‘We believe in action and behavior, no words’: JD Vance says inspectors will oversee uranium stockpile | Today’s news
US Vice President JD Vance said on Thursday (June 18th) that the United States would rely on verification and inspections rather than assurances to implement an interim deal with Iran, stressing strict monitoring of Tehran’s nuclear program.
“We don’t believe in words. We believe in actions and behavior,” Vance said. “Words don’t matter.”
He added that international inspectors would verify Iran’s compliance, including monitoring its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
Vance said the US Navy has allowed more than a dozen ships to sail into Iranian ports as part of an interim deal aimed at ending the conflict.
He said the move is part of the early implementation of the deal and signals compliance with the military aspects of the agreement.
“So we’re also honoring our end of the early part of the deal on the military side,” Vance said.
He added that the move was an “immediate benefit” of the deal, despite criticism that the deal favors Iran.
Oil is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and has reached a wartime high
Vance said oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz have risen to their highest level since the conflict began.
He said more than 12.5 million barrels moved through the canal on Wednesday night.
He also said: “The largest amount of oil since the start of the war is now flowing through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Tankers break the blockade; Iranian exports are recovering
According to Vance, the two oil tankers left Iran on Tuesday and crossed the U.S. blockade without stopping, carrying a combined 3.8 million barrels of oil, according to vessel trackers.
Iranian state media said shipping in southern ports had “normalized”, although it stressed that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian military supervision and transit still requires coordination.
The 60-day deadline for nuclear negotiations begins
Vance confirmed that the 60-day negotiating window between the US and Iran begins on Thursday.
“I would say the 60-day period officially started today,” he said.
The aim of the talks is to reach a final agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, including limits on uranium enrichment and verification mechanisms.
He added that after the end of the period: “The final negotiations may set the terms of what follows.”
Trade structure: A partial return to the pre-war situation
Vance said the agreement largely restores pre-conflict conditions, including:
-Resumption of US-Iranian nuclear talks
– Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
-Release of sanctions against Iran
However, he admitted that many commitments still require final negotiations.
Congress will soon be briefed on the Iran deal
Vance said the administration would notify Congress “very soon,” though no specific date was given.
He said informal updates were already underway, but formal consultations were pending.
The White House believes: “We’re pretty confident that we can temporarily lift these sanctions without going to Congress,” he said.
Read also | Hormuz reopens after US-Iran peace deal: What it means for oil prices
Regional Security: Lebanon and Hezbollah
Vance said the deal included expectations that Iran would curb Hezbollah and de-escalate in Lebanon.
“The Israelis are not going wild in Lebanon,” he said, describing the reduction in violence as “radical progress.”
He added that the elected Lebanese government should take responsibility for security in the south rather than armed groups.
Ballistic missile capability reduced, says Vance
Responding to Trump’s remarks on Iran’s missile program, Vance said the U.S. strikes had already degraded Iran’s capabilities.
“We destroyed a significant number of their ballistic missiles,” he said.
He added that Iran will not be able to produce missiles capable of posing global threats.
Hormuz governance and future framework
Vance said the Strait of Hormuz should remain open and free for global energy trade without restrictions or fees.
He said the final governance structure would be decided in later talks.
“The final negotiations may set the terms of what comes next,” he said.
Read also | Inside Messy Iran Talks That Let Trump Claim Victory But Not Peace Yet
