Report: Trump willing to ease Iran sanctions in exchange for nuclear concessions

US President Donald Trump is willing to ease sanctions on Iran and unfreeze frozen Iranian funds in exchange for concrete steps by Iran on its nuclear program, Axios reports, citing several US officials.

News of the possible sanctions relief emerged as mediators from Qatar and Pakistan renewed efforts this week to broker a deal between the two rival countries. The sides' positions on key issues remain far apart — Iran wants talks focused on the Strait of Hormuz and the US naval blockade, while the Trump administration is demanding Iran agree to nuclear concessions.

Still, the proposal offers a glimmer of hope for a diplomatic breakthrough after Trump rejected Iran's most recent offer. On Monday in New York, mediators are meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss a Qatari proposal the sides have been negotiating in recent days. Qatari mediators are expected to meet with Trump administration representatives later Monday or on Tuesday in an attempt to reach a breakthrough.

A US official familiar with the indirect talks described them as "positive and constructive," noting Iran has "made clear it's willing to show flexibility on nuclear issues." However, the official said differences remain and stressed there will be no deal "until the nuclear issues are resolved." The sides have not yet agreed on timelines for fulfilling commitments or which side must act first.

The official added that the White House remains skeptical of Iran's promises and accused Tehran of violating the last memorandum of understanding by firing on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz in July. This time, the official said, the US needs guarantees that Iran's intentions are serious rather than merely an attempt to escape a difficult situation.

Iran had earlier offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and resume nuclear talks within a week if the US lifted its naval blockade and oil sanctions and restored a regional ceasefire. Trump confirmed he rejected Iran's latest peace proposal, which was conveyed during indirect talks in New York.