Trump, Iran at odds over nuclear inspections and frozen assets in deal to end war

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that Iran had agreed to "infinity" nuclear inspections, a claim immediately refuted by Tehran, which stated it made no such concession during negotiations. This stark disagreement casts doubt on the viability of the fragile peace deal aimed at ending the war.

The two nations, having concluded their first round of negotiations in Switzerland on Monday, also presented conflicting narratives on key aspects of the framework agreement signed last week. These points of contention include financial incentives for Iran, control over the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel's ongoing war in Lebanon. Despite these discrepancies, Trump expressed optimism at a rally in Pennsylvania, stating that negotiations were proceeding smoothly and that the U.S. and Iran were "getting along quite well."

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We’re getting along quite well.

In a gesture of easing tensions, the U.S. relaxed travel restrictions for Iran's World Cup soccer team, allowing them to travel to Seattle two days before their next match. However, a Reuters/Ipsos poll indicated that 35% of Americans believe the U.S. is in a weaker position with Iran compared to before the war, while 23% feel it is stronger. The Republican-controlled Senate symbolically voted to halt the war, highlighting internal party divisions.

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our country

The initial agreement has allowed traffic to resume through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global energy supply. Oil prices fell to their lowest levels since the war's commencement on February 28. The UN's shipping agency is working to evacuate 11,000 seafarers stranded by Iran's closure of the strait. While the agreement mandates 60 days of free passage, Iran has suggested it might impose tolls or fees thereafter. Iran and Oman, controlling opposite sides of the strait, issued a joint statement emphasizing their "sovereign rights" and intention to cooperate on traffic management and associated costs.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, on a visit to Gulf allies concerned by the deal, asserted that Iran would not be permitted to charge tolls in the strait under any final agreement. The framework itself places no limits on Iran's nuclear program, a matter to be addressed in subsequent 60-day negotiations. Trump's assertion of indefinite international inspector access to Iranian nuclear sites was denied by Iran, which also stated it had not discussed its nuclear program or agreed to IAEA inspectors' return. Disagreements also persist regarding access to frozen overseas assets, with Trump proposing they be used for U.S. food and medical supplies, a point not elaborated on by Iran's UN ambassador.

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sovereign rights