US and Iran clash over nuclear inspections and Hormuz shipping fees

President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to unlimited, high‑level nuclear inspections, a claim Tehran rejected. The United States and Iran also dispute the implementation of their recent memorandum: the U.S. states the Hormuz Strait is fully reopened, while Iran says vessels must follow Tehran’s rules and may face fees. Trump called any fee "unacceptable" and warned talks could end if Iran imposes charges.

Washington is seeking $672 million from a supplemental budget to secure, transport and dispose of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile and to boost inspection capabilities. A separate $87.6 billion supplemental funding request to Congress includes $767.5 million for the Energy Department linked to the Iran nuclear issue and $300 million for diplomatic security.

Iran’s foreign‑ministry spokesperson denied any plans for IAEA inspections and said no meeting with the agency’s head had occurred. He also affirmed that Iran is working with Oman on a new management mechanism for the Hormuz Strait, which the U.S. says should remain fee‑free. The conflicting statements leave commercial shipping in the region uncertain and keep the broader US‑Iran diplomatic process fragile.