Iran has rejected US claims that it agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, highlighting continuing disagreements despite renewed diplomatic talks aimed at securing a broader agreement between Washington and Tehran.
The dispute emerged following the first round of negotiations held in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, where representatives from both countries met with mediation support from Qatar and Pakistan. While US officials described the discussions as constructive, Iranian authorities insisted that no new commitments had been made regarding nuclear inspections.
US Vice-President JD Vance said the talks had established a “very good foundation” and suggested discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could begin almost immediately. He indicated that inspectors might return to Iran as early as this week.
However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry quickly pushed back against those remarks. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai told state media that Tehran had made “no new commitments” concerning nuclear inspections and would continue to operate under existing procedures approved by Parliament and the Supreme National Security Council.
The disagreement comes as the United States announced a significant temporary easing of sanctions on Iran. The 60-day waiver issued by the US Treasury allows Iran to sell crude oil and petrochemical products in US dollars, marking the most substantial sanctions relief offered to Tehran in decades.
The emergency measure authorises the production, sale and transportation of Iranian oil until 21 August. It also opens access to banking services, insurance arrangements and shipping networks that have long been restricted under US sanctions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the sanctions relief was linked to commitments from Iran to keep the strategically important Strait of Hormuz open and permit the return of IAEA inspectors.
US President Donald Trump reinforced that position, stating on social media that Iran would agree to “major weapons inspections.” He later warned that the United States could take further action if Tehran failed to comply with any future agreement.
Despite those assertions, Iranian officials maintained that no such arrangement had been reached.
The IAEA has yet to publicly comment on the conflicting statements. Iran suspended access to nuclear facilities following military strikes carried out by Israel and the United States during last year’s 12-day conflict. Shortly afterwards, the UN nuclear watchdog withdrew its remaining inspectors from the country.
The latest negotiations also focused on regional security concerns. According to a joint statement from Qatari and Pakistani mediators, both sides agreed to work towards a comprehensive agreement within 60 days and establish communication channels aimed at preventing incidents in the Strait of Hormuz.
The statement also announced plans for a “de-confliction cell” involving the US, Iran and Lebanon to help reduce tensions and support ongoing ceasefire efforts in the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described developments in Lebanon as the first major test of the diplomatic process. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has largely held in recent days, offering a potential opportunity for broader regional stability.
The renewed dialogue represents one of the most significant diplomatic engagements between Washington and Tehran in recent years. However, the disagreement over Iran nuclear inspections demonstrates that substantial differences remain as both sides attempt to reach a lasting agreement.
