Negotiations Continue Despite Retaliatory Strikes... U.S. Treasury Secretary Says "Trump's Decision Remains"

Bessent Hints at Possible Resumption of Military Action if No Agreement Is Reached
Axios Reports Draft MOU Agreement
Iran Denies, Saying "The Text Has Not Been Finalized"

Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, avoided confirming rumors of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran to extend the 60-day ceasefire, but indicated that "negotiation teams are continuing their meetings," suggesting that talks are ongoing. He emphasized that the final decision rests with President Donald Trump, as military clashes persist despite the ceasefire.

Scott Bessent, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, is arriving through Incheon International Airport on May 13, 2026. Photo by Dongju Yoon

According to the White House on May 28 (local time), Secretary Bessent acknowledged during a briefing that "negotiation teams are continuing their meetings" when asked by reporters whether the United States and Iran had agreed on a 60-day ceasefire extension MOU. However, Secretary Bessent refrained from commenting on the final status of the agreement, saying, "It is always a mistake to get ahead of the President."

Instead, he stated that President Trump had set out three 'red lines' for negotiations with Iran: that Iran must hand over its highly enriched uranium, abandon its nuclear weapons development, and guarantee free passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Secretary Bessent stressed, "There can be no deal without those conditions," adding, "President Trump will not accept an agreement that is disadvantageous to the United States."

These remarks came as U.S. media outlet Axios reported that the United States and Iran had virtually agreed on a draft MOU to extend the 60-day ceasefire. However, Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency, citing sources from the negotiation team, denied the report, stating, "The text has not yet been finalized."

Regarding the continued sporadic clashes despite the ceasefire, Secretary Bessent said, "We are patient, but our patience is not unlimited," warning that, "President Trump prefers a peace agreement, but if he determines that an agreement is impossible, military action could resume."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.