Iran's foreign ministry has stated that no new commitments were made regarding nuclear inspections following a round of talks in Switzerland, despite claims by U.S. Vice President JD Vance that inspectors would be invited back. The conflicting remarks emerged after discussions between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a final deal.
Vance had suggested that discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could resume as early as the current week. However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state media that Tehran had not agreed to allow inspectors access to nuclear sites that were previously bombed.
US President Donald Trump, however, asserted on social media that Iran had "fully and completely agreed" to inspections, stating that further negotiations would not have occurred otherwise. "If they did not agree to this, there would be no further negotiations!" he posted.
In parallel, the United States has issued a temporary waiver of sanctions, permitting Iran to sell oil in U.S. dollars for the first time in decades. This move dismantles key aspects of a long-standing embargo that has significantly impacted Tehran's economy. The emergency license, issued by the U.S. Treasury, authorizes the production, sale, and delivery of Iranian crude and petrochemicals until August 21, and allows for direct import of Iranian oil into the U.S. It also facilitates banking transactions, insurance, and transportation, bypassing complex networks previously used by Iran to sell its crude.
Mediators Qatar and Pakistan released a joint statement Monday, indicating that the U.S. and Iran had agreed on a "roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days" after the initial talks held at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock. Vance described the discussions as having established a "very good foundation" and noted that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and "de-confliction for the regional ceasefire" were among the topics discussed.
Despite the divergent statements regarding nuclear inspections, the U.S. Treasury's waiver represents a significant, albeit temporary, shift in sanctions policy. The 60-day period for the waiver allows for continued oil trade, while the broader negotiations for a final deal are set to proceed.