Iran Agrees to Allow UN Nuclear Inspectors

Iran has consented to permit United Nations nuclear inspectors to enter the country, with discussions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) potentially starting “as early as today,” according to U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.

During peace talks in Burgenstock, Switzerland, Vance announced Tehran’s decision to welcome IAEA inspectors back, calling it “a major milestone for the American people” and a pivotal step toward either whether halting or completely eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapons program.

He mentioned that officials attempted to reach the inspector general around 2 a.m. local time, but only a few responded. “We believe conversations with the inspectors and the IAEA could materialize as early as today,” he remarked.

However, not long after Vance’s announcement, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai downplayed the situation, indicating that Iran had only engaged in “very brief discussions” about nuclear matters and had not accepted any new commitments that went beyond existing IAEA or parliamentary frameworks.

Additionally, Vance noted that, in the context of the impending peace deal, unfreezing Iranian assets could enable the purchase of U.S. soybeans, corn, and wheat, “to benefit the Iranian people.”

This meeting marked the first significant negotiation between the U.S. and Iran in less than two months, initiated by a memorandum of understanding. Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan released a joint statement early Monday, indicating both countries had agreed on a “roadmap towards a final agreement within 60 days.” Vance mentioned that the discussions set a “very good foundation” for a final settlement.

This development follows Iran’s earlier announcement in July 2025 to halt cooperation with the IAEA after U.S. attacks targeted its nuclear enrichment facilities in June 2025, where it was believed that around 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium were stored underground.