President Pezeshkian Approves Law; Iran Suspends Cooperation with UN Nuclear Watchdog
This move marks one of the most drastic steps Iran has taken in its standoff with international powers over its nuclear program and could further deepen its diplomatic isolation.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has formally approved legislation to suspend cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Iranian state media reported on Wednesday. The measure, which emerged in the wake of last month’s Iran-Israel conflict, is now officially in effect, according to AFP.
Iran's state television announced that "Masoud Pezeshkian promulgated the law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency," marking a significant escalation in the country’s nuclear posture amid heightened regional tensions.
The law was introduced in response to what Tehran describes as hostile actions by Israel, including alleged attacks on Iranian territory during their most recent confrontation. Relations between Iran and the IAEA have been strained for years, with periodic disputes over inspections, transparency, and uranium enrichment levels. However, this move represents one of the most drastic steps taken by Iran in its standoff with international powers regarding its nuclear program.
The suspension of cooperation could further isolate Iran diplomatically and complicate efforts to revive the stalled nuclear deal known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which has been in limbo since the United States withdrew in 2018.
The IAEA has not yet issued a formal response, but Western governments are likely to view the move as a troubling sign of Iran’s unwillingness to engage constructively on nuclear oversight.
