CIA Director John Ratcliffe informed President Trump and senior officials that U.S. intelligence raised doubts about Iran's willingness to make the nuclear concessions sought by the U.S. in any final agreement, according to three sources familiar with the discussions. Ratcliffe is not alone in his skepticism; Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have also expressed concerns, while Vice President Vance and U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have advocated for the deal.
High-level meetings took place between Trump and his advisers leading up to the announcement of the deal. During these meetings, intelligence indicated inconsistencies in how Iranian officials discussed the deal privately compared to their statements to mediators and the U.S. Ratcliffe and Rubio noted that this intelligence led them to doubt Iran's commitment to the nuclear steps required by the U.S.
A White House official stated that President Trump considers all opinions but ultimately makes the final decisions. The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on Sunday includes provisions that depend on reaching a more detailed nuclear deal within 60 days. Vance, Witkoff, and Kushner are scheduled to meet with Iranian officials and mediators to discuss the next phase of negotiations.
The MOU outlines that Iran will maintain the status quo of its nuclear program during negotiations, while the U.S. will not impose new sanctions or deploy additional forces in the region. If a final nuclear deal is reached, the U.S. would remove mobilized forces and terminate sanctions against Iran according to an agreed schedule. Internal skeptics believe Iran may benefit more from the MOU than the U.S. unless it agrees to a nuclear deal that meets U.S. objectives.
The MOU also addresses the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran committing to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels for 60 days, while the U.S. will gradually lift its blockade. Additionally, the MOU discusses the release of Iran's frozen funds, stating that the U.S. will make these funds available upon implementation of the MOU, contingent on positive actions from Iran. The final deal is expected to include a plan for a $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction and economic development, contingent on Iran's nuclear program dismantlement and internal reforms.