US waives Iran oil sanctions citing progress in talks
Skip next section Vance says Iran agreed to let IAEA inspectors back in 06/22/2026 June 22, 2026 Vance says Iran agreed to let IAEA inspectors
Skip next section Vance says Iran agreed to let IAEA inspectors back in 06/22/2026 June 22, 2026 Vance says Iran agreed to let IAEA inspectors back in JD Vance addressed the media gathered at Bürgenstock on Monday Image: Nathan Howard/AP Photo/picture alliance Iran will allow inspectors from the UN's nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), to once again work in the country, US Vice President JD Vance said on Monday. "The Iranians have agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into their country," Vance told reporters at the Bürgenstock Resort in Switzerland.
"That is a major milestone for the American people and the first step in permanently denuclearizing or permanently ending a nuclear weapons program in Iran." Vance said he expected discussions for the inspectors to return to Iran to begin as soon. "I expect that will happen at the minimum this week, but we think even some of those conversations with the inspectors... and with the IAEA could happen as soon as today," he said The US previously said that Iran had agreed to dilute its enriched uranium stocks, possibly by "down-blending on site under the supervision of the IAEA." The IAEA last estimated that Iran had 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60%.
Weapons-grade uranium is typically enriched to 90%. Iran did not confirm that IAEA inspections were agreed upon in talks. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei told the official IRNA news agency Monday that a "very brief discussion took place regarding the nuclear issue" and that Iran did not accept "any new commitments." Vance says 'good foundation' for final deal In remarks to reporters after lengthy talks with senior Iranian officials, Vance expressed optimism about the overall state of negotiations. "The final deal is the house," Vance told reporters after initial talks with Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
"We set the foundation. We haven't built the house, but we've laid a successful foundation," he added. Iran said there had been "major progress" to end the fighting in Lebanon and called that the first real test of the negotiations.
The BriefWire