Iran parliament moves bill to halt UN nuclear watchdog cooperation
Iran's parliament has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, following recent Israeli airstrikes targeting its nuclear facilities, according to state-affiliated outlet Nournews, Reuters reported.
The bill, which still requires approval from the unelected Guardian Council, mandates that any future inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) must be cleared by Iran's Supreme National Security Council.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said Iran would 'accelerate its civilian nuclear programme'. He criticised the IAEA for failing to condemn Israel's attacks, saying it 'has put its international credibility up for sale,' as per the Reuters.
'For this reason,' Qalibaf added, 'the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran will suspend its cooperation with the Agency until the security of the nuclear facilities is guaranteed, and move at a faster pace with the country's peaceful nuclear programme.'
The bill also suspends installation of surveillance cameras, inspections, and reporting to the IAEA, as per the parliament's national security committee.
Tehran insists it does not seek nuclear weapons, blaming a recent IAEA resolution accusing it of breaching non-proliferation rules for opening the door to Israeli strikes.
IAEA chief Rafael Grossi said on Wednesday he was working to restore inspections at Iranian nuclear plants hit during Israeli strikes on June 13. The agency did not immediately respond to the Iranian parliament's decision.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed: 'I think that our view on our nuclear programme and the non-proliferation regime will witness changes, but it is not possible to say in what direction.'
The full extent of damage from Israeli and US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, however, remains unclear.
(With Inputs from Reuters)
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