Daijiworld Media Network – Tehran

Tehran, Jul 2: In a dramatic escalation following American airstrikes on its key nuclear sites, Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly ordered the suspension of the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state media said on Wednesday.

The decision comes after Iran’s parliament passed a law mandating such a move, which was subsequently approved by the country’s constitutional watchdog. While the exact implications for the Vienna-based IAEA remain unclear, the development threatens to deepen tensions between Iran and the West.

The IAEA, which has long overseen Iran’s nuclear activities under the 2015 nuclear accord, did not immediately comment on the reported suspension.

President Pezeshkian’s directive signals that the law will now be implemented under the supervision of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which he also heads. However, given the council’s discretionary powers, it may not enforce the law in full.

The 2015 nuclear deal — reached under then US President Barack Obama — placed strict limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment and stockpile levels in exchange for sanctions relief. But the US, under President Donald Trump, exited the agreement in 2018, accusing it of failing to curb Iran’s missile program and regional activities. Since then, Iran has gradually expanded its nuclear program, enriching uranium up to 60%, dangerously close to weapons-grade levels.

While Iran maintains that its nuclear ambitions are peaceful, international agencies and Western intelligence believe Tehran had a structured nuclear weapons programme until 2003.

The suspension of IAEA cooperation now raises fresh concerns about Iran’s nuclear intentions and risks further destabilizing the already volatile Middle East.