Trump claims Iran agreed to indefinite nuclear inspections; Tehran rejects statement

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to allow “long-term, possibly indefinite” nuclear inspections, a statement swiftly denied by Iranian officials, highlighting ongoing confusion around recent diplomatic negotiations involving Washington and Tehran.

Trump said on Tuesday that Iran had accepted “the highest level of nuclear inspections into infinity,” adding in a social media post that the agreement would include continued international monitoring of its nuclear activities. He also suggested that any Iranian funds released under a sanctions waiver would be placed in escrow and used to purchase American agricultural and medical goods.

However, Iranian officials rejected the claims, insisting that no such agreement had been reached. Tehran said there had been no discussions with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Switzerland and denied any commitment to allow inspectors back into its nuclear facilities.

U.S. Vice President JD Vance had earlier described recent talks in Buergenstock, Switzerland, as constructive, saying they laid the groundwork for a potential final agreement and included preliminary understandings on renewed nuclear oversight. The talks were reportedly facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei dismissed suggestions of progress on inspections, saying Iran had not agreed to any new arrangements involving the UN nuclear watchdog. Iran’s envoy to the UN in Geneva also rejected claims that Tehran had agreed to external control over its frozen assets, stressing that decisions over those funds remain solely with Iran.

The diplomatic disagreement comes amid broader efforts to stabilize tensions in the region following more than three months of conflict involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iranian-linked forces. A fragile ceasefire arrangement in Lebanon has largely held, though both sides have accused each other of violations following reported casualties in southern Lebanon.

Separately, discussions continue over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Iranian and Omani officials have indicated that a joint framework may be developed to regulate navigation and related costs, though Tehran has emphasized that any agreement must respect its sovereignty.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Treasury has temporarily eased certain sanctions on Iran, allowing limited oil sales and financial transactions until late August, as part of what Washington describes as a phased confidence-building measure.

Oil prices have eased in global markets following the announcement of the interim arrangements, reflecting cautious optimism among traders despite continued political uncertainty.

Negotiations remain fragile, with both Washington and Tehran offering sharply conflicting accounts of what has been agreed, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding efforts to reach a comprehensive nuclear and regional security deal.