Iran has officially suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after recent airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted its nuclear facilities.
The decision was signed into law by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, following approval from the country’s parliament and Guardian Council.
With this move, UN nuclear inspectors are now blocked from accessing key sites such as Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, until Iran receives firm security guarantees. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, noted that diplomacy is still on the table, but talks are unlikely to resume anytime soon.
Israel has strongly condemned the move. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar called on European nations to reimpose UN sanctions by activating the “snapback” clause in the 2015 nuclear deal.
Despite the suspension, the IAEA says it has not yet received official notification from Iran.
U.S. and Israeli strikes caused serious damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, according to American officials, who believe the attacks may have delayed Iran’s nuclear progress by several months. Satellite images also show ongoing repair work at the affected facilities.
The development comes as Iran’s uranium enrichment has reached levels close to what is needed for nuclear weapons. While Iran insists its nuclear programme is peaceful, global concerns are growing.
Iran remains a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but this latest decision makes international oversight of its nuclear activities more difficult.
