Iran Enacts Law to Halt Cooperation with IAEA Following Security Concerns

The Iranian legislative body responsible for reviewing proposed laws has given the green light to a bill that suspends cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

The bill received approval from Iranian lawmakers on Wednesday, just one day after a ceasefire concluded a 12-day conflict with Israel, during which both Israeli and US forces targeted Iranian nuclear sites.

Since the conflict began on June 13, Iranian officials have expressed strong discontent with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for its failure to denounce these military strikes. Additionally, Iran has criticized the IAEA for a resolution passed on June 12, which accused the country of failing to meet its nuclear obligations. Iranian officials assert that this resolution served as a key justification for the attacks from Israel and the US.

Hadi Tahan Nazif, spokesman for the Guardian Council, stated that the government must cease all interaction with the IAEA to uphold the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iran. He emphasized that the bill was a direct response to the “attacks… by the Zionist regime and the United States against peaceful nuclear facilities.”

Once finalized, the bill will be sent to President Masoud Pezeshkian for ratification, allowing Iran to “benefit from all entitlements under… the Non-Proliferation Treaty, particularly regarding uranium enrichment,” according to Nazif.

Moscow, a key ally of Tehran, has previously voiced opposition to the decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov highlighted the importance of maintaining collaboration, affirming that Iran has no intentions of developing nuclear weapons.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on X that cooperation with the IAEA is currently “not possible” until security at Iran’s nuclear facilities has been assured.

The conflict escalated on June 13 when Israel launched an extensive bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations, resulting in the deaths of prominent scientists and military leaders. Following this, the US conducted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz.