WASHINGTON — The United States has waived sanctions on Iran for 60 days under an interim agreement intended to support negotiations toward a broader accord, with U.S. officials saying the temporary relief is contingent on Tehran complying with the terms of the deal reached earlier this month.
The sanctions waiver, which took effect on Monday, follows initial talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Bürgenstock, Switzerland, held under mediation by Qatar and Pakistan, according to statements from the mediators and U.S. officials. The measure temporarily authorizes Iranian oil exports and forms part of a roadmap aimed at reaching a permanent agreement within 60 days.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran must comply with its commitments under the interim agreement or face renewed pressure. “I’ll do what I have to do,” Trump told reporters when asked about the possibility of reimposing sanctions if Iran fails to meet its obligations.
Vice President JD Vance, who led the U.S. delegation in Switzerland, said the discussions established “a good foundation for a successful final deal.” According to U.S. officials, negotiators agreed on a framework covering continued diplomatic engagement, maritime security and nuclear-related discussions, while emphasizing that further negotiations are required before a comprehensive agreement can be concluded.
Iran, however, disputed parts of the U.S. account. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Tehran had not begun formal negotiations on its nuclear program and had not agreed to invite inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to return to damaged nuclear facilities. Iranian officials also said no meeting had taken place with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during the talks in Switzerland.
Grossi said on Friday that the interim agreement provides for U.N. nuclear inspectors to regain access to Iranian nuclear sites as negotiations continue. He said verification by the IAEA would be essential to implementing any final agreement, although details regarding inspections and Iran's enriched uranium stockpile remain unresolved.
The sanctions waiver marks one of the most significant easing measures adopted by Washington since the latest diplomatic initiative began. U.S. officials have described the relief as temporary and reversible, while stressing that additional sanctions policy will depend on progress during the 60-day negotiating period. Iranian authorities have welcomed the economic relief but continue to maintain that broader sanctions must ultimately be lifted under any permanent settlement.
As of Friday, negotiations were continuing under the interim framework. Officials from both sides said discussions toward a permanent agreement were ongoing, while several operational details of the accord remained under negotiation.
