Iran’s parliament has passed a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state-affiliated outlet Nournews reported on Wednesday. The decision comes amid heightened tensions with Israel and growing criticism of the UN nuclear watchdog.
Although the bill still requires final approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to take effect, it marks a significant shift in Tehran’s approach to international nuclear oversight. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced that Iran will now accelerate its civilian nuclear program.
Tehran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons. However, the government has reacted strongly to a recent resolution passed by the IAEA that accused Iran of violating its non-proliferation commitments—an accusation Iran disputes. According to Iranian officials, the resolution paved the way for recent Israeli attacks on its nuclear sites.
Qalibaf criticized the IAEA for failing to condemn the attacks, stating that the agency has “put its international credibility up for sale.” As a result, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization will suspend all cooperation with the IAEA until the safety of its nuclear facilities can be ensured.
The bill, approved earlier this week by parliament’s national security committee, calls for halting surveillance camera installations, inspections, and report submissions to the IAEA.
In an interview with Qatar’s Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the country’s stance on nuclear policy and the non-proliferation regime is likely to change—but he stopped short of specifying how.
The move follows recent Israeli airstrikes and a U.S. bombing of Iranian underground nuclear facilities, raising concerns about a deeper unraveling of diplomatic frameworks surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
