Iran rejects U.S.-GCC statement as nuclear diplomacy continues

The Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a sharp rejection of the June 25 joint statement between the United States and its Gulf allies. Tehran dismissed Washington's commitment to regional security as "rhetoric and a distortion of reality," arguing that the U.S. military presence in the region remains a primary source of instability. Iranian officials further alleged that U.S. bases in GCC countries were utilized for operations against Iran during recent conflicts, complicating bilateral relations between Tehran and its neighbors.

Simultaneously, President Trump detailed a plan to redirect frozen Iranian funds toward the U.S. agricultural sector. Trump stated that Iran is "having a hard time with food" and that the U.S. would facilitate the purchase of wheat, soybeans, and corn using these assets. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei rejected these remarks, suggesting that Washington should prioritize its own domestic food insecurity before commenting on Iran's situation.

On the nuclear front, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed that the agency maintains a memorandum of understanding to oversee Iranian facilities. While Grossi noted that nuclear materials likely have not been moved since 2025, he emphasized that this remains subject to verification. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated a firm security stance, stating that regardless of any diplomatic agreements, Israel will not allow Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon under his leadership.