U.S. Vice President Vance: IAEA Team to Return to Iran, Support for Uranium Disposal

U.S. Vice President JD Vance [Photo=Reuters]

JD Vance, the U.S. Vice President, announced that an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspection team will return to Iran under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the U.S. and Iran.

In an interview with NBC News on June 15, Vance confirmed the IAEA team's return, stating, "Yes, absolutely," and emphasized that one of the key elements of the agreement is the U.S. and IAEA assisting Iran in disposing of its stockpile of enriched uranium, which is clearly outlined in the MOU.

He noted that the timing for resuming inspections could be coordinated by June 19, predicting that the related procedures would progress quickly. Vance remarked, "There is broad consensus on this issue, and there are no significant disagreements. It will proceed very swiftly."

Vance added, "If Iran complies with the agreement, it will reap the benefits. I hope Iran becomes a successful country, but that is only possible if it fulfills its long-term commitment not to develop nuclear weapons."

He stated that the U.S. and Iran have agreed on a basic framework for ending hostilities, and the full text of the MOU will be made public following an official signing ceremony in Switzerland on June 19.

Regarding the delay in releasing the document, Vance explained, "It is not about the MOU text itself but rather coordinating the technical details related to the implementation process." He also noted that Qatar and Pakistan played significant roles in mediating the agreement.

Vance dismissed some evaluations suggesting that this agreement is not significantly different from the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) established during the Obama administration in 2015. He stated, "The JCPOA was essentially a bribe to Iran to halt its nuclear program. The situation now is entirely different. Iran's nuclear program has been completely dismantled, and we are demanding a long-term commitment from Iran not to rebuild it."

On the proposal within Iran to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, Vance downplayed its significance. He stated, "The agreement clearly guarantees toll-free access for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz during the 60 days of negotiating the final agreement." He added, "Some factions within Iran may emphasize or exaggerate the benefits Iran receives while downplaying what the U.S. gains."

* This article has been translated by AI.