Iran says no new commitments on nuclear sites after Vance says inspectors to be invited back

What Happened

In Bürgenstock, Switzerland, US Vice President JD Vance announced that Iran has agreed to readmit International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear inspectors, with discussions between Iran and the IAEA possibly starting as soon as today. Vance said the first round of direct US-Iran talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, laid a "very good foundation" and that the nuclear issue was "the one we're most excited about as Americans." The mediators released a joint statement confirming that the parties had agreed to a "roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days." The breakthrough follows the signing of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, which commits to addressing Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, reopening the Strait of Hormuz for safe commercial passage, and establishing a "de-confliction cell" between the US, Iran, and Lebanon to end military operations there. Talks also covered de-confliction for a regional ceasefire. Iran suspended IAEA access after Israeli and US strikes during a 12-day war in June 2025, and the IAEA withdrew its remaining inspectors the following month. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called the Lebanon de-confliction cell the first "real test."

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The agreement could de-escalate the crisis over Iran's nuclear programme that intensified after a June 2025 war and the IAEA's withdrawal of inspectors. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz and creating a de-confliction mechanism directly affect regional security and freedom of navigation, while the 60-day roadmap may lead to a permanent settlement replacing the defunct JCPOA.

Watch For

Whether IAEA inspectors physically return this week as Vance indicated; the start of technical-level discussions between the parties; the operationalisation of the Lebanon de-confliction cell amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 67 people; and any milestones in the 60-day roadmap negotiation.