Trump says no money will change hands in any Iran deal

PHOENIX - US President Donald Trump said on Friday that no money will change hands as part of a deal being negotiated to end the war in Iran.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House, Trump said: “No money will change hands as part of a deal being negotiated to end the war in Iran.” He described the position as non-negotiable, emphasising that the United States would not pay Iran or provide any form of financial incentive to secure a ceasefire or long-term settlement.

The statement comes as secret talks involving the United States, Iran, and a group of regional mediators continue to focus on the terms of a possible 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a permanent end to hostilities. The conflict, which began on February 28 when Iran launched a sustained campaign of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones against Gulf targets, has now entered its seventh week.

Clear Message Amid Ceasefire Talks

Trump’s declaration appears designed to reassure U.S. allies in the Gulf and international markets that Washington will not offer financial inducements to Tehran. It follows weeks of speculation about possible side agreements or economic relief packages that some analysts believed might be discussed behind closed doors.

The president has repeatedly stressed that any deal must focus strictly on security guarantees, freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, and the cessation of Iranian attacks on civilian and energy infrastructure. Recent incidents include strikes on ADNOC’s Habshan gas facilities in Abu Dhabi, a Kuwaiti power and desalination plant, and foreign oil storage sites west of Iraq’s Basra.

“No cash, no bribes, no payoffs — nothing,” Trump added, reinforcing his long-standing position that the U.S. would not repeat what he called “the mistakes of the past” in dealings with Iran.

Regional and Market Reactions

Gulf officials have welcomed the clarity. Senior sources in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh told regional media that Trump’s position aligns with the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s insistence that any ceasefire must come without financial rewards for Iranian aggression.

The statement also helped calm jittery energy markets. Oil prices eased slightly on Friday after Trump’s remarks, as traders interpreted them as a sign that Washington is seeking a clean, security-focused agreement rather than a financially costly one.

The negotiations, which involve mediators believed to include Oman, Qatar and possibly Egypt, are reported to be at a sensitive stage. A 45-day ceasefire framework is under discussion, during which both sides would verify compliance and begin indirect talks on longer-term arrangements, including guarantees for maritime security and the free flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s comments come just days after he said the U.S. could reopen the Strait of Hormuz “with a little more time,” while urging Gulf nations to take greater responsibility for securing the vital waterway themselves.