Day 117 of Iran War: Nuclear Inspection Dispute Deepens as US Senate Limits Presidential War Powers

Iran and the US have issued contradictory statements on key issues as negotiators try to finalize a deal within a 60-day timeline. Differences persist over nuclear monitoring and enforcement of any agreement, highlighting the challenges both sides face.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran would not be allowed to collect fees at the Strait of Hormuz under any final deal, stressing that the strategic waterway must remain open to international shipping.

Meanwhile, Iran rejected US claims that it had agreed to allow nuclear inspectors back, after President Donald Trump said Tehran had accepted the “highest” level of oversight. The conflicting statements underscore the gap negotiators are still trying to bridge.

Here are the key developments:

In Iran:

• Iran’s military shifts to “offensive doctrine”: General Ahmad Reza Pourdastan, head of Iran’s Army Strategic Studies and Research Center, said Tehran has moved away from a purely defensive posture and now incorporates proactive operations into its military strategy. According to the semi-official Fars news agency, Pourdastan said Iran could “seriously surprise the enemy” if national interests require it, adding that much of its military capacity remains unused. The comments mark a departure from the “strategic patience” doctrine associated with the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, reflecting Tehran’s shift toward what analysts describe as “active and unprecedented deterrence” after its war with the US and Israel.
• Iran says no IAEA inspection plans: Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei denied reports of a meeting with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi and said there are currently no plans for visits or inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog. Baghaei said Iran’s dealings with the IAEA will follow existing procedures, safeguards obligations, parliamentary law, and decisions of the Supreme National Security Council. Iran suspended cooperation with the IAEA after US and Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities in June 2025, and while diplomacy continues under the 60-day framework, Tehran says it has not allowed inspectors to return.

War diplomacy:

• Expert: “No way” US and Iran can finalize deal in 60 days: Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, told Al Jazeera there is “no way” Washington and Tehran can finalize a deal within the 60-day timeline repeatedly cited by President Donald Trump. “I think we’re talking at least into next calendar year,” he said, adding that he wouldn’t be surprised if both sides simply “run out the clock” by continuing talks and keeping the Strait of Hormuz open without reaching a final deal before Trump’s term ends.
• Qatar says LNG output could return to normal in weeks: Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said Qatar is preparing to restore normal liquefied natural gas (LNG) production after the temporary US-Iran deal. Qatar, the world’s second-largest LNG producer, halted output in March after an Iranian drone attack on the Ras Laffan facility. Sheikh Mohammed said most production could resume within weeks, except for the damaged area, adding that QatarEnergy will only lift the force majeure declaration when satisfied that all safety and operational concerns have been addressed.

In the Gulf:

• Rubio “trying to sell the deal” with Iran on Gulf tour: Alan Fisher, reporting from Washington, DC, said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is visiting the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Bahrain — three Gulf states seen as most affected by the war with Iran. Rubio, who also serves as Trump’s national security advisor, is expected to reassure regional allies that US security commitments remain intact. He will also address the Gulf Cooperation Council in Bahrain, where he is “really trying to sell the deal” amid concerns over Washington’s response to Iranian attacks.

In the US:

• US Senate passes resolution limiting Trump’s war powers on Iran: The Senate voted 50-48 to approve a measure requiring congressional approval for further US military action against Iran, marking the first time a war powers resolution related to this conflict has passed both chambers of Congress. Four Republicans — Bill Cassidy, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, and Rand Paul — joined nearly all Democrats in supporting the measure, while Pennsylvania Democrat Senator John Fetterman voted against it. The resolution is expected to face a veto from President Trump.

In Israel:

• Ben-Gvir says US “very naive” on Iran: Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said the US would be “very naive” to believe Iran will give up its nuclear program, and hinted that Israel could act independently against Tehran. “Israel has a responsibility to confront this Iranian threat and act against it alone,” he told Israel’s Channel 7, adding that “no circumstances” could force Israel to act “on the orders of a friend, even if that friend is truly great.” His remarks come amid reports of tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv over Israeli strikes on Lebanon and ongoing US-Iran talks. Last week, US Vice President JD Vance publicly criticized Israeli cabinet ministers for “attacking” Washington, calling the US Israel’s “only strong ally” left in the world.

In Lebanon:

• UN says ceasefire “broadly maintained” in southern Lebanon: The United Nations said the ceasefire in southern Lebanon appears to be “broadly maintained,” although peacekeepers continue to observe Israeli army ground and air activities. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said UNIFIL troops witnessed “heavy” machine-gun fire and three tank shells fired by Israeli forces near Biyyada on Monday, while drones were also seen “apparently monitoring UNIFIL peacekeepers.” The incident came a day after peacekeepers reported the first day without any exchange of fire since hostilities escalated on March 2. The UN called on all parties to “fully adhere to the ceasefire and avoid any escalatory actions, especially during this sensitive period of ongoing negotiations.”