Tehran: Iran’s parliament has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), intensifying tensions following a ceasefire with Israel. The move comes after strikes by Israel and the U.S. on Iranian nuclear sites during a 12-day conflict.
Bill Seeks to Restrict Inspections and Surveillance
The bill, passed on Wednesday, outlines strict conditions for future IAEA access. It calls for prior approval from the Supreme National Security Council for any inspections. The measure also halts the installation of surveillance cameras and pauses regular reporting to the IAEA.
It still requires approval from the Guardian Council, a powerful unelected body, before becoming law.
Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf stated:
“The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran will suspend its cooperation with the Agency until the security of the nuclear facilities is guaranteed, and move at a faster pace with the country’s peaceful nuclear programme.”
Iran Blames IAEA and U.S. for Escalation
Iranian officials have accused the IAEA of failing to condemn recent attacks on its nuclear facilities. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the IAEA had refused to even issue symbolic condemnation.
Baghaei added:
“The US had ‘torpedoed diplomacy’ and could no longer be trusted,”
citing major damage to Iranian nuclear infrastructure.
He emphasized Iran’s continued commitment to peaceful nuclear development:
“Iran’s peaceful nuclear programme will move forward at a faster pace.”
Future of Nuclear Oversight Uncertain
IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi confirmed he had contacted Tehran to resume inspections.
“We need to return. We need to engage,” he stated, expressing concern about Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles.
However, Iran’s criticism of the IAEA makes any immediate return of inspectors unlikely.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed:
“I think that our view on our nuclear programme and the non-proliferation regime will witness changes, but it is not possible to say in what direction.”
International Reaction and Fallout
The Kremlin called Iran’s move a direct response to the Israeli and U.S. strikes. Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte faced backlash from Tehran after praising the strikes.
Baghaei responded sharply, stating:
“It is disgraceful, despicable and irresponsible for [NATO’s secretary-general] to congratulate a ‘truly extraordinary’ criminal act of aggression against a sovereign state.”
این شرمآور، نفرتانگیز و غیرمسئولانه است که دبیرکل #ناتو یک عمل تجاوزکارانه «واقعاً خارقالعاده» علیه یک کشور مستقل را تبریک بگوید.
— Esmaeil Baqaei (@IRIMFA_SPOX) June 25, 2025
کسی که از ظلم و بیعدالتی حمایت میکند، فاقد شرافت است.
کسی که از یک جنایت حمایت میکند، همدست و شریک جرم محسوب میشود.
Ceasefire Holds as Iran Recovers
Despite ongoing tensions, the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel appears stable. U.S. officials reported plans for talks with Iranian representatives in the coming week.
President Donald Trump commented:
“We may sign an agreement, I don’t know.”
Iran also announced that internet access would gradually return and airspace restrictions would lift Thursday afternoon.
IRGC Commander Dies from Injuries
Iranian state media confirmed the death of IRGC commander Ali Shadmani from injuries sustained during Israeli strikes. His death could trigger further retaliation.
The IRGC vowed “harsh revenge” in a statement published on Wednesday.