Fresh disagreements have emerged between the United States and Iran over key elements of their recently announced peace framework, including nuclear inspections, access to frozen assets, and the future status of the Strait of Hormuz. The conflicting accounts have cast uncertainty over the prospects of a lasting agreement, even as both sides continue negotiations aimed at ending months of conflict.
The latest dispute comes shortly after the first round of US-Iran talks concluded in Switzerland, where negotiators agreed on a roadmap for further discussions over the next 60 days.
Disagreement Over Nuclear Inspections
One of the biggest points of contention concerns Iran’s nuclear programme.
US President Donald Trump claimed that Tehran had agreed to allow international nuclear inspections indefinitely.
According to Trump, Iran had accepted the highest level of inspections “into infinity,” suggesting long-term monitoring of its nuclear facilities.
However, Iranian officials quickly rejected that interpretation. Tehran stated that its nuclear programme was not discussed in detail during the latest negotiations and denied agreeing to grant unrestricted access to inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency.
The contradictory statements highlight one of the most sensitive issues facing negotiators, as the future of Iran’s nuclear activities remains unresolved and is expected to be a central topic during the upcoming rounds of talks.
Frozen Assets Become Another Point of Dispute
The two countries are also offering different interpretations of an agreement concerning Iranian assets frozen abroad.
Trump stated that any funds released to Iran would be used primarily for purchasing food and medical supplies from the United States.
Iran, however, insists that it will retain full authority over how the money is spent. Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said Tehran would independently determine the allocation of any unfrozen assets.
The framework agreement reportedly includes provisions for easing sanctions and restoring Iran’s access to overseas funds as part of broader efforts to support economic recovery after the conflict.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Critical Issue
Another unresolved matter involves the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes.
The waterway handles approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies, making its security vital for international energy markets. While the agreement has allowed shipping traffic to resume, questions remain about long-term arrangements.
Iran has indicated that it may impose fees or tolls on vessels using the strait after an initial 60-day period. Meanwhile, US officials have rejected that possibility.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran would not be permitted to charge transit fees under any final agreement.
In a separate development, Iran and neighboring Oman issued a joint statement emphasizing their sovereign rights over the waterway and pledged to coordinate traffic management in the area.
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Political Pressure Builds in Washington
The ongoing negotiations are unfolding amid growing political debate inside the United States.
A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey found that 35% of Americans believe the United States is now in a weaker position regarding Iran than before the conflict, while only 23% believe Washington’s position has improved.
At the same time, the Republican-controlled Senate voted to support a resolution calling for an end to US military involvement in the conflict. Although largely symbolic, the vote highlighted divisions within Trump’s own political base and growing concerns about the costs of the war.
Oil Markets React to Diplomatic Developments
Financial markets have responded positively to signs of de-escalation. Oil prices have continued to fall as traders anticipate more stable energy supplies from the region.
The reopening of shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz has eased fears of a major disruption to global energy markets, although investors remain cautious due to the unresolved issues between Washington and Tehran.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization is working to assist thousands of seafarers who became stranded after the temporary closure of the strategic waterway.
Lebanon Remains a Sticking Point
Despite progress in broader negotiations, tensions continue over the conflict in Lebanon involving Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.
Iran maintains that any final settlement should include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. Israel, however, has indicated that it intends to maintain a security presence in southern Lebanon and continue operations against perceived threats.
Reports of fresh violence in southern Lebanon have further complicated efforts to secure a comprehensive regional settlement.
Outlook Remains Uncertain
Although both Washington and Tehran continue to describe negotiations as productive, significant differences remain over some of the most important elements of the proposed agreement. Nuclear inspections, sanctions relief, frozen assets, regional security arrangements, and maritime access are all issues that negotiators must address before a final deal can be reached.
For now, the peace process remains intact, but the conflicting narratives emerging from both sides underscore the fragile nature of the agreement and the challenges that lie ahead in transforming a temporary ceasefire into a lasting settlement.
