On Friday, Iranian officials announced their decision to stop cooperating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following recent strikes by the US and Israel.
Foreign Minister Abbas Aragachi stated, “The Iranian parliament has voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA until the safety and security of our nuclear activities can be assured.” He shared this information in a post on social media.
Aragachi attributed this move to the IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi, suggesting that his inaction regarding Israeli attacks has contributed to a negative atmosphere. He accused Grossi of failing to address the issue after implying that Israeli leaders had provided the agency with intelligence on Iran’s nuclear developments.
“The IAEA and its Directors must take full responsibility for this unstable situation,” Aragachi remarked, regarding Grossi’s intentions to visit a site that was recently bombed, calling the idea pointless and possibly malicious.
“Iran reserves the right to take any actions necessary to protect its interests, its people, and its sovereignty,” he added.
Earlier this week, the IAEA reported that Iran’s nuclear facility “has been heavily damaged” due to US airstrikes on Saturday, but avoided using the term “disappearing” to describe the level of destruction.
This announcement followed Russian officials encouraging Tehran to maintain collaboration with independent organizations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated on Thursday, “We are interested in working with Iran and the continued involvement of the IAEA.”
He also mentioned that Iran’s Supreme Leader has consistently insisted on the country’s lack of intentions to develop nuclear weapons.
In addition, Aragachi refuted claims that Tehran was planning to resume peace talks with the US. “Speculation about restarting negotiations should be taken with skepticism,” he explained during a televised statement.
“I want to emphasize that no agreements, plans, or discussions for new negotiations are currently in place.”
