Iran Denies US Claims on Nuclear Inspectors, US Temporarily Eases Oil Sanctions

Ekhbary News Agency | Tehran: Iran's foreign ministry has vehemently denied claims made by US Vice-President JD Vance that Tehran would permit nuclear inspectors to return to the country. The ministry emphasized that "no new commitments have been made" regarding nuclear inspections, following an initial round of talks between Washington and Tehran aimed at reaching a final deal to end the war.

Sanctions Relief and Oil Sales Developments

In a surprising move, the United States has temporarily waived sanctions, allowing Iran to sell oil in US dollars for the first time in decades. This decision came after talks held in Switzerland, where Vance stated that discussions with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) could commence "as soon as today." However, the Iranian foreign ministry clarified that Tehran had not pledged anything new.

Roadmap Towards a Final Deal

Mediating nations Qatar and Pakistan announced in a joint statement on Monday that the US and Iran had agreed to "a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days," following the first round of talks in the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock. Vance described the discussions as having laid a "very good foundation," noting the discussion of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and de-confliction for the regional ceasefire.

Impact of Sanctions Easing

The 60-day sanctions waiver issued by the US Treasury dismantles central pillars of Washington's long-running embargo, which has historically choked off Tehran's economy. The emergency license authorizes the production, sale, and delivery of Iranian crude and petrochemicals until August 21st, and Iranian oil can even be imported directly into the United States.