Iranian president enacts law suspending nuclear watchdog cooperation
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently enacted a law passed by the country’s parliament that would terminate Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This decision came swiftly after the U.S. conducted Operation Midnight Hammer, targeting three major nuclear sites in Iran: Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
The new legislation dictates that any future inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the IAEA must be approved by the country’s Supreme National Security Council, as reported by Reuters. Iran alleges that the IAEA aligned with the U.S. and Israel during the recent conflict and asserts that the IAEA’s resolution in early June paved the way for Israel’s airstrikes.
While Pezeshkian’s order did not specify a timetable or the exact implications of suspending cooperation, the IAEA is still awaiting confirmation from Iran, according to Fredrik Dahl, the agency’s spokesperson. This move has put nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran on hold following Israel’s Operation Rising Lion.
Despite the tensions, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that diplomacy doors remain open, but cast doubt on President Trump’s timeline for resuming talks. Araghchi emphasized the need to ensure that the U.S. would not engage in military attacks against Iran during negotiations.
Critics of the Trump administration have questioned the extent of the damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei admitted that the sites were severely damaged in an interview with Al Jazeera.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains uncertain how the conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel will progress. The decision to end cooperation with the IAEA marks a significant development in the ongoing tensions in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
