Iran nuclear inspection talks meet US claim and Tehran denial

U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Iran had agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors after talks hosted in Switzerland, describing the day as “very, very good” and noting that “the final agreement is at home” with foundations now laid. He added that Iran would allow inspectors to begin work within the week.

The Iranian foreign ministry contradicted that claim, stating it had not met with the IAEA Director General and that no inspection of the nuclear facilities bombed by the United States and Israel would be permitted. A spokesperson said, “We have not had a meeting with the IAEA Director General,” and emphasized that Iranian law prevents cooperation with the agency on those sites. The ministry also described the reports of an invitation as “premature” and part of the next phase of an agreement signed the previous week. These conflicting statements follow June 2025 U.S. and Israeli air strikes on Iranian nuclear installations.

The dispute highlights ongoing diplomatic friction over Iran’s nuclear programme and the future role of the IAEA in monitoring compliance.