IAEA, US to assist Iran in destroying enriched uranium — JD Vance

Lead

US Vice President JD Vance has confirmed that Iran has agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors back into the country and that the United States and the IAEA will assist Iran in destroying its enriched uranium stockpile. Vance made the statements during a series of interviews and at the Burgenstock resort in Switzerland, where US-Iran talks opened on Sunday.

"Yes, absolutely," Vance said in an interview with NBC News when asked whether the deal provides for the return of IAEA experts. "In fact, one of the core parts of the agreement is that the [International Atomic Energy Agency] and the United States are going to help Iran destroy the highly enriched [uranium] stockpile," he emphasized.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from TASS and the South China Morning Post converges on the central elements of the agreement while offering complementary details. TASS, citing Vance's interviews, highlights the return of IAEA experts to destroy the enriched uranium stockpile, the lifting of the US naval blockade as of June 15, and a 60-day ceasefire to discuss Tehran's nuclear program. The South China Morning Post reports that Tehran agreed to invite IAEA inspectors back, a development Vance described as "a major milestone for the American people and the first step in permanently denuclearising or permanently ending a nuclear weapons programme in Iran."

The sources agree on the agreement's scope and the involvement of the IAEA, but each emphasizes different aspects. TASS focuses on the technical and logistical details of the agreement, including the memorandum of understanding and the lifting of the blockade. The South China Morning Post provides context on Iran's enriched uranium stockpile and the suspension of IAEA cooperation after attacks in June 2025.

Key Claims

• The US-Iran deal provides for the return of IAEA experts to Iran to destroy its stockpile of enriched uranium. This claim is carried by both TASS and the South China Morning Post, with Vance quoted directly by both outlets.
• The IAEA estimates that Iran had 440 kilograms (970 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 per cent, close to the level needed for a bomb, as reported by the South China Morning Post.
• Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after Israel and the US launched attacks in June 2025, and inspectors have not seen the material since, according to the South China Morning Post.
• The US naval blockade of Iran will be lifted as of June 15, and a 60-day ceasefire will be implemented to discuss Tehran's nuclear program, as reported by TASS, citing Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
• Iran commits to ceasing support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, as part of a memorandum of understanding that includes a clause on regional peace and stability, according to Vance's statements reported by TASS.
• The agreements will cover Israel, Lebanon, and the Persian Gulf countries, with Vance describing it as "a true regional peace deal," as reported by TASS.
• The document is scheduled to be signed in Geneva on June 19, and there will be an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon, according to TASS reports.

Perspectives

US Vice President JD Vance: Vance frames the agreement as a major milestone and a regional peace deal. He emphasizes the destruction of the enriched uranium stockpile and Iran's commitment to regional peace, including ceasing support for Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi: As reported by TASS, Gharibabadi stated that during the 60-day ceasefire, the parties will discuss Tehran's nuclear program, among other things. His comments focus on the ceasefire and the lifting of the blockade, providing an official Iranian perspective on the agreement's implementation.

Pakistan as mediator: TASS reports that officials from the US, Iran, and Pakistan, which acts as a go-between, confirmed that Washington and Tehran had reached an agreement. Pakistan's role as mediator is noted, but no direct statements from Pakistani officials are included in the available material.