Iran's ambassador to the United Nations on Tuesday refuted statements made by US Vice President JD Vance about supposed agreements reached at the latest negotiations in Switzerland.
At a press conference in Geneva, Ali Bahreini cited Vance's remarks the previous day about the handling of the Iranian nuclear programme and the use of Iranian assets frozen abroad.
Iran has not yet agreed to the deployment of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to monitor its nuclear activities, Bahreini said.
On Monday, following high-level talks with Iranian representatives at the Bürgenstock Hotel near Lucerne, Vance said Iran would allow the IAEA into the country, but that no timetable had yet been established.
Whether inspectors will travel to Iran again is the subject of discussions by a working group that has yet to convene, Bahreini said.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei also told reporters in Tehran that no IAEA inspections of damaged nuclear facilities are currently planned.
Questions over Iranian assets
Bahreini also contradicted Vance's statement that the US and Qatar would determine how released Iranian assets are used. Vance had said that soybeans, corn and wheat would be purchased from the US.
"Iran is the only country to decide what to do with its assets," the ambassador told reporters.
At least two working groups are shortly expected to convene, according to Bahreini. Discussions are also under way regarding participation and the timing and location of meetings, said the ambassador. He did not rule out further talks at the Bürgenstock Resort.
Iran's IRNA state news agency cited Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi as saying working groups were agreed upon during talks covering an end to sanctions against Iran, its nuclear programme, reconstruction and the monitoring and implementation of the negotiations.
According to the mediating states of Pakistan and Qatar, there are also two contact groups focusing on issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and the ceasefire in Lebanon.
Iran demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Regarding the situation in Lebanon, the Iranian ambassador said Tehran is clear that the framework agreement with the US not only stipulates an end to Israeli attacks but also the complete withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanese territory.
A complete withdrawal of Israeli forces is not explicitly mentioned in the framework agreement. However, the text mentions guaranteeing Lebanon's territorial integrity and sovereignty, which the parties reportedly intend to ensure.
Israel says it is fighting the Hezbollah militia in Lebanon, which launches attacks against Israel from there.
"Hezbollah is our ally," Bahreini said, underscoring that if Israel violates the framework agreement by attacking the militia, Tehran would respond.
