Iran has officially suspended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), escalating tensions in the wake of a short but devastating war involving Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear infrastructure.
The 12-day conflict, which erupted on June 13, ended in a ceasefire on June 25 but left deep diplomatic scars. Just a day after the truce, Iran’s parliament overwhelmingly passed a bill to cut ties with the IAEA. The legislation was swiftly approved by the Guardian Council and signed into law by President Masoud Pezeshkian.
State television confirmed on Wednesday that Pezeshkian had formally enacted the law halting cooperation with the nuclear watchdog. The move came amid Tehran’s accusations that the IAEA remained silent during what it deemed acts of aggression by Israel and the US.
Tensions between Iran and the IAEA had already been mounting, particularly following a resolution passed on June 12 that criticized Iran for failing to meet its nuclear obligations. Iranian officials cited that resolution as one of the pretexts used by Israel to justify its attacks.
Adding fuel to the fire, Iran denied a request by IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to inspect bombed nuclear facilities. Grossi has faced fierce criticism from Iranian officials and media, with some hardline outlets alleging he was an Israeli spy—a claim that has drawn condemnation from Western nations including France, Germany, and the UK.
Despite Tehran’s sharp rhetoric, Iranian authorities insisted there were no threats against Grossi or IAEA inspectors. However, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that the strikes had caused “serious” damage to key nuclear sites, including Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz.
According to Iranian authorities, over 900 people were killed during the strikes. Iran’s retaliatory attacks killed 28 people in Israel. US President Donald Trump claimed the American strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, although the full extent of the damage remains uncertain.
While Israel and several Western governments accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons — an allegation Tehran denies — the latest developments mark a significant deterioration in international oversight of Iran’s nuclear activities.
What you should know
Iran has suspended cooperation with the IAEA following a deadly conflict with Israel and the US, citing the agency’s silence over attacks on its nuclear facilities. The move, now enshrined in law, follows serious damage to Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and rising diplomatic tensions.
