Iran Formally Suspends Cooperation with IAEA
On Wednesday, the Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, approved a bill passed by Iran's parliament last week, and endorsed by the Guardian Council, to suspend cooperation with the IAEA.
The Iranian measure came in response to the Israeli attacks on Iran in mid-June, which sparked tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog. Iran and Israel traded heavy air and missile strikes for 12 days, and the US intervened by striking three key Iranian nuclear sites.
Iran accused the IAEA of providing a justification for Israel's attack, as it came a day after the agency declared Tehran in breach of its nuclear obligations. After Iran and Israel agreed on a ceasefire on June 24, the Iranian parliament voted for a bill halting cooperation with IAEA.
Under the law, the IAEA will need an approval by Iran's Supreme National Security Council before any future inspection of Iranian nuclear sites.
'This suspension will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists,' the Iranian state TV said quoting the new law.
Moreover, Tehran considers banning the IAEA Chief, Rafael Grossi, from entering Iran, as he faces accusations of siding with Western countries and facilitating Israel's aggression on Iran, Mehr news agency reported.
In response, the IAEA said it is still waiting for additional information from the Iranian authorities. 'We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran,' the UN nuclear watchdog said in a statement.
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