Tehran cites IAEA’s inaction on Israeli actions as reason for the move
Iran will scale back its collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing the agency’s perceived lack of response to Israeli strikes, according to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.
On Friday morning, Israeli warplanes reportedly bombed nuclear and military installations within Iran. West Jerusalem described the operation as aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Iran, while denying any intention to create nuclear weapons for military purposes, retaliated with strikes within Israel. Tehran has also put nuclear talks with the U.S. on hold; the next session was originally scheduled for Sunday.
Gharibabadi stated to SNN on Saturday, “We have decided that, from now on, we will no longer announce the details of our nuclear activities to the Agency in advance. This is part of a review of the level of our cooperation, which will no longer be the same as before.”
He further added, “We have always maintained the most transparent peaceful nuclear program, but when the Agency and its Board of Governors remain silent in the face of Israeli aggression or issue resolutions influenced by political pressure, we can no longer maintain the same level of cooperation.”
The IAEA released a statement on Friday, without directly mentioning Israel, emphasizing that attacks on civilian nuclear facilities are against international law and advocating for dialogue.
The international monitoring body had previously reported finding traces of uranium at undeclared Iranian nuclear sites and, on Thursday, officially accused Iran of violating its non-proliferation commitments. Tehran dismissed these allegations as politically driven.
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