Tehran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has officially ordered the suspension of Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This move follows a new law that was passed by Iran’s parliament last week and approved soon after by the Constitutional Council.
The law calls for halting cooperation with the IAEA until Iran’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed. President Pezeshkian sent a letter on Tuesday to Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, Foreign Ministry, and the Supreme National Security Council to implement the new law.
The decision comes in response to what Iran described as violations of its sovereignty by the US and Israel. In recent weeks, Iran has faced airstrikes from Israel, killing scientists and commanders, and US strikes on nuclear sites.
Under this law, IAEA inspectors will not be allowed in Iran unless the Supreme National Security Council approves and guarantees safety. Iranian lawmakers have also demanded a ban on entry for IAEA chief Rafael Grossi, accusing him of helping Israel and the US in attacks against Iran.
Earlier, the IAEA Board of Governors passed an "Anti-Iran" resolution accusing Iran of non-compliance with nuclear safeguards, which Iran strongly rejected.
Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal had limited uranium enrichment to peaceful levels and allowed close inspections. However, tensions and conflicts have eroded trust.
The Supreme National Security Council is expected to oversee the law’s enforcement. As Pezeshkian heads the council, his order indicates Iran is serious about reducing cooperation unless its conditions are met.
This decision marks a major setback in global efforts to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities and reduce regional tensions.