Iran has denied claims by US Vice-President JD Vance that it has agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country following the first round of negotiations aimed at securing a final agreement to end tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking after talks in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, Vance said discussions involving the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could begin within days and suggested inspectors could be invited back as early as Monday.
However, Iran’s foreign ministry swiftly rejected the claim. Spokesman Esmail Baqai told state media that Tehran had made “no new commitments” regarding nuclear inspections and insisted any future cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog would follow existing procedures approved by Iran’s parliament and national security authorities.
The disagreement emerged as the United States announced a major easing of sanctions on Iran. A 60-day waiver issued by the US Treasury allows Iran to sell oil in US dollars and conduct related banking, insurance and transportation transactions, marking a significant shift in decades of US restrictions.
The waiver, which runs until 21 August, permits the production, sale and delivery of Iranian crude and petrochemical products, including direct exports to the United States.
According to mediators Qatar and Pakistan, both sides agreed during the talks to a roadmap aimed at reaching a final deal within 60 days. The discussions also focused on maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz and preventing misunderstandings that could threaten regional security.
US officials said Iran had committed to keeping the vital shipping route open and allowing the return of nuclear inspectors. President Donald Trump also stated that Iran would agree to major weapons inspections as part of the process.
Tehran, however, has not publicly endorsed those claims. Iran suspended IAEA access to sites targeted during last year’s conflict with Israel and the United States, and the agency later withdrew its remaining inspectors from the country.
Vance revealed that negotiations had nearly collapsed after Trump warned Iran on social media that the US could respond forcefully if tensions escalated again. According to the vice-president, Iranian negotiators considered leaving the talks before discussions eventually continued.
Trump reiterated his warning on Monday, saying the United States would act if Iran failed to honour any future agreement.
The talks also produced agreements aimed at reducing regional tensions. Mediators announced the creation of a direct communication channel to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as a de-confliction mechanism involving the US, Iran and Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi described developments in Lebanon as the first major test of the new diplomatic efforts, as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah continues to hold.
Negotiating teams are expected to begin detailed discussions on nuclear issues, sanctions relief and regional security in the coming days as efforts to secure a broader agreement move forward.
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