ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a decisive show of defiance following recent airstrikes, Iran’s parliament overwhelmingly approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), temporarily halting inspections, camera installations, and reporting to the UN nuclear watchdog.
⚖️ Landslide Vote, Political Message
* The measure passed by *222 votes in favor, **none against, and **one abstention*, according to state media ([reuters.com][1]).
* Lawmakers emphasized that the suspension will remain until Tehran obtains *“tangible guarantees”* ensuring the safety of its nuclear facilities and the professionalism of IAEA staff .
Response to Strikes and Political Fallout
The vote follows a *12-day confrontation*, during which Israeli forces reportedly launched strikes on key nuclear facilities, including Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, with U.S. forces targeting some sites as well .
Iranian officials argue the IAEA failed to condemn those strikes, accusing the agency of compromising its neutrality. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated:
“The IAEA has compromised its credibility by failing even to condemn the attacks on Iran’s nuclear installations.” .
️ Legal Context & Next Steps
The bill does *not* withdraw Iran from the Nuclear Non‑Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but it does mandate a halt in cooperation under NPT safeguards ([ft.com][2]).
Implementation requires final ratification by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and the conservative-leaning Guardian Council ([reuters.com][1]).
Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have acknowledged that the government *may reassess its position* on international nuclear accords, though specifics remain vague ([wsj.com][3]).
International Response
IAEA Director‑General Rafael Grossi extended an invitation to Iranian authorities, urging a return to the verification process and warning that halting cooperation could dangerously escalate the dispute ([wsj.com][3]).
Observers warn this escalation may *deepen mistrust* and undermine global non‑proliferation norms following a politically charged IAEA resolution accusing Tehran of non‑compliance .
️ Current Status & Outlook
A tentative *ceasefire* between Iran and Israel is reportedly in place, though the situation remains *volatile* ([ft.com][2]).
Tehran maintains its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and vows to accelerate civilian nuclear activities, while *insisting* any cooperation with the IAEA hinges on *security assurances* ([ft.com][2]).
Why It Matters
Halting cooperation with the IAEA disrupts *international monitoring mechanisms*, heightening proliferation concerns and limiting transparency.
The move risks provoking *new regional tensions*, as Iran may pursue accelerated uranium enrichment absent oversight.
Fully restoring cooperation will require *diplomatic engagement* and tangible steps to rebuild trust—an uncertain task amid ongoing geopolitical friction.
