Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA. Photo Credit: aljazeera
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed into law the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), escalating a standoff following recent U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. According to Al JazeeraThe formal decree, enacted after parliamentary approval, now restricts IAEA inspectors from entering key nuclear facilities without prior clearance from Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Context Behind the Move
The Iranian parliament overwhelmingly approved the legislation on June 25, framing it as a response to what lawmakers described as the IAEA’s failure to condemn the U.S. and Israeli attacks, particularly on sites like Fordow and Natanz. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf criticized the agency for “compromising its credibility,” while Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized that future inspections would only proceed once Iran’s nuclear security is assured. Despite the suspension, both President Pezeshkian and Araghchi signalled Iran’s openness to diplomacy, stating that talks with the U.S. remain possible, though unlikely in the short term.
Implications for Nuclear Oversight
By requiring top-level approval for IAEA access, Iran significantly curtails independent verification of its nuclear activities, including its uranium enrichment programme—which recent reports indicate has approached near weapons‑grade levels. While this suspension stops short of abandoning the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), it marks a major setback for global oversight, risking further strain on regional stability and non-proliferation efforts.
Tensions Fuel Heightened Response
This legislative escalation follows a 12-day period of military strikes, during which Israel bombed Revolutionary Guard facilities and Iran’s uranium enrichment infrastructure. Retaliatory strikes by the U.S. on Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan caused significant damage. In response, Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei reaffirmed Tehran’s readiness to retaliate against further threats. Israel condemned the suspension as a blatant breach of international nuclear obligations and urged Western powers to re-trigger snap‑back sanctions under the 2015 nuclear deal framework.
What Comes Next
The IAEA has yet to receive formal notification on enforcement specifics and is likely to seek clarification. Meanwhile, Iran’s withholding of inspections may prompt new international countermeasures. Diplomatic channels remain open, but with trust eroded and oversight compromised, renewed negotiation will require patience, caution, and strategic reassurances.
For more world stories click here
Follow us for latest updates:
