Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered a suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after US and Israeli air strikes hit the Islamic Republic's most important nuclear facilities, the Associated Press reported, BTA reported.
Pezeshkian's order did not mention a timeframe or details about what the suspension of cooperation would entail. The decision is likely to further limit the ability of the agency's inspectors to monitor Tehran's nuclear program, which has enriched uranium to levels close to those needed for nuclear weapons, the AP notes.
Iran has previously imposed restrictions on IAEA inspectors as a pressure tactic in negotiations with the West, although Tehran has so far denied having any immediate plans to resume talks with the United States, which were frozen by the 12-day Iran-Israel war.
Iranian state television said Pezeshkian issued the order after the Iranian parliament passed a bill restricting cooperation. The bill has already been approved by the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional watchdog, and is likely to be backed by the Supreme National Security Council, which Pezeshkian chairs.
“The government undertakes to immediately suspend any cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and its related Safeguards Agreement“, the presidential order, quoted by state television, said. “This will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including ensuring the security of nuclear facilities and scientists“, it added.
It is not yet clear what this means for the IAEA, the AP notes. The Vienna-based organization has long monitored Iran’s nuclear program. The agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.