Vance Says Nuclear Inspectors Will Return to Iran as White House Faces Internal Doubts

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said overnight that international nuclear inspectors will be allowed back into Iran under the framework memorandum between Washington and Tehran meant to end the war between the two countries. In interviews with NBC, Fox News and CNN, Vance said the inspectors’ return is a “central part” of the deal, and that the International Atomic Energy Agency, together with the United States, will help Iran destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium. He said the memorandum, which both sides have accepted as a framework, will be formally published after a signing ceremony in Switzerland on Friday.

Vance said the document is short, about a page and a half, and mainly sets principles while technical details are still being finalized. He said President Donald Trump could decide to release the deal before Friday’s signing. The agreement has already been signed electronically by U.S. and Iranian leaders, and Vance said Qatar and Pakistan played major mediation roles. Under the framework, Iran gets the promised benefits only if it meets its obligations, and any final nuclear accord must be reached within the next 60 days.

Axios reported that senior U.S. officials argued sharply behind closed doors over the deal. CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly told Trump and other officials that U.S. intelligence raised serious doubts about Iran’s willingness to make the nuclear concessions Washington wants. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also voiced concerns, while Vance, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner pushed the talks forward. The White House insisted Trump listened to all views, but had the final word.

The reported framework includes renewed inspections, a mechanism to deal with Iran’s enriched uranium, a 60-day negotiating period, and a pledge that Iran will not seek nuclear weapons. During that period, Iran would keep the current status quo, the U.S. would impose no new sanctions or send more forces, and if a final deal is reached, Washington would withdraw forces within 30 days and lift sanctions on a staged schedule. Reports also said the deal may include a future $300 billion investment fund for Iran, though Trump denied claims of a $300 million payment and called them “fake news.”

Vance said the plan also ties benefits to regional stability, including stopping Iranian support for groups the U.S. calls terrorist organizations. He said inspectors could return as soon as Friday, stressed that “If the Iranians comply, the benefits will flow to them,” and argued that the U.S. wants Iran to behave like a normal state. He also said the U.S. believes Israel will eventually back the agreement, even though differences remain with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.