FT: Trump administration weighs $300 billion Iran fund; Trump denies U.S. taxpayer financing

The Financial Times, Reuters and Bloomberg reported draft U.S.-Iran terms involving at least $300 billion in financing or investment for Iran alongside a ceasefire, possible asset relief and talks on a final deal, but key terms, funding sources and timing remain disputed. Reuters said the proposed $300 billion vehicle would be privately financed, use no government money and start only after a final agreement is signed, while Bloomberg reported a draft targeting signing in Switzerland on June 19 with waivers for Iranian oil, petrochemicals and related services, steps to unfreeze assets, and negotiations on a final deal within 60 days. Iran later rejected a Bloomberg-published memorandum text, and that reported text did not include the release of $24 billion in Iranian assets. U.S. President Donald Trump said the memorandum is not a final deal, could be signed within 48 hours though he was not certain a previously discussed Friday signing would occur, denied that U.S. taxpayers or the U.S. government would fund a $300 billion investment vehicle or invest "even a dime" in Iran, said sanctions relief would not be immediate, said the U.S. could return Iran’s frozen funds because "It's not our money, it's their money," and added that the U.S. military would remain in the Gulf while suggesting ballistic missile restrictions are still being discussed.