Iran ends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog after Israel-US strikes
Iran officially ceased its collaboration with the UN's nuclear oversight body, a decision the United States promptly labeled "unacceptable."
This move follows last month's intense 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel. During this period, Israeli and US forces carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, significantly ratcheting up tensions between Tehran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Just a day after a ceasefire was established on June 25, Iranian lawmakers overwhelmingly voted to suspend cooperation with the Vienna-based IAEA. State media confirmed on Wednesday that this legislation has now been enacted. According to Iranian media, the law aims to "ensure full support for the inherent rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran" under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, with a particular emphasis on uranium enrichment.
Washington, which has been urging Tehran to restart negotiations that were halted by Israel's military action on June 13, sharply criticized Iran's decision. State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce stated, "We'll use the word unacceptable, that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity." The spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres also expressed concern, calling the decision "obviously concerning."
Separately, the Pentagon announced on Wednesday that US intelligence assessments suggest the strikes on Iran's nuclear sites have pushed the country's atomic program back by as much as two years. While IAEA inspectors previously had access to Iran's declared nuclear sites, their current status remains unclear following this suspension.
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