SWITZERLAND June 22, 2026 – Vice President JD Vance stated on Monday that Iran has agreed to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) back into the country, describing the development as a “major milestone” in efforts to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program.
Speaking to reporters after the first round of high-level US-Iran negotiations at the Bürgenstock resort, Vance said the agreement marks the first concrete step toward restoring international oversight of Tehran’s nuclear activities. He noted that conversations with IAEA inspectors could begin “as soon as today” or later this week.
“This is probably what we’re most excited about as Americans,” Vance said. “The Iranians have agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back into their country. That is a major milestone for the American people and the first step in permanently denuclearizing or permanently ending a nuclear weapons program in Iran.”
The announcement comes amid broader talks aimed at solidifying a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping, and addressing regional tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah. US officials also indicated progress on technical negotiations and a temporary 60-day license for Iranian oil sales.
Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA in mid-2025 following Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities during a 12-day conflict. The move severely limited the agency’s ability to verify activities at key sites, many of which were damaged.
Tehran has long maintained that its nuclear program is for peaceful, civilian purposes. The return of inspectors would restore a key verification mechanism similar to elements of the 2015 JCPOA (Iran nuclear deal), which the Trump administration withdrew from during its first term.
While US officials hailed the development, analysts and observers on social media urged caution, noting the need for direct confirmation from Iranian officials such as Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf or chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi. Some highlighted past challenges with inspections and questioned why Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal remains outside IAEA scrutiny.
Iranian state media reported that its negotiators left the talks on Monday, with technical discussions expected to continue. No immediate official statement from Tehran confirming the inspectors’ agreement has been widely circulated.
The talks in Switzerland, mediated with involvement from Qatar and others, are set to proceed through the week. Success on the nuclear verification front could pave the way for further sanctions relief and de-escalation in the region.
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