---
title: "Trump willing to ease Iran sanctions for nuclear deal progress"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/trump-willing-to-ease-iran-sanctions-for-nuclear-deal-progress"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/trump-willing-to-ease-iran-sanctions-for-nuclear-deal-progress"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/trump-willing-to-ease-iran-sanctions-for-nuclear-deal-progress.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/trump-willing-to-ease-iran-sanctions-for-nuclear-deal-progress"
category: "Politics"
area: "Middle East"
published: "2026-09-28T17:46:05.834Z"
source_reported: "2026-09-28T17:21:00.000Z"
updated: "2026-09-28T21:00:17.184Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 57
hype_score: 41
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-28T23:15:06.880241+00:00"
---

# Trump willing to ease Iran sanctions for nuclear deal progress

*US official says president open to releasing frozen funds in exchange for concrete steps.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to a US official, with two full reports and 16 digests.
- Craft 57 of 100, higher is better. Reporting includes quotes from officials and named individuals, and mentions ongoing discussions.
- Hype 41 of 100, lower is better. Headlines promise relief for progress, with some outlets noting market impact.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- President Donald Trump is willing to offer Iran sanctions relief and release frozen funds in exchange for "concrete progress" on a nuclear deal, a US official told CNN.
- The US is currently engaged in "positive and constructive discussions through the mediators," the official stated.
- Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, deeming it "unacceptable."
- US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated that Trump rejected the proposal because he did not believe Iran was negotiating in good faith.

President Donald Trump is prepared to offer Iran sanctions relief and unfreeze its assets if the country demonstrates "concrete progress" toward a nuclear deal, a US official told CNN. The United States is involved in "positive and constructive discussions through the mediators," the official added. However, the official noted that a deal would not be reached without addressing nuclear issues.

On Saturday, President Trump rejected Iran's most recent proposal concerning the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, describing it as "unacceptable." US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz told CNN that Trump's rejection stemmed from a belief that Iran was not negotiating in good faith. Waltz further stated that Iran was asking for "everything up front" and that Trump does not have much confidence in the Iranian proposal, calling it a "cynical attempt to put something on the table that they knew was unacceptable."

The US official reiterated skepticism regarding Iran's commitments, citing a violation of a July memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels. According to the official, Iran has indicated flexibility on nuclear issues, but both sides have not yet agreed on the timing of commitments.

## Disagreement on Iran's negotiating stance

A US official told CNN that President Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz because he did not believe Iran was negotiating in good faith. The official stated that Iran was asking for "everything up front." US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz also told CNN that Trump rejected the proposal because he did not believe Iran was negotiating in good faith, arguing that it was unacceptable that Tehran was “asking for everything up front.”

## What the coverage left out

None of the left-rated reports mentioned this story. The centre and right-rated reports did not mention the specific names of US officials leading the talks, such as Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio, as reported by CNN. The full reports from KIFI and KRDO did not include the specific quote from Ambassador Mike Waltz stating that Iran was "asking for everything up front."

## Who covered it

Shares of the 28 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 11% (3)
- Centre: 43% (12)
- Right: 46% (13)

25 of 53 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-28T23:15:06.880241+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 12 times; 1 check found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-29T00:00:08.247Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- The left-leaning outlets reported that President Trump is open to easing sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian funds. This would be in exchange for concrete progress on Iran's nuclear program, according to US officials cited by CNN and Raw Story.
- CNN reported that mediators are trying to bring both countries to the negotiating table. Raw Story stated that Trump's position on concessions has varied over recent months.
- CNN quoted US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz, who said Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal because he did not believe they were negotiating in good faith.

### Centre

- Centre-rated reports led with the statement that President Donald Trump is willing to provide Iran with sanctions relief and release frozen funds for "concrete progress" on a nuclear deal, citing a US official. These reports included details about the US being engaged in "positive and constructive discussions through the mediators." They also reported that Trump rejected Iran's latest proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling it "unacceptable," and that US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz stated Trump rejected the proposal because he did not believe Iran was negotiating in good faith.

### Right

- Right-rated reports focused on President Trump's willingness to ease sanctions against Iran and unfreeze assets in exchange for progress on a nuclear deal, according to US officials and American media reports. These reports noted that Washington is engaging through mediators and that any potential deal is conditioned on resolving nuclear-related issues. One report mentioned that future oil contracts moved away from daily peaks following news of potential relief in US sanctions against Iran.

