June 23, 2026, 12:57 p.mJune 23, 2026, 12:57 p.m
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has contradicted US Vice President JD Vance’s statements about joint agreements at recent negotiations in Switzerland.
Ali Bahreini, at a press conference in Geneva, cited statements made by Vance about the handling of Iran’s nuclear program and the use of Iranian assets frozen abroad.
Discussions regarding nuclear inspectors are still ongoing
Iran has not yet agreed to send inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor nuclear activities. On Monday, at the conclusion of high-level talks with Iranian representatives in the Bürgenstock hotel complex near Lucerne, US Secretary of State JD Vance said that Iran would allow the IAEA into the country, but there was no timetable yet.
Whether inspectors will travel to Iran again is the subject of discussions in a working group that has yet to meet, Bahreini said.
Vance had declared that IAEA inspectors would be allowed back into Iran.Image: keystone
Iranian Foreign Office spokesman Ismail Baghai also told reporters in Tehran this morning (local time) that no inspections of damaged nuclear facilities by the IAEA were currently planned.
Ambassador: Use of assets is Iran’s business
Ambassador Bahreini also disputed Vance’s statement that the U.S. and Qatar determine how declassified Iranian assets are used. For this purpose, soy, corn and wheat are bought in the USA, Vance explained. “Iran is the only country that decides what happens to these assets,” the ambassador said. “No other country has the right to influence it.”
Conversations again on the Bürgenstock?
According to Bahreini, at least two working groups are expected to start work “shortly”. Discussions are currently underway about who will be involved and when and where meetings should take place. The ambassador did not rule out further discussions at the Bürgenstock Resort.
Ambassador Ali Bahraini.Image: keystone
According to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kasem Gharibabadi, the talks included working groups on the topics of ending sanctions against Iran, the nuclear program, reconstruction as well as monitoring and implementing the negotiations, as the Iranian state news agency Irna reported this morning. According to the mediating states Pakistan and Qatar, there are also two contact groups on issues relating to the Strait of Hormuz and the ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon
Regarding the situation in Lebanon, Ambassador Bahreini said that it is clear to Iran that the framework agreement with the USA provides not only for the end of Israeli attacks, but also for the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanese territory.
A complete withdrawal of the Israeli army is not explicitly mentioned in the framework agreement. However, the text speaks of ensuring the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon, which the sides therefore want to ensure.
Israel says it is fighting in Lebanon against the Hezbollah militia, which carries out attacks on Israel from there. “Hezbollah is our ally,” said the ambassador. “If they (the Israelis) violate the framework agreement by attacking Hezbollah, Iran will definitely respond,” he threatened. (sda/dpa)