US President Donald Trump rejected Iran's latest diplomatic proposal regarding its nuclear program, specifically deeming the opening sentence as unacceptable. The dismissal occurred during his visit to Beijing on Friday, May 15, 2026.
Trump's Stance on Nuclear Activities
Trump asserted that Iran has backtracked on previous commitments. He stated that the first sentence of the proposal failed to align with his requirement for a complete cessation of nuclear activity. 'If they have any nuclear of any form, I don't read the rest,' he told reporters at Beijing Capital International Airport before boarding Air Force One.
The President expressed dissatisfaction with the level of guarantee offered by Tehran. He claimed that Iran had previously agreed to relinquish its 'nuclear dust'—a reference to the country's stockpile of enriched uranium—before reversing its position. Despite this, Trump maintained an optimistic tone regarding a future deal, suggesting that the Iranian leadership would eventually agree to his terms.
Iran's Position
On the other side of the negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that uranium enrichment is not currently part of the active agenda. According to the Tasnim news agency, Araghchi stated that while enrichment would be addressed in later stages, Iran remains firm in its refusal to relinquish its current stockpile, despite denying any intention to build a nuclear weapon.
Strait of Hormuz Tensions
Tensions remain high regarding the Strait of Hormuz. When asked if Chinese President Xi Jinping would pressure Iran to reopen the strategic waterway, Trump replied that the US does not 'need favors' but mentioned the possibility of 'cleanup work.' He attributed the current month-long ceasefire to the effectiveness of the US blockade and hinted at a potential resumption of military action, following a social media post earlier on Friday morning stating his campaign is 'to be continued!'
