Iran Flatly Denies Vance Nuclear Inspectors Access Claim

Iran Flatly Denies Vance Nuclear Inspectors Access Claim As US Opens Oil Lifeline

Tehran Rejects Inspection Pledge After Swiss Talks

Iran has flatly denied Vice President JD Vance's claim that it agreed to allow international nuclear inspectors back into the country, exposing fresh cracks in the fragile peace process just days after Washington and Tehran launched negotiations aimed at ending months of conflict.

Following talks in Switzerland, Vance told reporters that discussions with inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could begin "as soon as today" and suggested Iran was moving towards greater transparency over its nuclear programme.

But Tehran quickly pushed back.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqai said the Islamic Republic had made "no new commitments" regarding nuclear inspections and insisted any future cooperation would take place only under existing Iranian laws and national security decisions.

US Opens Door To Iranian Oil Exports

The disagreement came as the United States dramatically eased sanctions on Iran's energy sector.

Under a 60-day waiver issued by the US Treasury, Iran can once again sell crude oil and petrochemicals using US dollars, marking the biggest sanctions relief offered to Tehran in decades.

The move allows international banking transactions, shipping and insurance services linked to Iranian oil exports and even permits direct imports into the United States.

Washington says the relief is tied to commitments by Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and move towards renewed nuclear oversight.

Vance Says Talks Made Progress

Speaking after negotiations at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock, Vance described discussions as constructive and said both sides had established a "very good foundation" for future talks.

The negotiations are designed to produce a final agreement within 60 days and cover Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions relief, regional security and reconstruction efforts following the war.

Vance also revealed that Iranian negotiators briefly threatened to walk out after President Donald Trump warned that America could "hit Iran very hard again" if Tehran failed to honour its commitments.

Strait Of Hormuz Remains Flashpoint

Despite progress at the negotiating table, tensions remain high over the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar and Pakistan, which are mediating the talks, announced the creation of a communications channel designed to prevent incidents in the strategically vital waterway.

The route carries a huge share of the world's oil exports and became a major flashpoint during the conflict.

The mediators also confirmed plans for a "de-confliction" mechanism aimed at ending military operations in Lebanon, where a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is now holding.

First Real Test Still Ahead

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that Lebanon would be the first major test of whether the broader peace process can survive.

With Tehran denying key American claims, nuclear inspections still unresolved and Trump openly threatening renewed military action, the path towards a permanent settlement remains uncertain.

For now, Washington has handed Iran access to desperately needed oil revenue, but the question hanging over the talks is whether Tehran will offer enough in return to keep the deal alive.

SOURCE