U.S. Vice President Vance: Nuclear Inspectors to Return to Iran, U.S. to Support Uranium Disposal

International nuclear inspectors are set to return to Iran, U.S. Vice President JD Vance announced.

In an interview with NBC News on June 16 (local time), Vice President Vance addressed the return of International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors to Iran, stating, "It is one of the key provisions very clearly stipulated in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war between the U.S. and Iran."

While noting that the timing for the resumption of inspections will be discussed later, Vice President Vance expressed optimism, saying, "Because there is a broad consensus, the resumption of inspections will also take place quickly."

He added, "The IAEA and the United States will support the process of disposing of Iran's stockpiles of highly enriched uranium."

He continued by emphasizing the necessity of implementing the agreement, stating, "If Iran keeps its long-term commitment not to develop nuclear weapons, it will be able to develop into a successful nation."

Vice President Vance stated that the U.S. and Iran have agreed on a basic framework to end the war, and the full text of the MOU is scheduled to be released after the official signing ceremony in Switzerland on June 19.

Regarding the delay in releasing the document, he explained, "It is because we need to coordinate the technical details of the implementation process rather than the agreement itself," and noted that Qatar and Pakistan played significant roles in the mediation process.

He also dismissed claims that the agreement reached by the Donald Trump administration with Iran is not significantly different from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed in 2015 during the Barack Obama administration.

Vice President Vance argued, "The Obama administration essentially paid money to stop Iran's nuclear program," adding, "But now, Iran's nuclear program has been completely dismantled."

Regarding the proposal raised within Iran to impose tolls for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, he said, "An agreement has been reached so that ships can pass for free during the 60 days of final negotiations."

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.