President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Iran has agreed to full nuclear monitoring at the highest level, and that the arrangement will continue “forever.” In a statement, he accused Tehran of making “false and contradictory” claims, while insisting the deal would ensure what he called “nuclear fairness.” He added that if Iran refuses the monitoring terms, “there will be no further negotiations.”
The announcement followed several days of intensive talks in Switzerland between American and Iranian delegations, with mediation by Qatar and Pakistan. Trump also said that, because of other major concessions from Iran, he agreed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and not impose a new naval blockade. He said ships would stay in place in case a blockade ever needed to be restored, though he called that possibility “very unlikely” at this stage. The strait is a critical passage for about 20% of global oil supplies, so keeping it open would ease pressure on the world economy.
Vice President JD Vance had earlier said Iran agreed to bring back IAEA inspectors this week, a move that suggests progress on international oversight. Trump also described a financial mechanism under the deal, saying any money or sanctions relief released by the U.S. Treasury would go into a U.S.-controlled trust account and be spent only on food and medical supplies purchased from the United States. He said the funds would be used for corn, wheat and soybeans from American farmers, because Iran needs those goods badly.
Trump said the arrangement was meant to address a humanitarian crisis and to prevent funds from reaching terrorist groups. Vance similarly warned that if Iran funds Hezbollah, the U.S. will not allow the transfer of assets, and said any economic benefit would depend on a real change in behavior. The announcement raised concern in Israel, where officials fear a deal that leaves the country exposed to Iran’s nuclear program. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently said, “We need to free ourselves from dependence on the Americans and build our own weapons system.” Trump ended by saying the talks are progressing well, but key details and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear, especially given Iran’s history of violating past agreements.
