U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States will not impose any further naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following recent negotiations with Iran, while also claiming Tehran has agreed to allow international inspections of its nuclear facilities.
The comments come despite statements from Iranian officials who have publicly denied that any such commitment on nuclear inspections has been made.
Trump said the latest understanding with Tehran includes provisions allowing international inspectors access to Iran’s nuclear program and the release of frozen Iranian assets under strict conditions.
According to Trump, approximately $12 billion in frozen Iranian funds will be released, with the money restricted to the purchase of American agricultural products.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and senior negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf confirmed that an agreement had been reached with Washington regarding the release of the funds but did not publicly endorse Trump’s characterization of the nuclear inspection arrangements.
The developments mark the latest sign of easing tensions between the two countries following weeks of diplomatic engagement aimed at reducing the risk of a broader regional conflict.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high elsewhere in the region. Israeli forces opened fire in the southern Lebanese town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, killing two people and wounding several others, according to local reports.
Hezbollah condemned the incident as a “blatant” violation of the existing ceasefire agreement and accused Israel of targeting civilians. Israeli officials have not immediately commented on the allegations.
The contrasting developments highlight the fragile nature of stability in the Middle East, where diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran is unfolding alongside continued security incidents on the Israel-Lebanon border.
