Tehran: The Iranian Parliament has approved a symbolic measure to suspend cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Iranian state media. The vote reportedly passed without any opposition.
Though the parliamentary vote is not yet official state policy, it marks a significant political gesture. The implementation of the decision still requires the endorsement of Iran’s supreme leader.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused the IAEA of failing to condemn recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities carried out by Israel and the United States. He claimed the agency had compromised its international credibility.
Ghalibaf stated that Iran’s nuclear authorities would suspend cooperation with the IAEA until guarantees are provided for the protection of the country’s nuclear facilities. He asserted that Iran’s peaceful nuclear program would continue to progress rapidly and reiterated that the country is not pursuing nuclear weapons.
The Speaker further alleged that the IAEA has failed to fulfill its responsibilities and has become a tool of political influence.
The approved plan includes the suspension of activities such as the installation of surveillance cameras, inspections, and reporting to the agency — all to remain halted until adequate security assurances are given.
Meanwhile, the IAEA in its latest report criticized Iran for its lack of cooperation and urged the country to address concerns regarding undeclared nuclear sites. The agency also expressed alarm over Iran’s growing stockpile of enriched uranium.
Observers suggest that the Iranian Parliament’s move could escalate tensions with international nuclear oversight bodies and raise further concerns over the transparency of Iran’s nuclear program and its implications for regional and global security.
