A high-level meeting at the White House on Friday aimed at finalizing a framework to extend the current ceasefire with Iran concluded without clear next steps, exposing persistent disagreements over nuclear enrichment and regional security.

President Donald Trump convened top aides in the Situation Room to establish a "final determination" on the proposed framework. The meeting followed the draft of a memorandum of understanding reached on Thursday, which US officials stated was pending final approval from both President Trump and Iranian leadership.

The proposed agreement would extend the current ceasefire—in effect since April 8—for an additional 60 days and initiate formal negotiations regarding the future of Iran's nuclear program.

Key Demands and Red Lines

Following the meeting, President Trump outlined strict conditions for a formal agreement via social media, emphasizing that Iran must permanently forgo the acquisition of nuclear weapons.

The President's primary stipulations include:

• Maritime Access: The immediate and unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for bidirectional shipping traffic.

• Mine Clearance: The complete removal and destruction of all naval mines within the waterway.

• Nuclear Material: The removal and destruction of Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles by the United States.

• Financial Restrictions: A suspension of all financial exchanges, with President Trump stating, "No money will be exchanged, until further notice."

A White House official reiterated the administration's stance to CBS News, noting, "President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon."

Iranian Response and Counterclaims

Iranian officials and state media quickly disputed the US narrative. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, quoting informed sources, characterized President Trump's statements as a "mixture of truth and lies," asserting that the memorandum of understanding contained no provisions requiring the destruction of nuclear materials.

In a broadcast on state television, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei clarified Tehran's diplomatic focus.

"We are focused on ending the war, and there are no negotiations on the nuclear issue," Baqaei stated.

Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, expressed deep skepticism regarding diplomatic assurances via social media, writing that Iran has "no trust in guarantees or words" and will only respond to concrete actions. Qalibaf added, "The winner of any agreement is the one who is better prepared for war the day after."

Regional Context and Military Readiness

The diplomatic impasse follows a sharp escalation of hostilities that began on February 28, when joint US and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran. Iran retaliated with strikes against Israel and US-allied Gulf states, subsequently closing the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime chokepoint responsible for the transit of approximately 20% of the world's energy supplies. The closure has caused global oil prices to surge.

While Vice President JD Vance indicated on Thursday that negotiators were "very close" and resolving final language points regarding uranium enrichment, signs of military contingency planning remain evident.

Speaking at a security summit in Singapore, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed the US military's readiness to resume operations if necessary. Hegseth stated that global and regional US stockpiles are "more than suited" to recommence strikes, citing a strategic balance of "exquisite and more plentiful munitions."

While President Trump indicated a readiness to lift the US naval blockade to allow stranded vessels to depart the Strait of Hormuz, the lack of consensus on uranium enrichment and verification measures leaves the long-term viability of the April 8 ceasefire uncertain.