Iran Hardens Stance Against IAEA After US-Israel Strikes

Iran has announced it will toughen its position against the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its chief, Rafael Grossi, following recent US and Israeli attacks on its territory, escalating tensions over the country’s nuclear program.

Tehran stated that it will block Grossi from visiting its nuclear sites, accusing the IAEA of failing to condemn the strikes and claiming that the agency has lost its neutrality. Iranian officials argued that Grossi’s statements and actions in the aftermath of the attacks have damaged trust, making continued cooperation impossible under current conditions.

The Iranian parliament also moved to suspend voluntary cooperation measures with the IAEA, a decision reflecting the government’s stance that any future collaboration would require firm guarantees of security and impartiality. Lawmakers insisted that Iran would only return to previous levels of cooperation if its facilities are protected and if the agency refrains from what they described as politically motivated inspections.

The government reiterated that while it remains committed to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, it will not allow what it views as unfair pressure amid ongoing regional tensions. Iranian officials stated that maintaining national security is their priority and warned that continued perceived hostility from the West would only lead to further restrictions on inspections.

The developments mark a significant shift in Iran’s approach to international oversight of its nuclear program, further complicating diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region.

With input from Al Jazeera.