Diplomatic Tensions Emerge Over Nuclear Inspections
Iran has pushed back against statements made by US Vice-President JD Vance, who indicated that international nuclear inspectors would soon be readmitted to the country. This disagreement follows the first round of negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict.
During discussions held in Switzerland, Vance suggested that dialogue with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could commence imminently. However, Iran's foreign ministry informed state media that Tehran had not made any new pledges concerning nuclear site inspections.
"no new commitments" on nuclear inspections.
These developments unfold as the United States has temporarily lifted certain sanctions, enabling Iran to engage in oil sales using US dollars for the first time in decades.
Roadmap Towards a Final Deal and Sanctions Waiver
In a joint statement released on Monday, Qatar and Pakistan, acting as mediators, confirmed that the US and Iran had agreed to a "roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days" after their initial talks at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland. Vance characterized these discussions as having established a "very good foundation."
The US Vice-President also noted that the teams addressed the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and "de-confliction for the regional ceasefire."
The 60-day sanctions waiver, issued by the US Treasury on Monday, significantly eases long-standing restrictions that have severely impacted Iran's economy. This emergency license permits the production, sale, and delivery of Iranian crude oil and petrochemicals until August 21st. Under this relief, Iranian oil can even be imported directly into the US, and it facilitates banking transactions, insurance, and transportation, thereby bypassing the intricate networks Iran previously utilized for oil sales.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that in exchange for the 60-day waiver, Tehran had committed to maintaining the vital Strait of Hormuz open and allowing IAEA nuclear inspectors back into the country.
Conflicting Statements on Inspector Access
When questioned by reporters in Switzerland, Vance expressed his expectation that the process for nuclear inspectors to return to Iran would begin "at a minimum this week," with conversations potentially starting "as soon as today." US President Donald Trump also posted on social media, asserting that Iran "will agree to have Major Weapons Inspections."
Nonetheless, Esmail Baqai, spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, contradicted these claims in an interview with the Iranian state news agency Irna. He affirmed that Tehran had made "no new commitments" regarding nuclear inspectors and reiterated that any engagement with UN inspectors would adhere to "existing procedures set by Parliament and the Supreme National Security Council." The IAEA has not yet issued a comment on the matter.
Iran had suspended IAEA access to sites following bombing incidents by Israel and the US during a 12-day conflict last summer. The UN's nuclear watchdog subsequently withdrew its remaining inspectors from the country the following month.
Historical Context and Ongoing Tensions
In 2015, Iran and six global powers—the US, China, France, Russia, Germany, and the UK—reached an agreement that permitted IAEA inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities. However, during his first term in 2018, then-President Trump withdrew the US from this accord, deeming it a "bad deal."
Vance disclosed on Monday that Iranian negotiators had threatened to withdraw from the talks on Sunday after Trump posted a warning on Truth Social that the US could "hit Iran very hard again." The US Vice-President stated he informed Iranian negotiators that Trump's remarks were a response to Iranian "trash talk."
On Monday, President Trump issued a renewed warning to Iran from the Oval Office, stating, "If Iran doesn't live up to their agreement, or if they're not behaving, I will do what I have to do."
Regional De-escalation Efforts
The joint statement from the Qatari and Pakistani mediators also announced the establishment of a "communication line" to "avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz."
Additionally, both parties agreed to create a "de-confliction cell" involving the US, Iran, and Lebanon, facilitated by the mediating nations, to cease military operations in Lebanon. Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi remarked that Lebanon would serve as the first "real test." A fragile ceasefire in Lebanon, following fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, has been holding since Saturday night.
Iranian state media reported on Tuesday that negotiating groups would be formed to address areas such as nuclear issues and sanctions as discussions progress.
Source: Iran says no new commitments on nuclear sites after Vance says inspectors to be invited back