Middle East crisis live: Trump claims Iran has agreed to nuclear inspections ‘long into future’, accusing Tehran of ‘false statements’

Key Points:

• Former US President Donald Trump claimed on social media that Iran has “fully and completely” agreed to the highest level of nuclear inspections indefinitely, asserting this ensures “Nuclear Honesty” and justifies keeping the Strait of Hormuz open without a naval blockade.
• Iran, however, stated that the UN’s nuclear watchdog will not inspect key nuclear sites damaged by previous US and Israeli strikes, with its foreign ministry emphasizing that interactions with the IAEA will continue only under current procedures and require parliamentary and national security council approval.
• Iran and Oman have formed a joint working group to study potential service fees and administration for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while committing to toll-free safe passage and engaging other regional stakeholders in discussions.
• The Pentagon reportedly seeks approximately $80 billion from the US Congress to cover costs related to the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran, amid broader increases in US military spending and upcoming Gulf diplomatic engagements led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
• The conflict’s regional impact has triggered severe energy, food, and economic shocks, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning of long-lasting consequences, while tensions continue with Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon leading to fatalities and Iran warning that further Israeli aggression could jeopardize ongoing peace talks.