"Iran has fully and completely agreed to the highest level of nuclear inspections for a long, even indefinite, period. This ensures nuclear integrity", US President Donald Trump posted on the social media platform Truth Social on 23/6. He added: "If they do not agree to this, there will be no further negotiations".
These comments from President Trump came after Iran declared that the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) would not be granted access to the country's nuclear facilities that had been bombed. These sites include Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
"We have not had any meetings with the Director General of the IAEA, nor do we have plans for the agency to inspect Iranian nuclear facilities damaged during the conflict with the US and Israel", said Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referring to the conflict in 6/2025. Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Ali Bahreini, delivered a similar message on the same day, stating that the country had not yet made a decision regarding IAEA inspectors visiting nuclear facilities.
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US President Donald Trump speaking at the White House on 22/6. AP |
US President Donald Trump speaking at the White House on 22/6. AP
Based on this agreement and "other major concessions Iran has made", Mr. Trump stated he agreed not to enforce a maritime blockade on Iranian ports. However, US warships remain in position in case the blockade needs to be reimposed, though Mr. Trump believes this is unlikely.
Additionally, Iran's frozen funds will be held in US-controlled escrow accounts, designated for purchasing medical supplies and food from the US, including corn, wheat, and soybeans.
"These are things Iran urgently needs. They face a humanitarian crisis, and I feel compelled to help now, before it is too late", Mr. Trump wrote. "Negotiations are proceeding well".
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Location of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Guardian |
Location of Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Guardian
Iran and the US signed a memorandum on 17/6 to end the conflict that had caused chaos across the Middle East and shaken leading economies. This agreement initiated a 60-day period to resolve issues such as Iran's nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions.
Diplomatic efforts for a final agreement intensified on 23/6. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Pakistan, one of the two mediating nations in the negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also began a tour of allied countries in the Gulf region.
During discussions with Iran's chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and Foreign Minister Araghchi, Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq expressed hope for a successful peaceful resolution. Oman is the other mediator in the US-Iran negotiations.
Mediators from Pakistan and Qatar reported that the US and Iran had agreed on a 60-day roadmap to reach a final agreement. According to Iranian media, both sides have consented to establish 4 negotiating teams focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, and other related matters.
