Iran Threatens Hormuz Closure as UN Nuclear Inspections Begin Under Broader US-Iran Deal
Iran warned it cannot guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz without coordination with Tehran, while the United Nations nuclear watchdog confirmed it has started technical talks with Iran to prepare for inspections at Iranian nuclear sites as part of a broader agreement between the United States and Iran [182308][182302].
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, confirmed an "initial exchange" with Iran regarding nuclear inspections, marking a first step in discussions between the UN nuclear watchdog and Tehran [182194]. Grossi stated that inspectors will visit Iranian sites under a broader agreement, and the agency is "working on modalities" for the visits [181265]. However, an Iranian minister clarified that such access would only be granted as part of a final deal with the United States [181265]. The announcement marks a step forward in nuclear diplomacy, with technical teams now working out the details of how and when the inspections will take place [182302].
Meanwhile, Iran warned on Tuesday that it cannot guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz unless there is coordination with Tehran [182308]. The statement pushes back against a recent call by the United States and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) for "free and unconditional" navigation in the strategic waterway. The strait is a narrow channel linking the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes. Iran's warning signals heightened tensions in the region, and the statement underscores the fragile balance in one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints [182308].
Diplomatic efforts to advance US-Iran talks continue. Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry announced that the United States and Iran will resume technical talks next week as part of diplomatic efforts to solidify recent understandings between the two countries [180499]. Pakistani and Qatari officials are working to convince Iranian negotiators to return to the negotiating table in Switzerland after recent threats by former U.S. President Donald Trump angered Iranian leaders, causing them to suspend participation in the talks [178583]. Saudi Arabia and Qatar discussed mediation efforts related to a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran [179244]. Iranian and Saudi foreign ministers held a phone call emphasizing regional stability and calling for progress in negotiations between Iran and the United States [180878]. China will continue to support Pakistan and other like-minded nations in helping facilitate talks between Iran and the United States [180901].
Negotiators from Iran and the United States resumed talks in Switzerland on ending the Middle East war, and the two sides agreed to set up communication lines to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and to end fighting in Lebanon [179056].