US, Iran clash over nuclear, assets as fragile truce holds

The United States and Iran present a facade of détente following initial negotiations, yet profound disagreements linger on nuclear matters, frozen assets, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, and the Lebanese issue. While Donald Trump touts discussions as "going rather well," Tehran refutes claims of concessions made to Washington, presenting irreconcilable versions of events.

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Iran has agreed to nuclear inspections up to infinity.

Trump asserted Tuesday that Iran had agreed to "infinite" nuclear inspections, a statement immediately contradicted by Tehran, which insists no such openness was granted during the talks. According to officials close to the matter, inspections remain a highly sensitive point for any lasting arrangement, with international inspectors' access traditionally central to negotiations concerning Iran's nuclear program. The International Atomic Energy Agency is the standard technical body for such matters.

Further friction arises from the financial incentives offered to Iran. Washington and Tehran hold opposing interpretations of provisions concerning frozen Iranian funds abroad. Trump maintains any release of funds will be used for U.S. food and medicine purchases, while Ali Bahreini, Iran's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, states his country will freely decide how to use its money. The dispute extends to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passage for nearly one-fifth of global energy transit. Following a temporary closure by Iran, traffic has resumed, with the International Maritime Organization closely monitoring the situation. Oman, guarding the opposite shore, has coordinated a temporary shipping corridor.

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Our country will freely decide the use of this money.

Iran and Oman jointly emphasized their "sovereign rights" in the Strait, while also discussing cooperation on traffic management and associated costs. However, Marco Rubio, on a tour of Gulf allies concerned about...

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Our sovereign rights