President Donald Trump has categorically denied press reports that a large $300 billion investment fund is being created to rebuild the Iranian economy. As Bloomberg reports, the American leader stressed that Washington does not plan to provide Tehran with direct financial support under the reached compromise. Trump told reporters that the United States will not invest "even ten cents" of budget funds in Iran, fully ruling out any government subsidy programs for the Islamic Republic.
The sharp White House statements were prompted by publications from Iranian news agency Mehr, which claimed that points of a secret memorandum include a plan for financial rehabilitation of Iran by the United States and its allies. The situation was further inflamed by an interview given to CBS by Vice President JD Vance. He said Tehran could be granted access to the fund provided it strictly met all defense commitments. Trump called such reports fake, clarifying that the current agreement is only a framework memorandum of understanding. The president added that if Tehran violates the accords, the United States will not hesitate to resume massive bombardment of Iranian military targets.
As an alternative source of financing, the president named wealthy Persian Gulf monarchies, which could, in theory, direct capital to stabilize the neighboring region. Trump cautioned, however, that he has not officially asked Arab partners for funds and expressed confidence that they will not begin investing until they are visibly convinced of a fundamental change in Iran’s geopolitical behavior. Reuters analysts note that the recovery fund discussed behind the scenes was most likely envisaged as a fully private international initiative that would not entail direct expenditures from the US budget.
