Iran Willing to Allow Nuclear Inspectors Access in Exchange for Sanctions Relief
- Iran has offered to restore nuclear inspectors' access to bombed facilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief, according to private diplomatic talks held...
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised the prospect of granting nuclear inspectors access during meetings with European and Middle Eastern diplomats, as reported by sources familiar with the...
- At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the broader diplomatic stalemate during an interview with CBS News on Friday.
Iran has offered to restore nuclear inspectors‘ access to bombed facilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for sanctions relief, according to private diplomatic talks held during the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Diplomatic Maneuvers at the United Nations
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi raised the prospect of granting nuclear inspectors access during meetings with European and Middle Eastern diplomats, as reported by sources familiar with the discussions. The concession aims to break deadlocked negotiations with the United States over Tehran’s nuclear program. Operativ Media reported separately, citing the Al Hadath television channel, that Iran has agreed to halt uranium enrichment as part of the mediated understanding.
Tehran Defends Its Position
At the same time, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the broader diplomatic stalemate during an interview with CBS News on Friday. Pezeshkian pointed to an atmosphere of distrust stemming from past U.S. military actions during ongoing negotiations. He maintained that Iran is not pursuing a nuclear weapon, stating that developing such armaments is forbidden under religious law. If the United States accepts the proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restart talks, Pezeshkian said Iran would abide by its commitments.
Mounting Economic Strain
The renewed willingness to negotiate highlights the severity of Iran’s economic distress, which stems from Western sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz that has severely restricted oil exports, sources familiar with the discussions reported. The arrangement is intended to serve as an initial step toward a final nuclear accord, following the collapse of a 60-day ceasefire deal in July.
Washington Weighs Its Next Move
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to ease sanctions against Tehran and unfreeze Iranian assets in exchange for full compliance with demands regarding the nuclear program, Operativ Media reported. However, during his address to the General Assembly, Trump noted that he faced a significant decision regarding whether to pursue a deal or adopt a more severe posture. Pezeshkian emphasized that the diplomatic process would begin immediately upon formal acceptance of the proposal by Washington, though he voiced skepticism regarding whether the U.S. would honor written agreements.
“If they wish to come in and have inspections, we can reach accords and agreements vis-à-vis that specific topic within the negotiations.”
CBS News