US Vice President JD Vance announced on Monday that Iran had agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country, describing the step as a ‘major achievement’ after the first round of political talks in Bürgenstock, Switzerland. Speaking at a press conference, Vance said the two sides had laid a ‘very good foundation’ for a final agreement, though he cautioned that significant work remains. Technical negotiations, he added, would continue in the coming days and weeks, with the possibility that IAEA inspectors could begin their work as early as this week.

According to Vance, the discussions covered a broad agenda beyond the nuclear file. The US is seeking a mechanism to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and ensure uninterrupted energy flows, including coordination on mine-clearing and communication channels to prevent escalation in the event of maritime incidents. Vance stated that regional governments—including Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—had been briefed throughout and were supportive of a US-Iran understanding. Viewed from Washington, the return of inspectors is framed as a first step toward permanently ending what Vance termed Iran’s nuclear weapons programme.

On Lebanon, Vance outlined a proposed mechanism to prevent clashes between Israel and Hezbollah from spiralling into a wider war. He said the US aims to protect both Israel’s security and Lebanon’s sovereignty, noting that Israel, according to its officials, has no territorial ambitions in southern Lebanon but remains concerned about Hezbollah rocket fire. The vice president stressed that Iran must ‘rein in’ Hezbollah and exert greater control over its activities. The mechanism would allow rapid communication between the parties if hostilities resume, part of a broader US push for a regional ceasefire.

Vance also addressed the fate of frozen Iranian assets, denying reports of an unconditional release. He described a proposal, developed with former US envoy Jared Kushner and Qatari mediators, under which any unfrozen funds would be channelled into purchases of US agricultural commodities such as soy, corn, and wheat—a structure he said would benefit both American farmers and the Iranian people while preventing the financing of terrorism. However, segments of the Iranian public, as reflected in messages to the London-based outlet Iran International, expressed deep scepticism that such funds would reach ordinary citizens, citing past experiences where resources were allegedly diverted to proxy forces and military programmes. Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed the agreements announced by Vance. The political round of talks has concluded, but technical teams remain in Switzerland, and the 60-day negotiation window continues.