Parliament suspends cooperation with nuclear watchdog amid rising tensions
TEHRAN: Iran has refused a request from International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi to inspect nuclear facilities damaged during the recent Iran-Israel conflict, escalating tensions between Tehran and the UN nuclear watchdog.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Grossi’s request as “meaningless” and possibly “malicious,” stating in a social media post that Iran would take “all necessary steps to defend its interests, people, and sovereignty.”
The rejection comes amid Iranian outrage over what officials describe as the IAEA’s silence on Israeli and US airstrikes that targeted Iranian nuclear infrastructure during a 12-day conflict in June. On June 12, the IAEA passed a resolution accusing Iran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations — a day before the Israeli strikes.
President Masoud Pezeshkian, in a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron, confirmed that Iran had suspended cooperation with the agency, citing what he called the IAEA’s “destructive behaviour.” His office described the decision as a “natural response” to the agency’s perceived bias.
On Wednesday, the Iranian parliament voted in favour of a bill formally suspending cooperation with the IAEA, specifically referencing the June 13 Israeli attacks and subsequent US strikes on nuclear facilities. The move comes shortly after a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was implemented on June 24.
Allegations and Diplomatic Fallout
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera correspondent Resul Serdar noted that Iranian officials increasingly view the IAEA as acting under political pressure from the United States and Israel, despite its stated neutrality.
The situation drew condemnation from Western powers. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement on Monday voicing “full support” for Grossi and urging Iran to return to full compliance with its legal obligations.
“We condemn threats against the IAEA Director General and call on Iran to immediately resume full cooperation,” the three foreign ministers said.
Although no specific threats were cited, Iran’s hardline Kayhan newspaper recently accused Grossi of spying for Israel and called for his execution — a statement that intensified international concerns. Iran’s Foreign Ministry has since rejected these allegations as baseless.
Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei defended the parliamentary vote, calling it a reflection of public anger and frustration with what he termed the West’s “politicized approach” to Iran’s nuclear programme.
Casualties and Global Response
According to Iran’s judiciary, at least 935 Iranians were killed during the military confrontation, including 132 women and 38 children.
The G7 countries welcomed the ceasefire and renewed calls for nuclear diplomacy. In a joint statement, they said:
“Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons. We urge Tehran to refrain from resuming its unjustified enrichment activities.”Qatar
Meanwhile, Qatar has confirmed its involvement in renewed diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. In a phone call with Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Pezeshkian reportedly apologized for the targeting of Al Udeid Air Base, the largest US military installation in the region, during the conflict.
