Iran offers nuclear site access to IAEA in exchange for sanctions relief

Iran has proposed granting International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors access to its nuclear facilities that were targeted in recent attacks, in exchange for sanctions relief. The offer was made by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during meetings in New York, according to sources familiar with the matter cited by Bloomberg.

Diplomats said Araghchi presented the proposal during talks with European and Middle Eastern diplomats, but did not provide detailed information about the state of Iran’s economy during those meetings.

The diplomats added that the proposal may signal the economic pressure facing Tehran, amid sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade outside the Strait of Hormuz that has severely restricted Iranian oil exports.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump questioned Iran’s willingness to honor any future agreement, urging Iranian leaders to "make the right decision."

Trump said: "In the past few days, we have moved more oil out of the Strait of Hormuz. The Navy has been truly remarkable, enforcing a blockade. We are the only ones able to pass through, or those we allow. Iran has not managed to get a single ship through—not one in months."

He added: "When the war ends—and it will, one way or another—they need to take the right and smart action, or they will not last long. Frankly, I hate to see that, but they will not last long. There are people who believe no agreement can be reached with the Iranians."