Iran says no new commitments on nuclear sites after Vance says inspectors to be invited back
BBC News 2026-06-23 12:14:58
Context: In Bürgenstock, Switzerland, the United States and Iran have engaged in the first round of talks aimed at reaching a final deal to end the war, with US Vice-President JD Vance and Iranian officials discussing key issues such as nuclear inspections and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The talks have yielded conflicting statements from both sides, with Iran denying any new commitments on nuclear inspections despite Vance's assertion that inspectors would be invited back into the country. The negotiations have been facilitated by mediators Qatar and Pakistan.
Key Facts
- The US and Iran have agreed to a "roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days," according to a joint statement released by mediators Qatar and Pakistan after the first round of talks in Switzerland.
- US Vice-President JD Vance stated that discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could happen "as soon as [Monday]," and that the process of allowing nuclear inspectors back into Iran could start "at a minimum this week."
- Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei denied that Tehran had made "no new commitments" on nuclear inspections, stating that any engagement with UN inspectors would take place "under existing procedures set by Parliament and the Supreme National Security Council."
- The US has temporarily waived sanctions, allowing Iran to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in decades, under a 60-day sanctions waiver issued by the US Treasury, which also authorizes the production, sale, and delivery of Iranian crude and petrochemicals until 21 August.
- US President Donald Trump warned that if Iran "doesn't live up to their agreement, or if they're not behaving, I will do what I have to do," and claimed that Iran had "fully and completely agreed" to inspections, despite Iran's denial of any new commitments.