CIA Chief Warns Trump of Doubts Over Iran’s Willingness to Make Nuclear Concessions

CIA Director John Ratcliffe told President Donald Trump and other senior officials that U.S. intelligence raises serious doubts about Iran’s readiness to make the nuclear concessions Washington wants in a final deal, according to three people familiar with the discussions. The intelligence reportedly showed a mismatch between what Iranian leaders say publicly and what they have told intermediaries, prompting Ratcliffe and Secretary of State Marco Rubio to question whether Tehran would accept the required steps. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also shares that skepticism, while Vice President JD Vance, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner back the agreement.

The debate comes after a week of high-level meetings as Trump prepared to announce the framework on Sunday. A White House official said the president hears all views but “makes the final decision,” adding that the memorandum meets the administration’s red lines, including ensuring Iran can never obtain a nuclear weapon, cannot keep its high-enriched uranium stockpile, and cannot “hold the world’s energy supply hostage.”

The 14-point memorandum, signed Sunday, leaves the nuclear provisions contingent on a more detailed deal within 60 days. Vance, Witkoff and Kushner are due to meet on Friday with Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, alongside Pakistani and Qatari mediators, to discuss the next stage. Under the text described by sources, Iran would maintain the status quo of its nuclear program during talks, while the U.S. would avoid new sanctions and additional troop deployments. If a final deal is reached, Washington would withdraw the troops mobilized for the conflict within 30 days and lift sanctions on a mutually agreed schedule.

The sides also committed to addressing Iran’s enriched material stockpile and future enrichment, while the document says the U.S. would make funds available for use as implementation proceeds. Officials describe that as a “payment for performance” model. The memorandum also envisages reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran making its “best efforts” to allow commercial shipping safe passage for 60 days without fees, while the U.S. gradually lifts its blockade. A final deal could also include a jointly agreed plan for a $300 billion fund for Iran’s reconstruction and economic development. Critics in Washington argue Iran is more likely to gain from the memorandum than from a final deal, while supporters say any benefits depend on meaningful Iranian steps. Senator Lindsey Graham called for immediate publication of the full text.