**Provisional coverage gap:** left. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- veryLow: 1
- mixed: 7
- high: 17
- unknown: 25
- veryHigh: 3

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Обозреватель](https://obozrevatel.com/section-novosti-mir/news-tramp-hotovyy-pity-na-pevni-sanktsiyni-postupky-iranu-v-obmin-na-konkretni-kroky-teherana-shchodo-yadernoyi-prohramy-axios-29-09-2026.html) — Trump Is Ready to Make Certain Sanctions Concessions to Iran – Iran's Nuclear Program.
- [Expressen](https://expressen.se/nyheter/varlden/trumps-krav-pa-iran-for-lattnader-i-sanktioner) — Increasing Pressure – the New Requirement
- [Telegrafi](https://telegrafi.com/trump-hap-deren-per-lehtesimin-e-sanksioneve-ndaj-iranit-por-kerkon-perparim-konkret-berthamor) — Trump Opens Door to Easing Sanctions on Iran, but Demands Concrete Nuclear Progress
- [조선일보](https://chosun.com/international/international_general/2026/09/29/HA3WMYLDMFSGKMRWGI4DCM3CGM) — Trump Willing to Ease Sanctions if Iran Presents Concrete Nuclear Measures
- [namasthe telangana](https://ntnews.com/news/us-signals-sanctions-relief-for-iran-in-return-for-nuclear-progress-2522553) — 'Only Then Will Sanctions on Iran Be Eased'
- [parapolitika.gr](https://parapolitika.gr/diethni/article/1798219/axios-o-trab-exetazei-elafrunsi-kuroseon-kai-apodesmeusi-iranikon-kefalaion-me-adallagma-purinikes-desmeuseis) — Axios: Trump Considering Sanctions Relief and Release of Iranian Funds in Exchange for Nuclear Commitments
- [연합뉴스-Yonhap News Agency](https://yna.co.kr/view/AKR20260929006100071) — Trump Willing to Ease Sanctions if Iran Makes Concrete 'Nuclear Concessions'
- [Pentapostagma](https://pentapostagma.gr/kosmos/7391784_o-tramp-prosferei-elafrynsi-kyroseon-stin-teherani-me-antallagma-ypohoriseis-sto) — Trump Offers Sanctions Relief to Tehran in Exchange for Concessions on Nuclear Program, Axios Says
- [Newsit.gr](https://newsit.gr/kosmos/axios-parathyro-tramp-gia-epanenarksi-ton-diapragmateyseon-me-to-iran-kyroseis-kai-ksepagoma-kefalaion-sto-trapezi/4785521) — Axios: Trump's "Window" to Resume Negotiations with Iran – Sanctions and "Unfreezing" Funds on the Table
- [ieidiseis.gr](https://ieidiseis.gr/kosmos/876715/axios-o-tramp-dinei-sto-iran-oikonomiki-anasa-me-antallagma-sygkekrimenes-pyrinikes-parachoriseis) — Axios: Trump Gives Iran Economic "Breather" in Exchange for Specific Nuclear Concessions
- [sawaleif.com](https://sawaleif.com/%D8%AA%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%85%D8%A8-%D9%85%D9%86%D9%81%D8%AA%D8%AD-%D8%B9%D9%84%D9%89-%D8%AA%D8%AE%D9%81%D9%8A%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A8%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%8A%D8%B1-1110135) — Trump Is "Open" to Easing Sanctions on Iran... and This Is the Price
- [ZN.UA Зеркало недели](https://zn.ua/WORLD/tramp-predlozhil-iranu-oslablenie-sanktsij-v-obmen-na-ustupki-v-jadernoj-sfere-axios.html) — Trump Offered Iran the Easing of Sanctions in Exchange for Nuclear Concessions
- [Protothema](https://protothema.gr/world/article/1886254/o-trab-prosferei-elafrunsi-kuroseon-stin-teherani-me-adallagma-upohoriseis-sto-puriniko-programma-leei-to-axios) — Trump Offers Sanctions Relief to Tehran in Exchange for Concessions on Nuclear Program, Axios Says
- [SIC Notícias](https://sicnoticias.pt/especiais/tensao-eua-irao/2026-09-28-video-trump-revela-que-delegacoes-dos-eua-e-irao-estiveram-reunidas-0aecc5b3) — Trump Reveals that U.S. and Iran Delegations Have Been Gathered
- [vz.ru](https://vz.ru/news/2026/9/28/1456355.html) — Axios: Trump Offered Iran Economic Concessions for Concessions on the Nuclear Issue
- [India Today](https://indiatoday.in/world/us-news/story/trump-to-release-frozen-iran-funds-ease-sanctions-for-concrete-nuclear-concessions-amid-new-york-talks-3005279-2026-09-29) — Trump willing to release frozen Iran funds for concrete nuclear concessions: Report
- [Digi 24](https://digi24.ro/stiri/externe/sua/ce-este-dispus-donald-trump-sa-ofere-in-schimbul-unor-masuri-concrete-din-partea-iranului-in-domeniul-nuclear-axios-3968457) — What Donald Trump Is Willing to Offer in Exchange for Concrete Measures From Iran in the Nuclear Field (Axios)
