Tehran – Iran announced a policy shift in how it will engage with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), stating that future cooperation will take a “new form” in light of recent political and security developments in the region.
The statement, delivered by the spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation, comes amid growing tensions over the country’s nuclear programme and international scrutiny following recent attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.
Conditional Cooperation Framework
Iran emphasized that while it has not severed ties with the UN nuclear watchdog, future cooperation will be “qualified and conditional.” Any further collaboration, including site inspections and access requests, will now be reviewed based on national interest and within the parameters set by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
Under the new framework:
- Iran will limit access to nuclear-related activities only, explicitly ruling out cooperation on missile or military issues.
- All IAEA inspection requests will be evaluated individually, rather than being granted under standing protocols.
- The safety and independence of inspectors will be a central consideration, especially following airstrikes on nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
Legislative Backing
This policy shift is backed by legislation passed in the Iranian parliament, following what Tehran describes as a failure of the IAEA to condemn Israeli and U.S. actions targeting its nuclear infrastructure. Iran has accused the agency of allowing itself to be used as a political tool, undermining its technical mandate.
The decision marks a significant change from Iran’s previous approach under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), where it had agreed to expansive monitoring in exchange for sanctions relief. Talks to revive the nuclear agreement have largely stalled.
Response from the IAEA
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has previously expressed concerns about Iran’s reduced transparency and unresolved questions over traces of nuclear material found at undeclared sites. The agency maintains that continued access and clear cooperation are essential to verify that Iran’s nuclear programme remains peaceful.
Diplomatic Repercussions
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that any attempt by the West to reimpose UN sanctions under the “snapback” mechanism would further destabilize relations and remove European actors from any future negotiations.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, Tehran insists it remains committed to peaceful nuclear development under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and is open to negotiations—provided its sovereignty and national security are respected.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.