President Donald Trump on Monday rejected reports suggesting that Iran would receive US$300 billion (about RM1.21 trillion) in reconstruction funding under a peace agreement with the United States, insisting such claims were false.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that Iran had agreed never to obtain a nuclear weapon and dismissed reports that the United States was paying the country “300 million Dollars” as “Fake News”, ending the message with the signature “President DJT”.
The White House did not immediately comment on Trump’s remarks.
Officials discuss possible economic measures
Trump’s statement came after a US official told reporters earlier on Monday that discussions had covered the possible release of frozen funds, sanctions relief and a US$300 billion (about RM1.21 trillion) fund to help rebuild Iran. According to the official, any such measures would be linked to Iran’s performance in fulfilling its obligations.
Vice President JD Vance also appeared to acknowledge the possibility during an interview with CBS News. When asked about the proposed reconstruction fund, he said Iran could potentially gain access to such support, funded by the Gulf Coast Coalition, provided it honoured its commitments under the agreement.
Vance was likely referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council, which comprises Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The New York Times had previously reported that the agreement included a provision for a US$300 billion (about RM1.21 trillion) reconstruction investment fund for Iran, citing information from an Iranian official and a diplomat.
Technical negotiations to follow
Senior US officials also told reporters on Monday that the memorandum of understanding, signed digitally over the weekend, represented only the initial stage of the process.
They said substantive technical discussions would begin later this week and would be led by Vance.
Before the memorandum was signed, Vance had stated that Tehran would not receive direct cash payments under the agreement.
Benefits tied to compliance
Writing on social media platform X, Vance said Iran would not be “receiving any cash” and that no funds would be released merely for signing a deal or attending negotiations.
He added that the agreement was designed to prioritise the concerns of the United States and its allies, while ensuring that if the Islamic Republic of Iran fulfilled its obligations, economic benefits would extend to Iran and the wider region.
