WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said this week that a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran could provide new export opportunities for American farmers, although Iranian officials disputed key elements of the arrangement and questions remain about how any agricultural purchases would be implemented.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said funds that could be unfrozen under an interim U.S.-Iran agreement would be directed toward the purchase of American agricultural products, including corn, wheat and soybeans. The agreement was signed earlier this month following negotiations aimed at easing tensions and restoring commercial activity in the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials.
“Money that’s being unfrozen is going to be used to buy food, and the food’s going to be bought exclusively through the United States from our farmers,” Trump said. “Corn, soybeans, all of the things they need are going to be bought from our farmers.”
Vice President JD Vance also promoted the proposal during discussions in Switzerland, saying the administration envisioned a mechanism under which unfrozen Iranian assets could be used to purchase U.S. agricultural commodities. Vance said products such as soybeans, wheat and corn could be included if the arrangement moves forward.
Administration officials have presented the potential purchases as an economic benefit for the U.S. farm sector, which has faced higher production costs and market uncertainty in recent years. This week, Trump also requested additional federal aid for farmers, citing rising fuel and fertilizer costs and other pressures affecting agricultural producers.
However, Iranian officials have challenged the U.S. characterization of the agreement. According to statements carried by Iranian media and reported by Reuters and the Associated Press, Iranian Central Bank Governor Abdolnaser Hemmati said Tehran is not obligated to purchase agricultural products exclusively from the United States. Iranian officials have said purchasing decisions would be based on commercial considerations, including price and availability.
The disagreement has led some sanctions experts to question how any requirement to buy American goods would be enforced. Analysts cited by the Associated Press said details regarding the administration of frozen assets and potential purchasing arrangements remain unclear.
The interim agreement follows months of tensions involving Iran, the United States and regional allies. U.S. officials have described the accord as a framework for broader negotiations, while Iranian authorities have emphasized that additional talks are expected before any long-term settlement is finalized.
As of Thursday, the administration continued to promote the potential benefits of the agreement for American agriculture, while Iranian officials maintained that no exclusive commitment to purchase U.S. farm products had been accepted. Further negotiations between the two sides remain ongoing.
