President Trump insisted Tuesday that Iran would agree to inspections of its nuclear sites as part of peace talks “despite their protestations and false statements to the contrary.”
Mr. Trump, posting on social media, appeared to be responding to Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, who denied that Tehran agreed to accept visits from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“If they did not agree to this, there would be no further negotiations!” Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social.
Vice President J.D. Vance said Monday that Iran had agreed to the inspections as both sides met in Switzerland for 60 days of negotiations on a final deal to end the U.S.-Iran conflict and prevent Tehran from gaining a nuclear weapon.
Mr. Trump said the inspections would ensure “nuclear honesty” in Iran, though Tehran’s denial underscored the thorny path that talks will take over the coming weeks.
Mr. Trump said he would not block Iranian ports with the U.S. Navy, citing Iran’s “concession” to inspections, but said ships would remain in the region in case he needs to impose the blockade again.
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The president also said Iran’s frozen funds would be placed in escrow so the country could buy American corn, wheat and soy.
“These are things that are desperately needed by Iran. This is a humanitarian crisis, and I feel it is necessary to help, NOW, before it is too late. Talks are going well!” Mr. Trump posted.
Again, however, Iran denied the claim, saying it had no current demand for U.S. crops.
“It is interesting that the philosophy and goal of the war, which was the destruction of the Iranian civilization and the collapse of Iran, has become enriching American farmers,” Mr. Baghaei said.
The U.S. and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on Feb. 28 to prevent Tehran from gaining a nuclear weapon and rein in its support for terror proxies in the Middle East.
Iran retaliated with strikes on Persian Gulf nations and by closing the Strait of Hormuz, causing energy shortfalls and higher oil prices.
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The U.S. and Iran recently signed a memorandum of understanding to end the fighting and enter 60 days of talks about ways to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear bomb.
U.S. critics of the deal said it offered too many up-front concessions to Iran and that Tehran would use delay tactics to string along the American side.
The administration says the deal is performance-based, so Iran will see no benefits unless it agrees to curtail its nuclear program.
