Iran says does not trust U.S. as Trump toughens terms

Lead

DUBAI, June 1, 2026 -- Iran's top negotiator said Tehran does not trust US guarantees and will judge Washington by its actions, as reports emerged that US President Donald Trump had sent back a tougher peace proposal. The reported move deepens uncertainty over an already fraught negotiation process and tests a ceasefire that has been in place since early April, according to Al Jazeera and The Guardian.

Coverage Comparison

Across five independent reports filed over the past week, a consistent picture has emerged of stalled negotiations and hardened positions. Al Jazeera reported that US officials indicated Tehran may take days to respond to Trump's tougher terms. This was echoed by Axios, which said Trump was informed it could take three days for Iran to respond. The Guardian reported that the US is considering fresh strikes on Iran, and that the Iranian military has rebuilt its capabilities during the ceasefire. The Jerusalem Post and South China Morning Post focused on the statements from Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, warning that the US is not to be trusted.

Key Claims

• Ceasefire and Brokering: A ceasefire between the US, Israel, and Iran has been in place since early April, according to multiple reports. Pakistan is mediating talks between Iran and the US, a role acknowledged by several sources. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the Strait of Hormuz with his Omani counterpart, and a Qatari delegation held meetings in Iran.
• Negotiation Stance: Iran's chief negotiator warned the US is not to be trusted and that any deal must fully secure Iranian rights. He stated Tehran does not trust guarantees or words and will judge by actions. Another official, Ebrahim Azizi, said Iran would have no problem negotiating if the US shows sincerity, specifically from President Trump. Reports also suggest Iran would not compromise on its national rights.
• US Position and Actions: Reports from multiple outlets indicate that President Trump sent a tougher peace proposal back to Iran, with changes aimed at reinforcing points including the handling of Iran's nuclear material. Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the US's constant shifts in position and introduction of new demands are delaying the negotiation process. A report from the Russian state news agency TASS claimed the US struck Iranian territory despite the ceasefire, a detail not reported by other outlets.

Perspectives

Iranian officials have cast doubt on the prospects for a quick resolution. Ebrahim Azizi said the current biggest sticking point is the implementation of a realistic framework, which he claims is being blocked by the US's freezing of Iranian assets. The persistence of these issues is a major point of contention, with negotiators highlighting the significant gaps that remain. TASS's reporting framed the situation as one where US actions are causing delays, noting that contradictory messages from Washington are viewed in Tehran as untrustworthy.

Earlier this week, the semi-official Iranian state media outlet Tasnim denied that a draft memorandum of understanding had been finalized, underscoring the fragility of the process.