation of hostilities," but President Trump had not yet given final approval.

Besant's remarks are interpreted as reaffirming the U.S.'s principled stance rather than confirming whether a tentative agreement has been reached.

President Trump stated at a cabinet meeting the previous day, "I did not do this to make a bad deal," indicating that an agreement satisfactory to the U.S. must be reached.

Secretary Besant then outlined the U.S. "red lines," which include the disposal of Iran's highly enriched uranium (such as export), the cessation of nuclear weapons development, and the guarantee of free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

He also mentioned that the Omani ambassador to the U.S. confirmed in a phone call with him that morning that Oman has no plans to impose transit fees on the strait.

The U.S. had strongly urged Oman not to cooperate with Iran after Iran showed signs of attempting to collect transit fees along with Oman.

When asked whether the ceasefire remained valid amid intermittent military actions between the U.S. and Iran in recent days, Secretary Besant stated, "All actions we have taken thus far have been defensive in nature, and we will maintain that posture for the time being."

However, he added, "Our patience is not infinite," and stated that "if President Trump determines that a peaceful resolution cannot be achieved, kinetic action will resume."