Washington, 24 June (H.S.):

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned that Washington would immediately suspend ongoing technical negotiations with Iran if Tehran refuses to allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to verify its nuclear programme.

Speaking to reporters during a visit to a manufacturing facility in Pennsylvania, Trump said the United States had received firm assurances that Iran would permit international nuclear inspections as part of the current diplomatic process.

Rejecting suggestions that Tehran had not agreed to inspections, Trump insisted the commitment had already been secured. He said the technical meetings would be cancelled if Iran failed to honour that understanding, adding that inspectors would be deployed when both sides considered the timing appropriate.

The remarks came as Washington and Tehran continued negotiations following the first round of talks held in Switzerland under a preliminary framework designed to reduce regional tensions and address long-standing disputes over Iran's nuclear activities, sanctions relief and broader security issues.

Trump expressed confidence that the negotiations were moving in a positive direction, claiming Iran's military capabilities had been significantly weakened during the recent conflict. He reiterated that the United States remained committed to ensuring that Iran would not acquire a nuclear weapon.

The US President also referred to developments in the Strait of Hormuz, saying oil shipments through the strategic waterway had increased sharply following the initial diplomatic breakthrough. He argued that improving energy flows reflected growing stability in the region after weeks of conflict.

Addressing the humanitarian situation inside Iran, Trump said any future economic arrangements could include provisions for food and medical assistance. He noted that agricultural exports from the United States could form part of broader humanitarian support if a comprehensive agreement is reached.

The latest comments underscore the central role of international nuclear inspections in the ongoing negotiations. While both countries have made progress through diplomatic engagement, differences remain over verification measures, sanctions relief and regional security, leaving the outcome of the talks uncertain as discussions continue.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar