Trump denies US payout to Iran as Vance says Gulf states would fund reconstruction

President Donald Trump rejected claims on Monday that the United States is providing financial payouts to Iran, calling reports of American funding “fake news.” Writing on Truth Social, Trump stated: “The story that the US is paying Iran 300 million dollars is fake news.” While he cited a “300 million” figure, it remained unclear whether he was contradicting the much larger “300 billion” sum mentioned by other administration officials and international media. Vice President JD Vance clarified that any proposed $300 billion fund would be sourced from regional allies rather than American taxpayers.

Gulf-led fund

“Not a single dime of that money comes from the United States,” Vance told NBC News. He explained that Gulf Arab nations may choose to invest only if Tehran makes its economy “investable” and begins behaving like a “normal country.” A senior US official confirmed that while a multi-billion dollar fund was part of diplomatic discussions, all financial progress is strictly “tied to performance.” The Financial Times indicated that the establishment of the fund is contingent on a final settlement, including a 60-day ceasefire extension and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.