Key facts
- Iran's leadership has contradicted US claims regarding nuclear inspections, asset unfreezing, and sanctions relief within a new framework deal.
- Iran stated no new commitments were made on nuclear materials and that IAEA inspectors would not visit damaged sites.
- Tehran announced the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen assets, to be used without restrictions.
- Iran and Oman agreed to form a joint committee to manage the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran reiterated its commitment to respond if Israel violates the MOU by attacking Lebanon.
- Maritime data showed 39 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, the highest level since the war began.
Iran's leadership has sharply contradicted the United States on several key points following the conclusion of US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland, particularly concerning the implementation of a recently agreed framework deal. Tehran has asserted its own interpretations regarding nuclear watchdog inspections, the unfreezing of funds, sanctions relief, and the ongoing conflict in Lebanon.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the need for "precise implementation" of commitments and warned against interpretations exceeding the agreed text. The US and Iran have initiated a 60-day diplomatic process to reach a permanent deal, establishing a joint oversight mechanism and specialized working groups despite emerging disagreements.
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei refuted claims made by US Vice President JD Vance, stating that no visits by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to Iranian nuclear sites bombed by the US are scheduled. Baghaei asserted that Iran made "no new commitments" on nuclear materials and that allowing inspectors into damaged sites would violate the memorandum of understanding (MOU).
Chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf also contradicted Vance's claim that no money was being released, announcing the immediate release of $12 billion in frozen Iranian assets through Qatari mediation. Iran stated these funds would be used without restrictions and that missile capabilities were not discussed and will not be in the future.
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Iran stated that its management would not return to its pre-war state. Iran's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, indicated that main talks on the Strait would be between Iran and Oman. Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with Oman's Sultan Haitham bin Tariq in Muscat, forming a committee to administer the waterway, with both nations affirming respect for sovereignty and commitment to keeping it open to international shipping.
Despite the contradictions, Baghaei confirmed the creation of a "High Committee for Follow-up of the Implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding" with representatives from Iran, the US, Pakistan, and Qatar. Maritime data indicated a rise in vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, reaching its highest level since the war's outbreak, though still below pre-war volumes.
Tehran also reiterated its stance that it will respond if Israel violates the MOU by attacking Lebanon and Hezbollah. Violence in southern Lebanon has continued, threatening a fragile ceasefire. Analysts suggest Iran's leadership is demonstrating strategic pragmatism to ensure regime survival, adapting tactics and policies when necessary.