White House Denies CNN Memo Text but Leaves $300 Billion Iran Report Unanswered
A public dispute erupted on Wednesday between the White House and CNN after the network published what it said was a 14-point memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. White House spokesman Steven Cheung said the reported text “does not reflect the language of the actual memorandum,” but the statement did not explicitly deny any of the individual provisions CNN listed. The row comes as competing reports continue to circulate about the contents of a document that has not yet been officially released in full.
According to CNN, the memo would call for a permanent halt to fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, and an Iranian pledge not to support actions against Israel and the United States. It would also open a 60-day window for negotiations on a final nuclear deal. Under the reported terms, the United States would lift its naval blockade on Iran within 30 days, while Tehran would move to stop advanced weapons smuggling to Hezbollah.
CNN further reported that Iran would freeze high-level uranium enrichment and refrain from installing new centrifuges until a final agreement is reached. The most dramatic clause concerns international financial assistance of at least $300 billion for Iran, to be released gradually under international supervision. The text also says the US Treasury would issue waivers allowing Tehran to export oil, gas and petrochemical products, and to recover frozen Iranian assets and funds.
President Donald Trump earlier denied any link to a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran. AP separately reported that the understandings include broad economic relief, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of Iranian oil sales. Reuters likewise said the sides are still presenting different versions of the memo, especially on nuclear issues, sanctions, Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz. The agreement is intended to lead into a 60-day negotiation period for a detailed final settlement.
