Iran announces suspension of cooperation with IAEA
Move follows parliamentary vote condemning IAEA's "politicized" resolution, Grossi may face entry ban
TEHRAN, Iran (MNTV) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has confirmed the suspension of Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), days after the Iranian Parliament passed a bill restricting the UN nuclear watchdog’s access to the country’s nuclear facilities.
The bill, approved on June 25, was introduced in response to what Iranian lawmakers described as a politically driven resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors.
Under the legislation, all future entries of IAEA inspectors will require approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, with a focus on ensuring the protection of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and its peaceful nuclear program.
Alireza Salimi, a member of the Majlis presidium, said both the general and specific provisions of the bill were passed by lawmakers, according to Mehr News Agency.
The legislation highlights concerns over the agency’s impartiality and seeks to condition future cooperation on “tangible guarantees” of professional conduct.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf had earlier warned of potential retaliatory steps, including a temporary suspension of cooperation, unless the IAEA provided assurances of neutrality.
“The Majlis is pursuing a plan to halt engagement with the agency until it receives credible guarantees regarding its behavior,” Qalibaf told legislators in a recent open session.
In parallel, senior MP Esmail Kowsari has proposed an entry ban on IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, accusing him of enabling what Iran views as a coordinated campaign by Israel and the United States.
The IAEA Board of Governors recently passed a resolution criticizing Iran for alleged non-compliance with its safeguards obligations—its first such measure in nearly two decades.
The resolution was supported by the US, UK, France, and Germany, with 19 votes in favor, 11 abstentions, and opposition from Russia, China, and Burkina Faso.
The resolution’s passage coincided with a string of hostile actions against Iranian nuclear sites, including a deadly June 13 strike attributed to Israel that targeted key facilities such as Natanz and led to the deaths of several nuclear scientists and high-ranking commanders.
Iranian officials have strongly criticized Grossi for what they say was his silence following the attacks, which they argue constituted violations of international law.
The UN agency chief has also been accused of failing to denounce US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, reportedly involving B-2 bombers and heavy munitions.
In the wake of these developments, Iran has moved to expand its nuclear capabilities, announcing the development of a new facility and upgrades to its centrifuge systems at the Fordow enrichment plant.
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