Iran suspends cooperation with UN nuclear watchdog amid conflict

Iran's parliament, on June 25, 2025, overwhelmingly voted to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following a 12-day conflict with Israel that saw attacks on its nuclear facilities. This resolution was passed with a unanimous vote of 221-0, and it was subsequently approved by the Guardian Council a day later. The decision comes in response to what Iran perceives as violations of its sovereignty, especially following airstrikes that targeted key nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. These developments have raised international concerns regarding Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles, which the IAEA estimates could arms-equivalent quantities if brought to weapon-grade levels. The U.S. had also conducted airstrikes against Iranian facilities around the same time, raising the stakes for regional security and escalating tensions further in a long-standing conflict between Iran and Israel. In this context, the Iranian Parliament Speaker criticized the IAEA for not condemning attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, reflecting a deep distrust between Tehran and the international watchdog. Iran's move to ban nuclear inspectors effectively halts inspections, oversight, and reporting activities under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), heightening fears of increasing opacity in Iran's nuclear program. The legislation mandates the Iranian government to suspend its cooperation until guarantees on the safety of nuclear facilities and the right to domestic uranium enrichment are ensured. This development marks a significant turning point in Iran's nuclear policy, further distancing it from compliance with international agreements and fueling speculation about its nuclear ambitions. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has expressed serious concerns about the lack of visibility into Iran's nuclear activities, suggesting that the ongoing conflict and the recent legislative actions jeopardize the agency's ability to monitor compliance effectively. As Iran prepares to implement the suspension, the situation remains fluid, with repercussions likely to be felt in international diplomatic circles. The U.S. has been involved diplomatically, having facilitated a fragile cease-fire on June 24 that ended hostilities. Iranian lawmakers' actions signal not only a rejection of oversight from the IAEA but also a further commitment to advancing their nuclear capabilities despite international scrutiny. The combination of geopolitical tensions, military engagements, and Iran's assertive legislative actions lays the groundwork for a new chapter in Iran's nuclear narrative that could redefine its standing in the international arena and affect regional dynamics significantly.