Title: IAEA Inspectors Remain in Iran as Tehran Assesses Nuclear Cooperation Suspension
IAEA Inspectors Continue Work Amid Legislative Changes
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors remain present in Iran, and Tehran has not yet demanded their expulsion, according to a diplomatic source cited by the Associated Press. This comes after Iran’s recent legislative measures suspending cooperation with the IAEA in response to what it describes as a “brutal U.S. attack” on its nuclear facilities.
Iran Suspends IAEA Cooperation Over Security Concerns
Last week, Iran’s Parliament approved an urgent bill mandating the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, which was later ratified by the Guardian Council. President Masoud Pezeshkian officially enacted the law on Wednesday, requiring the government to halt all collaboration with the IAEA until “security for nuclear facilities and scientists” is guaranteed.
The IAEA has acknowledged reports of Iran’s decision and stated it awaits further official communication from Tehran.
Diplomatic Reactions and Ongoing Inspections
Despite the legislative suspension, IAEA inspectors continue their work in Iran. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed to RT that inspectors remain active but emphasized that Iran’s nuclear facilities have suffered significant damage. “Our Atomic Energy Organization is assessing the extent of the damages to determine how cooperation with the IAEA can resume,” he stated.
Iran Condemns U.S. Attack, Reaffirms Peaceful Nuclear Program
Iranian officials have strongly condemned the recent U.S. airstrikes on three nuclear sites, calling them an illegal violation. They reiterated that Iran’s nuclear activities are entirely peaceful, a fact they claim the IAEA has previously verified.
Baghaei criticized the IAEA Director General’s latest report on Iran’s nuclear program, arguing that it provided pretexts for the U.S. and its allies to justify aggression. “The Director General himself confirmed in a CNN interview that there is no evidence of Iran pursuing nuclear weapons, yet his report created grounds for political action against Iran,” he said.
Balancing Oversight and Sovereignty
While Iran maintains its right to reassess cooperation with the IAEA following security threats, the presence of inspectors suggests a cautious approach. The situation remains fluid as Tehran evaluates the next steps in its nuclear engagement with the international community.
