On Wednesday, Iran officially announced the suspension of its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. This decision comes in response to unprecedented strikes by Israel and the United States on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities.
The conflict that erupted between Iran and Israel on June 13 and continued for 12 days has significantly heightened tensions between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
On June 25, following the establishment of a ceasefire, Iranian lawmakers cast a decisive vote in favour of a bill aimed at suspending cooperation with the agency.
On Wednesday, state media reported that the legislation has successfully passed its final obstacle and is now in effect.
According to a report from Iranian media, the newly proposed legislation seeks to “ensure full support for the inherent rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran” as outlined in the nuclear non-proliferation treaty, with a particular emphasis on “uranium enrichment”.
At the heart of the discord between Washington and Tehran during the nuclear negotiations, which were disrupted by the war, lay the contentious issue of enrichment.
For years, Israel and several Western nations have levelled accusations against Iran, alleging that the country is pursuing nuclear weapons. Tehran, however, has steadfastly denied these claims.
The legal text failed to outline specific actions related to the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, even though inspectors have been granted access to the declared nuclear facilities.
After the parliamentary vote, the bill received approval from the Guardian Council, which is responsible for reviewing legislation, before its final ratification by the presidency.
On Wednesday, state television reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has enacted a law that suspends cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Iranian officials have expressed strong disapproval of the International Atomic Energy Agency, condemning what they characterise as the agency’s “silence” regarding the attacks on Iranian nuclear sites by Israel and the United States.
– Characterised by deception and fraud –
Tehran has criticised the UN agency following the adoption of a resolution on June 12, which charges Iran with failing to meet its nuclear obligations.
Officials in Iran have characterised the resolution as one of the “excuses” used to justify the attacks by Israel.
On Wednesday, Ali Mozaffari, a senior judiciary official, stated that IAEA director Rafael Grossi ought to “be held accountable” for what he described as “preparing the groundwork for the crime” against Iran, about Israel’s air raids.
Mozaffari has levelled accusations against Grossi, claiming he engaged in “deceptive actions and fraudulent reporting,” as reported by the Iranian news agency Tasnim.
Iran has turned down a request from Grossi to inspect nuclear facilities that were bombed during the war. Earlier this week, Pezeshkian criticised his conduct as “destructive.”
Iran has characterised Grossi’s request to inspect the bombarded sites as indicative of “malign intent,” while maintaining that there are no threats directed at him or the inspectors from his agency.
France, Germany, and Britain have issued a strong condemnation of vague “threats” directed at the head of the IAEA.
The ultra-conservative Kayhan newspaper in Iran has made a controversial assertion, alleging that documents indicate Grossi is an Israeli spy and calling for his execution.
– Damage –
On Monday, Esmaeil Baqaei, spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, stated that the parliamentary decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA was indicative of the “concern and anger of the Iranian public opinion.”
The conflict that lasted for 12 days was ignited by Israel’s extensive bombing campaign targeting Iran, resulting in the deaths of prominent military leaders and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Tehran unleashed a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Israel.
On June 22, the United States, a key ally of Israel, executed unprecedented military strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities located in Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz.
The Iranian judiciary reports that over 900 individuals have lost their lives in the country.
Authorities report that Iran’s retaliatory attacks have resulted in the deaths of 28 individuals in Israel.
US President Donald Trump claimed that the recent attacks had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear programme, although the precise extent of the damage remains uncertain.
Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, has acknowledged that there has been “serious” damage to the country’s nuclear facilities.
In a recent interview with CBS Evening News, he stated, “One cannot obliterate the technology and science… through bombings.”
