Iran Halts Cooperation With IAEA Amid Nuclear Tensions

 

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed into law a measure suspending the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), deepening concerns over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and further straining relations with the West.

The law, passed by Iran’s parliament last week, accuses the IAEA of colluding with Israel and enabling attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure—claims the UN watchdog firmly denies. Pezeshkian has directed Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, Supreme National Security Council, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to begin implementing the new policy, according to state-run news agency IRNA.

While the timing and scope of implementation remain uncertain, the move could severely limit international oversight of Iran’s nuclear program. As a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), Iran is obligated to allow inspections verifying the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities. Suspending cooperation could mark a serious breach of those commitments.

An IAEA spokesperson said the agency is awaiting official communication from Tehran, while global reaction to the announcement has been swift.

The United States condemned Iran’s decision as “unacceptable,” urging Tehran to reverse course and fully cooperate with inspectors. “Iran has a window of opportunity to choose a path of peace and prosperity,” said State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

Germany also voiced concern, with Foreign Ministry spokesman Martin Giese warning the move sends a “disastrous signal” and undermines hopes for a diplomatic resolution. UN officials echoed the alarm, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling the decision “concerning” and reiterating calls for transparency and compliance.

The announcement follows a period of heightened conflict. Last month, Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, military infrastructure, and key scientists. The United States followed with limited strikes targeting key sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow. The hostilities, which lasted 12 days, concluded with a fragile ceasefire.

Iran acknowledged damage to its nuclear sites but vowed to continue what it describes as a peaceful enrichment program. However, the IAEA recently reported that Iran is enriching uranium close to weapons-grade levels and noted it could resume full enrichment operations within months.

Tensions escalated further after the IAEA issued a formal resolution censuring Iran, a move that provoked outrage in Tehran. Iranian leaders accuse IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi of political bias, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reiterating that nuclear weapons are forbidden under Islamic law.

The breakdown in cooperation with the IAEA comes as a major setback to non-proliferation efforts and signals a further unraveling of the 2015 nuclear deal, which began to fall apart after the United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018 under President Donald Trump.