Tehran Denies Nuclear Inspectors Return Despite U.S. Claims

Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Thursday rejected U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance’s claim that Tehran had agreed to let International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors return to its nuclear facilities. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said, “We have no intention of allowing IAEA inspectors to visit the nuclear sites that were attacked in the conflict.” He also said Iran’s delegation to Switzerland, led by Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, did not meet with IAEA chief Rafael Grossi.

Baghaei said the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding is “based on respect and adherence to reality,” warning that “any arrogant rhetoric will damage the agreement.” He added that both sides must implement all the memorandum’s provisions before nuclear talks can begin. On frozen Iranian assets abroad, some of which are expected to be released under the deal, he said Iran is free to receive the unfrozen funds and that “there are no restrictions” on them. He also stressed, according to Reuters, that Iran’s missile and air defense capabilities “will not be subject to negotiation.”

On Lebanon, Baghaei said the talks produced agreement on a mechanism involving Iran, Qatar, Pakistan, the United States and Lebanon to prevent escalation there and monitor the ceasefire. He said halting attacks on Lebanon is “an inseparable part of the understanding,” and added that America’s commitment on the issue is clear.

Iran’s permanent representative to the United Nations in Geneva also said no talks were held on authorizing inspectors to enter Iran, and that discussions on nuclear activity would come only in the next stage of talks with the Americans. He said all five points in the memorandum must be fully implemented before nuclear negotiations and any role for the IAEA can begin. Vance had said the previous day that Iran agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back, calling it a “significant step” from Switzerland talks between the two delegations.