Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has enacted a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state media reported on Wednesday. The move, passed by Iran’s parliament in the aftermath of last month’s conflict with Israel, marks a significant escalation in Tehran’s nuclear standoff with the international community.
“President Masoud Pezeshkian has signed into effect the law suspending cooperation with the IAEA,” state television announced, confirming the legislation is now legally binding.
The newly enacted law mandates that any future inspections by the UN nuclear watchdog must first be approved by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, effectively restricting the IAEA’s access to Iranian nuclear facilities.
The decision follows growing tensions after a recent aerial confrontation between Iran and Israel, in which Israel claimed it was acting to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran has consistently denied pursuing a nuclear arsenal.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf previously stated that Iran would now accelerate its civilian nuclear programme in response to what he called the IAEA’s inaction over attacks on Iranian nuclear sites.
“The IAEA refused to even condemn the assault on our facilities and has compromised its international credibility,” Qalibaf said. He added that cooperation with the agency would remain suspended until the safety of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure is assured.
Severe Damage at Fordow Nuclear Site
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that the US bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility caused “serious and heavy” damage. In an interview with CBS News aired Tuesday, Araghchi noted that while a full assessment is still ongoing, initial findings indicate significant destruction.
“The Atomic Energy Organization of Iran is currently evaluating the extent of the damage and will submit a report to the government,” he said.
Contrary to these statements, The Washington Post reported that intercepted Iranian communications appeared to downplay the severity of the damage. The report, citing sources familiar with classified US intelligence, suggested Iranian officials may be withholding the true extent of the impact.
US President Donald Trump, however, claimed the airstrikes had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program. Still, US officials acknowledged that a full analysis of the damage would take time.
