John AdoyiIran has formally suspended its cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in the aftermath of US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian signed the measure into law on Wednesday, a week after Iran’s parliament passed the bill in response to a series of strikes targeting the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe move follows a US-led assault on key sites, including the heavily fortified Fordow facility, and an Israeli attack launched on 13 June, which sparked a 12-day conflict. A US-brokered ceasefire took effect on 24 June.
According to Iranian state television, the new law mandates the immediate suspension of all cooperation with the IAEA under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and its Safeguards Agreement. The suspension will remain in place “until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists.”
Under the legislation, IAEA inspectors will no longer be granted access to Iranian nuclear sites without explicit authorisation from the country’s Supreme National Security Council.
In a brief statement, the IAEA said: “We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told CBS News that the US bombing of the Fordow site had caused “serious and heavy damage.” He also stated that IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is “no longer welcome” in Iran, further straining ties between Tehran and the international monitoring body.
Iranian officials have long criticised Grossi for alleged bias, especially after the IAEA’s Board of Governors adopted a resolution on 12 June accusing Tehran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations. Iran claims the resolution served as a justification for Israel’s subsequent strikes.
Grossi had reportedly requested access to assess the damage at affected sites, but Tehran has rejected the request.
The suspension of cooperation with the IAEA has drawn immediate criticism from Israel and Germany, who warned that halting inspections would undermine any prospects for diplomatic engagement.
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“The international community must have transparency,” said a spokesperson for Germany’s Foreign Ministry. “Cooperation with the IAEA is not optional — it is essential for building trust.”
As diplomatic tensions continue to rise, analysts have warned that Iran’s decision risks further isolating the country and exacerbating instability across the already volatile Middle East.
