Iranian officials have contradicted statements made by U.S. Vice President-elect Kamala Harris’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, regarding inspections of damaged Iranian nuclear sites. Iran stated it will independently decide how to utilize assets unfrozen as part of any potential deal. The country’s envoy emphasized that Iran will be the sole determinant in the use of these funds. Simultaneously, Iran cautioned that escalating tensions, particularly a potential clash in Lebanon, could jeopardize any progress towards a broader agreement. This marks a second instance of apparent disagreement between Iran and the incoming U.S. administration, signaling potential challenges in reviving the nuclear deal. The statements underscore Iran’s insistence on maintaining control over its own affairs and its concerns about regional instability impacting negotiations. These developments suggest a potentially contentious path forward in US-Iran relations.