Iran has officially dismissed assertions made by US Vice-President JD Vance regarding the return of international nuclear inspectors. Despite Vance suggesting that discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency could commence immediately, the Iranian foreign ministry stated that no fresh obligations regarding site inspections have been undertaken.
This discrepancy follows initial negotiations in Switzerland, where mediators from Qatar and Pakistan announced a framework aimed at finalizing a comprehensive agreement within two months. As part of this process, the US Treasury issued a 60-day waiver, temporarily easing long-standing sanctions to permit Iranian oil and petrochemical sales, even allowing direct imports into the United States.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent claimed these economic concessions were conditional on Tehran maintaining open navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and welcoming back nuclear monitors. However, Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqai insisted that any cooperation with UN officials would strictly follow established parliamentary and security council procedures. Iran had previously restricted IAEA access following military strikes last summer.
While President Donald Trump warned that he would act if Tehran failed to uphold its side of the bargain, Iranian diplomats emphasized that the primary focus remains on securing a lasting ceasefire in Lebanon. Negotiating committees are currently being formed to address the remaining points of contention regarding sanctions and nuclear oversight.
