Trump Denies Sanctions Relief Offer Amid Reports of US Willingness to Negotiate; Oil Prices Rise to $107

US President Trump publicly denied offering Iran sanctions relief, but a US official stated Trump is willing to offer relief for nuclear progress.

Here's exactly what each side is claiming.

The disagreement: President Trump explicitly stated, "I offered them NOTHING!" regarding sanctions relief, while an unnamed US official told CNN that Trump is willing to offer sanctions relief and release frozen funds if Iran makes "concrete progress" on its nuclear program.

Each outlet's position is reported as that outlet's position, not as established fact. Every contradiction we've recorded →

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Ongoing US-Iran tensions, conflicting signals on sanctions relief, and a depreciating rial contribute to an elevated risk environment for the Iranian economy.

📌 Key developments

• US President Donald Trump publicly denied reports that he offered Iran sanctions relief and the release of frozen funds for nuclear concessions, stating, "I offered them NOTHING!"
• A US official, however, told CNN on Monday (local time) that President Trump is willing to offer sanctions relief and release frozen funds if Tehran makes "concrete progress" on its nuclear program.
• Brent crude oil prices rose to $107 a barrel, extending gains for a second consecutive session due to concerns over potential Middle East supply disruptions amid the US-Iran stalemate.
• The US administration is set to grant a limited waiver to its Iran sanctions program, allowing flights for Shi'ite Muslim religious pilgrims between Iran and Iraq's Najaf for one month.
• [Sep 28] Iran's rial fell to a record low against the US dollar, reaching 2.3 million rials per dollar, amidst severe inflation and sanctions.

💡 Why it matters

The conflicting statements on sanctions relief create uncertainty regarding US diplomatic intentions and the potential for de-escalation. The aviation waiver offers a minor, humanitarian-focused concession amidst broader sanctions. Rising oil prices reflect continued market anxiety over Middle East stability and supply.

🎭 People in the news

• Donald Trump — US President, publicly denied offering sanctions relief to Iran but was contradicted by a US official.
• Scott Bessent — US Treasury Secretary, asserted the US economic pressure campaign is succeeding and discussed its impact on Iran's aviation and banking sectors.
• Jahangbakhsh Sanjabi Shirazi — Head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, noted Iranian businesses face higher costs in trade with Iraq due to tightened banking checks.

👀 What to watch

• Any further clarification or statements from US or Iranian officials regarding the conflicting reports on sanctions relief.
• The practical impact of the Najaf flight waiver on broader aviation sanctions or regional travel.
• Continued movement in global oil markets in response to US-Iran developments.