WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States and Iran on Wednesday issued conflicting statements over key elements of their recently signed framework agreement, casting uncertainty over efforts to secure a lasting peace following months of conflict.
US President Donald Trump said Iran had agreed to permit international nuclear inspections “into infinity,” while Tehran rejected the claim, insisting that its nuclear programme was not discussed during the latest round of negotiations in Switzerland.
“We’re getting along quite well,” Trump said, expressing optimism about the talks despite growing differences over implementation of the agreement.
The two sides also disagreed over the use of Iranian assets frozen abroad. Trump said the funds would be directed toward purchasing food and medical supplies from the United States, while Iranian officials maintained that Tehran would retain full authority over how the money is spent.
The framework agreement, signed last week, calls for an immediate end to hostilities, the suspension of US sanctions on Iran, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and the establishment of a $300 billion reconstruction fund. However, several major issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear programme, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel’s military presence in Lebanon.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran would not be permitted to impose tolls on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, despite statements from Iran and Oman asserting their sovereign rights over the strategic waterway.
The reopening of the strait has allowed maritime traffic to resume after weeks of disruption. The United Nations is coordinating efforts to evacuate approximately 11,000 seafarers stranded during the closure.
Meanwhile, domestic opposition to the war appears to be growing in the United States. In a rare rebuke to the White House, the Republican-controlled Senate voted 50-48 in favour of a resolution directing the president to withdraw US forces from hostilities, marking the first time both chambers of Congress have endorsed such a measure under the War Powers Act.
A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that 35 percent of Americans believe the United States is now in a weaker position with Iran than before the conflict, compared with 23 percent who said Washington’s position had improved.
Regional tensions also persist over Lebanon. Iranian officials said the agreement requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territory, while Israel has insisted it will maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon. Fresh violence on Tuesday left two people dead in southern Lebanon, prompting Hezbollah to accuse Israel of violating the ceasefire.
Despite progress toward de-escalation, disagreements over inspections, sanctions relief, maritime access and regional security continue to test the durability of the US-Iran peace framework.