Iran agrees to IAEA inspections, US vice president says

2026-06-22

Agreement reached on IAEA inspections

US Vice President Vance said on the 22nd that Iran had agreed to accept inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He told reporters in Switzerland, where he is visiting for talks aimed at ending the fighting with Iran.

Vance said this was 'the first step toward permanently ending Iran's nuclear weapons development program' and added that the inspections could begin as early as this week.

Temporary reprieve for crude trade

Iran had barred IAEA inspectors from entering the country after US and Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in 2025. A memorandum signed by the United States and Iran says Iran agreed to dilute the uranium it holds inside the country. The document says 'the minimum method is dilution on site under IAEA supervision'.

The US Treasury Department said on the 22nd that, in exchange for Iran accepting IAEA inspections, it would temporarily allow the production, transport and sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products. The limited measure applies for 60 days, the deadline for talks aimed at ending the fighting, and will be allowed until 12:01 a.m. Eastern time on Aug. 21.

The memorandum said the Treasury Department would issue measures after signing to exempt transactions involving Iranian crude oil, petroleum products and other goods from sanctions. US Treasury Secretary Bessent said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, that Iran had pledged to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and accept IAEA inspections, adding that the latest authorization is based on that framework.

Iran denies it

Meanwhile, Iranian state television reported on the 22nd, citing a source, that there had been no talks on the nuclear issue in Switzerland and no new commitments. Fars News, which is close to the Revolutionary Guard, also reported, citing a source, that there had been no discussion in Switzerland about accepting IAEA inspections and that the reports were groundless.

Talks between the United States and Iran in Switzerland began on the 21st, with Vance and others from the United States and parliamentary speaker Ghalibaf and others from Iran taking part. Working-level talks will continue after the 22nd. Vance will return to the United States soon.

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