- [turkiyegazetesi.com.tr](https://turkiyegazetesi.com.tr/dunya/trumptan-irana-dikkat-ceken-teklif-yaptirimlari-hafifletmek-icin-tek-bir-sarti-var-1819231) — Trump Makes a Striking Offer to Iran! He Has only One Condition for Easing Sanctions.
- [Aydınlık](https://aydinlik.com.tr/haber/abd-baskani-trump-irana-yaptirimlari-hafifletebilir-tek-istegi-var-592062) — US President Trump May Ease Sanctions on Iran! He Has only One Request.
- [Libre](https://libre.gr/2026/09/28/cnn-o-trab-anoichtos-se-arsi-kyroseon-kat) — Trump Open to Lifting Sanctions on Iran with Progress on Nuclear Program
- [Akşam](https://aksam.com.tr/dunya/yabanci-basin-duyurdu-trump-iran-ile-anlasma-yapmaya-istekli/haber-1702066) — Foreign Press reports... "Trump Is Willing to Make a Deal with Iran"
- [NEWSru.co.il](https://www0.newsru.co.il/world/28sep2026/axios_trump_iran_0012.html) — Axis: Trump Is Prepared to Partially Ease Sanctions Against Iran in Exchange for Nuclear Concessions
- [Raw Story](https://rawstory.com/trump-iran-2677954775) — Trump willing to make stunning concession to Iran amid 'flexible' talks: report
- [Seeking Alpha](https://seekingalpha.com/news/4647741-markets-shrug-at-trump-s-nuclear-relief-offer-to-iran) — Markets shrug at Trump’s nuclear relief offer to Iran
- [Європейська правда](https://eurointegration.com.ua/news/2026/09/28/7246493) — Media: Trump Is Ready to Ease Sanctions Against Iran in Exchange for Concrete Concessions in the Nuclear Sphere
- [Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd](https://asianetnews.com/international-news/trump-offers-sanctions-relief-to-iran-in-exchange-for-nuclear-deal-articleshow-54s95io) — Donald Trump Says He Will Ease Sanctions on Iran; but Requires Clear and Precise Action on Nuclear Programs
- [Naftemporiki](https://naftemporiki.gr/kosmos/2167806/channel-12-o-tramp-endechetai-na-prosferei-sto-iran-chalarosi-ton-kyroseon-me-antallagma-proodo-sto-pyriniko-zitima) — Channel 12: Trump May Offer Iran Sanctions Relief in Exchange for Progress on Nuclear Issue
- [rador.ro](https://rador.ro/2026/09/28/presedintele-sua-este-dispus-sa-ofere-iranului-o-relaxare-a-sanctiunilor-in-schimbul-unui-acord-nuclear) — The US President Is Willing to Offer Iran a Relaxation of Sanctions in Exchange for a Nuclear Agreement.
- [Gândul](https://gandul.ro/international/donald-trump-conditii-ridicare-sanctiuni-iran-nuclear-21019693) — Trump, Willing to Make Concessions to Iran to Reach a Peace Agreement
- [zougla.gr](https://zougla.gr/kosmos/nt-trab-anoichtos-stin-arsi-ton-kyroseon-kata-tou-iran) — D. Trump: Open to Lifting Sanctions Against Iran
- [Interfax.ru](https://interfax.ru/world/1119000) — Trump Is Ready to Ease Sanctions Against Iran in the Event of Progress on a Nuclear Deal.
- [Anadolu Ajansı](https://aa.com.tr/en/americas/trump-willing-to-offer-iran-sanctions-relief-for-nuclear-progress-reports/4071914) — Trump Willing to Offer Iran Sanctions Relief for Nuclear Progress: Reports
- [Daily Sabah](https://dailysabah.com/world/mid-east/trump-reportedly-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-nuclear-progress) — Trump reportedly open to Iran sanctions relief for nuclear progress
- [CNBC-TV18](https://cnbctv18.com/world/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-if-nuclear-talks-make-progress-20000395.htm) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief if nuclear talks make progress
- [IMLebanon](https://imlebanon.org/2026/09/28/washington-iran-47) — Washington: We Need Assurances Confirming Iran's Seriousness About the Agreement.
- [Apa](https://apa.az/america/kiv-iranin-nuve-proqrami-ile-bagli-irelileyis-olsa-tramp-sanksiyalari-yumsalda-biler-1000174) — Media: Trump May Ease Sanctions if There Is Progress on Iran's Nuclear Program
- [Jerusalem Post](https://jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-910010) — Trump willing to bend on Iran sanctions if progress made on nuclear issues, official tells ‘Post'
