Key Points

Iran's Parliament has overwhelmingly approved suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog after US airstrikes targeted key nuclear sites. Lawmakers accused the IAEA of failing to condemn the attacks, which Tehran claims violated international treaties. The decision comes amid heightened tensions following Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iran insists it will accelerate its peaceful nuclear program despite the escalating conflict.

Key Points: Iran Suspends IAEA Cooperation After US Nuclear Site Strikes

  • Iranian Parliament votes 221-1 to suspend IAEA ties
  • Move follows US strikes on Fordow, Natanz, Esfahan sites
  • Speaker Ghalibaf accuses IAEA of losing credibility
  • AEOI vows to continue nuclear program despite attacks
2 min read

Iranian Parliament approves suspending cooperation with IAEA

Iranian lawmakers vote overwhelmingly to halt IAEA collaboration following US airstrikes on nuclear facilities, citing sovereignty violations.

"Iran's peaceful nuclear programme will make headway more quickly – Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iranian Parliament Speaker"

Tehran, June 25

Iranian Parliament on Wednesday approved a bill suspending cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The decision followed the recent US strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites -- dubbed "Operation Midnight Hammer" -- in Esfahan, Fordow, and Natanz, Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency reported.

Reports suggest that during the open session of Parliament, the lawmakers agreed on a general outline of a plan that called for suspending cooperation with the IAEA.

Out of a total of 223 representatives present in the session, 221 voted in favour, one voted against, and one abstained.

Iran stated that it has every right to protect its sovereignty, interests, and people.

The Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran (AEOI) declared that the attack breached the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and cannot stop Iran from continuing with its "peaceful" nuclear programme.

Earlier, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf had criticised the UN nuclear agency, alleging that it did not condemn the strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, adding that the IAEA has lost its "international credibility."

He further said that the AEOI will halt its cooperation with the IAEA until assurances are given on the safety of Iranian nuclear facilities.

"Iran's peaceful nuclear programme will make headway more quickly," the Parliament speaker stated.

On June 13, Israeli airstrikes targeted multiple sites inside Iran, including nuclear and military installations. The US followed on early Sunday with airstrikes on Iran's Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan nuclear facilities.

The flare-up coincides with a recent resolution by the IAEA's Board of Governors, which, for the first time since 2005, declared Iran non-compliant with its nuclear obligations.

The move followed an IAEA report accusing Tehran of failing to fully explain the presence of nuclear material detected at three undeclared locations while offering what the agency described as "less than satisfactory" cooperation.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rajesh K.
This is a dangerous escalation. As a nation that values peace, India should urge both sides to de-escalate. The Middle East tensions directly impact our energy security and diaspora. Hope diplomacy prevails over military actions. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
While Iran has every right to protect its sovereignty, withdrawing from IAEA cooperation raises red flags. Nuclear non-proliferation is crucial for global security. India should maintain balanced relations but stand firm on non-proliferation principles.
A
Amit S.
The US-Israel strikes were completely unnecessary provocation. This will only push Iran towards more extreme positions. As someone who remembers the Iraq war fallout, I worry this could destabilize the region further. India must stay neutral.
S
Sunita R.
Interesting how Iran calls its program "peaceful" while suspending IAEA oversight. We've seen this movie before in our neighborhood (looking at you, Pakistan). Nuclear ambiguity benefits no one. The world needs more transparency, not less.
V
Vikram J.
This affects India directly - our Chabahar port project with Iran is crucial for Afghanistan trade. Hope our diplomats are working overtime to protect our interests while maintaining global non-proliferation commitments. Tough balancing act!
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Neha P.
The IAEA seems to be losing credibility on all sides. First they couldn't prevent Pakistan's nuclear proliferation, now this Iran situation. Maybe time for Global South countries to push for reforms in these international bodies. 🤔
K
Karan D.
As an Indian, I'm concerned about rising oil prices

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