Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley stated that a reported increase in executions of dissidents in Iran demonstrates the seriousness of the country's anti-American rhetoric. On Monday, Haley shared a Wall Street Journal report on X, titled "As War With U.S. Eases, Iran Steps Up Hangings of Dissidents," to support her assertion. She argued that the regime's treatment of its own citizens validates the threats made against the United States.

"This is how the regime treats the Iranian people. Believe them when they say ‘Death to America,’" Haley wrote. She added, "No handshake will change who they are or what they believe."

The Wall Street Journal report detailed at least dozens of executions this year tied to charges such as espionage and anti-state activity. Human rights groups indicated that many convictions stem from vague accusations and trials lacking due process. The report highlighted cases of young protesters and alleged spies who denied wrongdoing, with some families and lawyers disputing the evidence presented in court.

According to the report, Iran has intensified arrests and executions following unrest and protests. Authorities have utilized charges like "corruption on Earth" and "enmity against God" within fast-tracked judicial proceedings.

These developments occur amid reported diplomatic activity between Iran and the U.S. On Sunday, talks in Switzerland reportedly progressed, including claims of eased restrictions, asset releases, and a broader reconstruction framework tied to a Memorandum of Understanding. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated the agreement included steps toward lifting U.S. restrictions, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and advancing a 60-day roadmap for a final deal.

However, the negotiations faced disruption after President Donald Trump threatened control of the Strait of Hormuz and warned of further strikes over Iran-linked proxy activity in Lebanon. Iranian media reported a brief protest walkout, though reports indicated negotiations continued despite the tensions. Trump also warned that the U.S. could impose tolls or seize control of the strategic waterway if no agreement was reached.

Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf on Monday reaffirmed that Tehran will administer the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law, as the U.S. Treasury issues a 60-day license to export Iranian oil. The Iranian Parliament Speaker stated that the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will “never” go back to the pre-war status quo, according to a report by the Iranian news agency IRNA. “Iran will administer the Strait of Hormuz,” Ghalibaf said.

According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Washington and Tehran, the administration of the Strait of Hormuz would be at the discretion of Iran and Oman. At the same time, ships would be allowed to pass through the waterway free of charge for 60 days.

US Issues 60-Day General License

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced on Monday that the U.S. had issued “a temporary 60-day general license authorizing the production, delivery, and sale of Iranian oil.” Bessent stated that the decision followed “productive talks in Switzerland,” where Iran committed to “free and open transit in the Strait of Hormuz.” He also echoed Vice President JD Vance’s comments regarding Iran permitting inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) into their country.

Iran Denies New IAEA Deal

However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei reacted to Vance’s comments in a report by IRNA. Baqaei said that “Iran’s interactions with the Agency, in accordance with Iran’s obligations under the Safeguards Agreements, will continue according to existing procedures.” He added that interactions would continue in compliance with regulations decided upon by Iran’s Parliament and the Supreme National Security Council.

The report cited unnamed sources familiar with the matter, stating there were no discussions on the nuclear issue during the 18-hour negotiations and that Iran had not agreed to new commitments.

IAEA Access Status

Notably, Iran had suspended IAEA access to its sites that were bombed by Israel and the U.S. during last year’s 12-day war (June 13 to June 24). The agency pulled out its inspectors from the country in July last year. The country’s parliament had passed a law last year to suspend cooperation with the agency until the safety of its nuclear facilities could be guaranteed.