US-Iran Deal Update: Trump claims Tehran accepts nuclear inspections, says Hormuz to stay open

US President Donald Trump took to Truth Social on Tuesday to claim that Iran had agreed to accept top-level nuclear inspections for the foreseeable future. The POTUS described the move as a major concession by Tehran amid market hopes that negotiations between both sides advance towards a permanent settlement.

Trump's latest remarks follow days of intensive diplomacy between American and Iranian negotiators that have led to an interim deal, announced by both sides last week, that could lead to a more permanent truce.

In a post, the POTUS wrote that Iran had "fully and completely agreed" to extensive inspections and verification measures designed to ensure what he described as "nuclear honesty" long into the future. "Iran has fully and completely agreed to highest level Nuclear inspections long into the future (Infinity!!!)," he wrote.

Trump suggested that the proposed inspection regime would remain a central pillar of any final agreement between Washington and Tehran.

"If they did not agree to this, there would be no further negotiations," he added.

What Trump said about the Strait of Hormuz

The US president also indicated that the United States would not proceed with a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, citing what he described as significant concessions from Iran during the talks. According to him, shipping through the strategically important waterway -- which has remained at the centre of the West Asia crisis -- will stay uninterrupted under the current arrangement and naval assets will continue to be in position.

"All ships are remaining in place should it be necessary to reinstitute the Blockade, which seems, at this point, highly unlikely," he said.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz crucial to the Middle East breakthrough

The Strait of Hormuz -- a waterway that links the Gulf of Oman with the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea -- continues to be one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, given that it normally enables the transit of one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. Any threat to shipping through the region typically attracts close scrutiny from energy markets and policymakers worldwide.

Trump mentioned that any sanctions relief or funds released by the US Treasury would be placed into a US-controlled escrow mechanism and used exclusively for humanitarian purchases, including food and medical supplies sourced from America. He specifically mentioned commodities such as corn, wheat and soybeans, arguing that such supplies are urgently needed inside Iran and describing the situation as a humanitarian concern.

Trump criticises 'Fake News' once again

Once again criticising media coverage of the US-Iran talks, Trump accused what he described as "Fake News" of attempting to downplay developments between Washington and Tehran. He claimed that some media organisations are seeking to portray what he described as an American diplomatic victory as "small and insignificant" despite what he characterised as substantial concessions by Iran.

Trump has time and again challenged media coverage of major policy developments and negotiations involving his administration.

Iranian President arrives in Pakistan

According to foreign media reports, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in Pakistan on a day-long visit to discuss the implementation of agreements reached between Iran and the US.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly arrived in Islamabad after travelling from Muscat, where he had participated in high-level discussions with Omani leaders regarding management of the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi was reportedly accompanied by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf during the Oman discussions.

What JD Vance said about talks in Switzerland

Trump's latest statement follows comments by US Vice President JD Vance this week that "great progress" had been made towards a final agreement.

Describing the talks as providing a "very good foundation" for a broader settlement, Vance indicated that Iran had agreed in principle to permit international inspectors to return under a future verification arrangement.