U.S. and Iran Remain Split on Nuclear Inspections and Hormuz Access

U.S. and Iranian officials offered conflicting accounts of nuclear oversight and financial incentives as talks continue toward a final agreement within the 60-day window. The Senate voted 50-48 to require congressional approval for additional U.S. military action against Iran, the first such war-powers resolution to clear both chambers.

Ministry spokesperson denied reports of a meeting with the International Atomic Energy Agency chief and said no inspections are planned. The spokesperson stated that dealings with the agency remain governed by existing procedures, safeguards obligations, parliamentary legislation, and decisions by the Supreme National Security Council.

Iran suspended cooperation with the agency after U.S. and Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025. Tehran has not granted permission for inspectors to return to bombed enrichment sites.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran would not be allowed to charge tolls in the Strait of Hormuz under any final agreement. Iran rejected U.S. claims that it had agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back into the country. A separate plan to move 11,000 crew members stranded on ships through the strait is underway with cooperation from Iran, Oman, other coastal states, the United States, and the maritime industry.

Ship traffic has increased, with 39 vessels crossing on Monday after roughly 92 crossings between Friday and Sunday.

and Ceasefire Israeli National Security

Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the United States would be “very naive” if it believed Iran would abandon its nuclear program. He added that Israel bears responsibility to confront the Iranian threat alone. The United Nations said the ceasefire in southern Lebanon appears to be “largely holding,” though peacekeepers observed heavy machine-gun fire and three tank rounds fired by Israeli forces near Biyyada on Monday.

UNIFIL troops also saw drones apparently monitoring peacekeepers.