Mix of truth and lies: Iran rejects Trump's 'language of must'

US President Donald Trump said Friday that he was making his decision on a potential deal with Iran, though Tehran insisted there was still "no final agreement" on ending the Middle East war. A report from Iran's Fars news agency also rebutted several key elements of Trump's characterisation of the deal, citing informed sources as calling his remarks a "mixture of truth and lies". Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, however, told state media that the Islamic Republic "said goodbye to the language of 'must' 47 years ago". "Regarding the understanding ... exchanges of messages are continuing, but no final agreement has been reached yet," he added.
The White House said Friday that President Donald Trump’s meeting with his national security team in the Situation Room reportedly lasted around two hours. A White House official told AFP: “President Trump will only make a deal that is good for America and satisfies his red lines. Iran can never possess a nuclear weapon.” Trump had earlier said the meeting would help him make a “final determination.”  Trump announced the meeting in a lengthy social media post, reiterating long-held demands that Iran agree never to have nuclear weapons and must open the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.
Despite Tehran’s firm demands for the immediate and unconditional release of $12 billion in cash upon the signing of an initial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United States, Qatari officials rejected the request, agreeing to release only half of the amount under strict limitations, the source said. According to a source close to a Qatari official involved in the discussions, Doha refused to transfer the funds directly or in cash to Iran. Instead, the money will only be made available as credit for Tehran to purchase essential goods and products directly from Qatar. The restriction comes amid strong US opposition to granting Iran direct, unrestricted access to liquid financial assets. The US President added, "No money will be exchanged, until further notice," while also claiming that "other items, of far less importance, have been agreed to".