Trump Holds Up Iran War-End MOU Amid Domestic Backlash

Trump Puts Brakes on Iran War-End MOU

Concern Mounts Over Easing Sanctions on Tehran

Domestic Hardliners Add to Pressure

President Donald Trump is delaying a decision on whether to approve a draft memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war between the US and Iran.

The New York Times and other US media reported on May 30 that US and Iranian officials had tentatively agreed on the war-ending MOU, leaving only final approval on both sides. Trump has effectively halted that process by refusing to sign off on the draft.

The proposed MOU would extend the US-Iran ceasefire by 60 days, fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz and seek an agreement on Iran's denuclearization during the extended truce. US media also reported that Washington would ease sanctions on Iran in step with progress in nuclear talks and discuss releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Trump is said to have raised concerns about the tentative deal because it includes the release of frozen funds for Iran. He has also expressed frustration that Tehran took too long to respond to the US proposal.

Trump appears to be weighing the diplomatic case for a settlement with Iran against fierce political resistance at home and deteriorating public sentiment. Hardliners in Washington, particularly within the Republican Party, as well as the opposition, have criticized the draft as a concession that would funnel money to what they call Iran's terrorist regime.

The pressure has grown as prolonged geopolitical instability drives up oil prices and broader consumer costs. With inflation straining voters, any impression that Trump is offering Iran sanctions relief first could become a serious political liability ahead of the election. That has left him reluctant to sign without what would amount to clear proof that Iran has been decisively forced to yield.

The New York Times, citing three officials, reported on May 30 that Trump had significantly toughened the terms of the tentative MOU to reflect domestic opposition and economic concerns. The revised document was sent back to Iran. The move suggests he is trying to keep pressure on Tehran while containing political and economic risks.

Limited fighting between the US and Iran is also continuing. US forces fired a missile at a Gambia-flagged merchant vessel that had been sailing toward an Iranian port, US Central Command said on May 30.

In a statement, Central Command said the vessel was seen transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman toward an Iranian port. The military said it notified the ship that it was violating the US maritime blockade and sent more than 20 warnings. The vessel was disabled by the missile strike and is no longer heading to Iran, it said.

Park Shin-young, New York correspondent, Hankyung.com, nyusos@hankyung.com