Trump defends Iran sanctions relief as part of new nuclear agreement

President Donald Trump on Tuesday defended a new agreement with Iran that could lead to the easing of certain U.S. sanctions, arguing that the arrangement will provide humanitarian assistance while advancing efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said funds released under the agreement would remain under U.S. control and be directed toward purchases of American agricultural and medical products.

“The Money and/or Sanctions that the U.S. Treasury is releasing goes into escrow, controlled by the U.S.A., and will be used for the purchase of food and medical supplies, exclusively from the United States, including Corn, Wheat, and Soybeans from our great American Farmers,” Trump wrote.

The president framed the move as a humanitarian measure aimed at addressing shortages inside Iran.

“These are things that are desperately needed by Iran,” he continued. “This is a humanitarian crisis, and I feel it is necessary to help, NOW, before it is too late.”

The agreement marks a significant development following months of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. The Trump administration and Israel launched strikes on Iran in late February amid stalled negotiations over a new nuclear agreement. The newly signed memorandum of understanding is intended to restart diplomatic discussions focused on limiting Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Trump indicated that negotiations are progressing positively, stating that ongoing talks for a long-term peace agreement with Iran “are going well!”

A major component of the agreement centers on international oversight of Iran’s nuclear program. Vice President JD Vance said Monday that Iran agreed during initial peace talks to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) back into the country. The Vienna-based organization is responsible for promoting the peaceful use of nuclear technology and monitoring compliance with nuclear agreements.

Trump reinforced that point in his Tuesday message, claiming Iran has agreed to extensive inspections moving forward.

“Despite their protestations and false statements to the contrary, coupled with the drumbeat of the Fake News, which is doing everything possible to make the U.S. Victory as small and insignificant as possible, Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level Nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!),” Trump wrote.

He added that the inspections “will insure ‘Nuclear Honesty.’”

The agreement also includes provisions affecting global energy markets through the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping corridors. The strategic waterway has faced significant disruptions during the recent conflict, including a U.S. naval blockade that restricted maritime traffic.

Reopening the strait could help stabilize international energy supplies and reduce concerns about disruptions to global oil shipments. However, uncertainty remains after Iranian officials reportedly threatened to close the passage again in response to recent Israeli military actions in Lebanon.

Trump emphasized that while the United States is allowing commercial traffic to resume through the waterway, military assets remain positioned in the region should tensions escalate.

“I have agreed to allow the Hormuz Strait to remain OPEN, with no further Naval Blockade,” Trump wrote. “However, all ships are remaining in place should it be necessary to reinstitute the Blockade, which seems, at this point, highly unlikely.”

The agreement represents one of the most significant diplomatic developments between the United States and Iran since the latest round of hostilities began earlier this year. Supporters view the arrangement as a pathway toward renewed nuclear oversight and regional stability, while critics are expected to scrutinize the sanctions relief provisions and question whether Iran will fully comply with inspection requirements.

As negotiations continue, the administration is portraying the deal as a dual-purpose strategy that addresses humanitarian concerns while seeking long-term restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program. The success of the agreement will likely depend on the durability of the inspection framework, Iran’s willingness to cooperate with international monitors, and whether both sides can maintain momentum toward a broader peace accord.