Vance: The Iranian Nuclear Program Must Be Subject to Permanent Inspections

SadaNews - The U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance said on Tuesday that the United States must verify the dismantlement of the Iranian nuclear program through ongoing inspections.

In an interview, Vance stated: "Trump asked us to use the memorandum of understanding with Iran to replenish the global economy with oil and then we’ll see how things develop."

Vance pointed out that Trump "wanted to rearrange the cards with Iran to see the pressure points and where progress could be made."

He continued, saying: "Things have changed a lot with Iran; their military capabilities have diminished, their economy has weakened, and Israel and Lebanon are now talking to each other."

He emphasized that Trump "wants to continue the negotiating track with Tehran based on verifiable commitments," adding: "We want permanent commitments from Iran."

During an interview with "Fox News," Vance stated: "I believe the United States is in an excellent position regardless of the final outcome of the negotiations. If the negotiations succeed, which we all hope for, we will witness a radical shift in Iran. If the Iranians do not comply with their terms, their nuclear program and military will remain destructive, and the United States will remain in a much stronger position than the Iranians."

Trump mentioned on Tuesday that the scheduled meeting between the United States and Iran in the Qatari capital, Doha, this week "might be important, or perhaps not," while Tehran denied holding any negotiations with the U.S. in the coming days.

Trump added in remarks to reporters in the Oval Office that the anticipated meeting could be a significant milestone, without providing further details about its agenda or level of participation.

In contrast, the spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majid Al-Ansari, said on Monday that Washington's envoys, Steve Weitzman and Jared Kushner, are currently in Doha to meet with intermediaries and discuss negotiations, while no high-level meeting is scheduled with Iran.

The spokesperson confirmed that the $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets in Qatar "has not yet been transferred to Tehran and is subject to the 2023 agreement," indicating that it is "designated for the purchase of humanitarian goods."

Al-Ansari explained that "a direct communication line has been used to de-escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and contain confrontations over the past few days."

He continued, saying: "We are coordinating with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the safe passage of ships."

Washington and Tehran agreed to halt the renewed attacks in recent days despite signing a memorandum of understanding in mid-June aimed at ending the war in the Middle East.

This memorandum, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, paved the way for negotiations aimed at reaching a final agreement within a 60-day timeframe.