Iran has formally cut back its cooperation with the UN nuclear agency, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The step comes after a 12-day war with Israel and included joint Israeli-US military attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. Therefore, IAEA inspectors have departed Iran, while the agency is calling on Tehran to reinstate vital monitoring activities.
The step, which was endorsed by Iranian lawmakers, further tightens nuclear diplomacy as well as raises international suspicions about uranium enrichment and openness.
Inspectors Depart Iran Following Conflict
“An IAEA team of inspectors today safely departed from Iran to return to the agency headquarters in Vienna, after staying in Tehran throughout the recent military conflict.” The agency tweeted on X that it’s on-the-ground presence amidst the conflict was invaluable.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the importance of resuming monitoring and verification as soon as possible. He referred to it as “indispensable” for nuclear monitoring.
Iranian Parliament Votes to Stop Cooperation
Iran’s suspension went into effect on Wednesday and that too one day before. On June 25, the Iranian parliament strongly supported the action. Lawmakers approved the measure after a ceasefire entered into force.
The bill seeks to safeguard Iran’s nuclear rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The legislation particularly underscores the right to enrich uranium, according to Iranian media. The government maintains that suspension of cooperation is a legal assertion of national sovereignty.
U.S. Reaction and Stalled Negotiations
Washington denounced Iran’s action, and the U.S. labeled it “unacceptable” and asked Iran to resume negotiations. Negotiations had been suspended after Israel launched military strikes on June 13. The U.S. maintains that sustained diplomacy is essential to prevent further nuclear escalation.
The IAEA now faces a hard decision as it cannot monitor Iran’s nuclear activity without access. The situation is tense as the world awaits Tehran and major powers’ reactions in the days ahead.