TEHRAN – Iran’s legislative vetting body approved a bill on Thursday to suspend cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The decision follows recent US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
Iranian lawmakers had voted in favor of the bill on Wednesday, just after a ceasefire ended a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. The conflict saw heavy Israeli and US attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Since the fighting began on June 13, Iranian officials sharply criticized the IAEA for not condemning the strikes. Tehran also condemned the agency for passing a resolution accusing Iran of violating its nuclear obligations.
The Guardian Council spokesman Hadi Tahan Nazif said the suspension is necessary to protect Iran’s national sovereignty and territory. He blamed the US and Israel for attacking Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, prompting the move.
The bill now awaits final approval from President Masoud Pezeshkian. If ratified, it will allow Iran to exercise its rights under the Non-Proliferation Treaty, particularly regarding uranium enrichment.
Meanwhile, Russia expressed concern over Iran’s decision, urging continued cooperation with the IAEA. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasized the importance of respecting Iran’s claims that it does not seek nuclear weapons.
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also supported the suspension, saying cooperation is impossible until the security of Iran’s nuclear sites is guaranteed.
The recent strikes began on June 13 with Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear and military targets, killing top scientists. The US joined with unprecedented strikes on key nuclear facilities days later, escalating tensions until the ceasefire took effect on Tuesday.