Iran Halts Cooperation with IAEA After Military Clashes with Israel and US
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has enacted a new law that halts the nation's collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as reported by Iran's state media on Wednesday. This decision represents a significant escalation in Iran's ongoing nuclear confrontation with global powers, following recent military tensions involving Israel and the United States.
The legislation, which saw overwhelming support in Iran's Parliament with 221 votes in favor and only one abstention, was sanctioned by Iran's constitutional watchdog before being presented to the president. With President Pezeshkian's approval, the law is now in effect, effectively ending Iran's cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear oversight body.
As per reports from state broadcaster Press TV and news agencies Mehr and Tasnim, the legislation is a direct response to a recent 12-day military conflict that began when Israel conducted strikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities on June 13. Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israeli targets, leading the United States to launch strikes on key Iranian nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. A ceasefire brokered by the U.S. took effect on June 24, bringing the hostilities to a stop.
Iranian authorities have accused the IAEA of failing to address or condemn the attacks on its nuclear sites during the hostilities. They claim that the agency's lack of response has compromised its credibility and impartiality, prompting Iran to sever cooperation. This suspension raises significant concerns about the future of international monitoring of Iran's nuclear activities and could further complicate diplomatic efforts in the region.
The IAEA's ability to access Iranian facilities and verify the peaceful nature of Tehran's nuclear ambitions is now at risk, increasing global apprehension about unchecked nuclear development in an already unstable region.