- [Globo](https://valor.globo.com/financas/noticia/2026/09/28/petroleo-perde-forca-e-se-afasta-da-maxima-em-meio-a-relatos-de-chance-de-alivio-nas-sancoes-dos-eua-contra-ira.ghtml) — Oil Loses Strength and Moves Away From the Maximum in the Midst of Reports of Chance of Relief in U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
- [hathalyoum.net](https://hathalyoum.net/articles/4238879) — A Video by an American Official on the Island: Trump Is Ready to Ease Iran's Sanctions in Exchange for Progress in the Nuclear File.
- [news-pravda.com](https://news-pravda.com/world/2026/09/28/2626887.html) — An American official Barak Ravid from Axios: President Trump is ready to provide Iran with sanctions relief and unfreeze frozen funds in exchange for concrete steps in the field of the nuclear program
- [ANSA](https://ansa.it/sito/notizie/topnews/2026/09/28/cnn-trump-pronto-ad-allentare-sanzioni-alliran-con-progressi-concreti-sul_198d5fb1-ccef-460c-a190-4f334f674a47.html) — CNN, Trump Ready to Loosen Sanctions to Iran with Concrete Progress on Nuclear
- [CNN Greece](https://cnn.gr/kosmos/story/554456/cnni-anoixtos-o-tramp-stin-arsi-kyroseon-kata-tou-iran-me-antallagma-proodo-sta-pyrinika) — CNNi: Trump Open to Lifting Sanctions on Iran in Exchange for "Progress" on Nuclear Weapons
- [TokenPost](https://tokenpost.com/news/regulation/25008) — Trump Prepares to Ease Iran Sanctions in Exchange for Nuclear Progress
- [BizToc](https://biztoc.com/x/8d535ac9bc71b4f6) — Trump may ease Iran sanctions, release frozen assets
- [CNN](https://cnn.com/2026/09/28/politics/trump-iran-deal-sanctions-nuclear) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, US official says
- [KIFI](https://localnews8.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, White House official says
- [KRDO](https://krdo.com/news/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, White House official says
- [KVIA](https://kvia.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, White House official says
- [KEYT](https://keyt.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, White House official says
- [KESQ](https://kesq.com/news/national-politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, White House official says
- [Local 3 News](https://local3news.com/regional-national/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official/article_06b63a30-a7ac-5a76-8049-7065e2a9c957.html) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, White House official says
- [KMIZ](https://abc17news.com/politics/national-politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, US official says
- [kioncentralcoast.com](https://kioncentralcoast.com/politics/cnn-us-politics/2026/09/28/trump-open-to-iran-sanctions-relief-for-concrete-progress-on-nuclear-issues-white-house-official-says) — Trump open to Iran sanctions relief for ‘concrete progress’ on nuclear issues, US official says

## Questions

**What is President Trump willing to offer Iran?**

President Donald Trump is willing to offer Iran sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds. This offer is contingent on Iran making "concrete progress" on its nuclear program, according to a US official.

**What was Iran's latest proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz?**

Iran submitted a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which President Trump rejected on Saturday. He called the proposal "unacceptable" and indicated that he did not believe Iran was negotiating in good faith.

**What is the current status of discussions between the US and Iran?**

The United States is engaged in "positive and constructive discussions through the mediators," according to a US official. However, a deal will not be reached unless nuclear issues are addressed.

---

MediaBias News — https://mediabias.news. Reproduced from https://mediabias.news/politics/trump-willing-to-ease-iran-sanctions-for-nuclear-deal-progress. Please cite as: MediaBias News, "Trump willing to ease Iran sanctions for nuclear deal progress", https://mediabias.news/politics/trump-willing-to-ease-iran-sanctions-for-nuclear-deal-progress