Iran’s parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to suspend all cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following a 12-day war that saw Israeli and US airstrikes target Iranian nuclear sites. The decision, which requires final approval from Iran’s Guardian Council, marks a dramatic escalation in the country’s confrontation with the West over its nuclear program.
The vote, with 221 lawmakers in favor, one abstention, and no votes against among those present in the 290-seat legislature, reflects deep anger in Tehran over the recent attacks and the IAEA’s perceived failure to condemn them. The move would bar IAEA inspectors from accessing Iran’s nuclear facilities unless explicitly approved by Iran’s top security body, the Supreme National Security Council.
A War That Changed Everything
The crisis began on June 13, when Israel launched a major bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and killing top military commanders and nuclear scientists. The attack was described by Israel as necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran denies. On Sunday, the United States joined the offensive, launching unprecedented strikes on three of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
These strikes, described by US President Donald Trump as “spectacular military success,” were intended to set back Iran’s nuclear program. However, intelligence assessments suggest the damage was significant but not fatal—the program was likely only delayed by a few months. The conflict ended in a fragile ceasefire announced on Tuesday, but the political fallout continues to reverberate.
A Parliament United in Anger
In the aftermath of the strikes, Iranian lawmakers and officials have accused the IAEA of failing to protect Iran’s nuclear facilities and of siding with its enemies. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf captured the mood of the chamber when he declared:
“The International Atomic Energy Agency, which refused to even marginally condemn the attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities, put its international credibility up for auction.”
Ghalibaf stated that, if the bill is ratified by the Guardian Council, the Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran will suspend all cooperation with the IAEA “until the security of the nuclear facilities is guaranteed”.
Lawmaker Alireza Salimi further clarified that, under the proposed law, IAEA inspectors would only be allowed into nuclear facilities with the approval of the Supreme National Security Council. The bill also bans the installation of surveillance cameras and stops all reporting of Iran’s nuclear activities to the IAEA.
A Blow to Nuclear Diplomacy
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, later confirmed that cooperation with the IAEA “will definitely be affected.” He blamed the agency for passing a resolution on June 12 accusing Iran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, calling it “one of the main excuses” for the US and Israeli attacks.
The suspension of cooperation is not a withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), but it represents a significant step back from international oversight. Iranian officials insist their nuclear program is peaceful, but the country is the only non-nuclear-armed state to enrich uranium to 60%—a technical step away from weapons-grade levels.
A Tense Atmosphere in Tehran
The parliamentary session was marked by strong anti-American and anti-Israeli rhetoric. Lawmakers chanted “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” after the vote, reflecting the deep sense of grievance and defiance in the Iranian political establishment.
The bill’s passage follows earlier approval by the parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee. Committee spokesperson Ebrahim Rezaei said the bill would also suspend the installation of surveillance cameras and the filing of reports to the IAEA.
What Happens Next?
The bill now goes to the Guardian Council, a body of clerics and jurists, for final approval. If ratified, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation will immediately halt all cooperation with the IAEA. This means no inspections, no monitoring, and no reporting—raising serious concerns about the transparency of Iran’s nuclear activities.
The IAEA has expressed readiness to send nuclear safety experts to Iran to assess the damage and ensure the continued peaceful use of nuclear technology, but it is unclear if Tehran will allow such access. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has called for urgent access to the damaged sites, warning that the agency cannot fully assess the situation without being on the ground.
Conclusion
Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is a direct response to the recent US and Israeli attacks on its nuclear facilities and the perceived failure of the international community to protect its sovereignty. The move deepens the crisis over Iran’s nuclear program and increases the risk of further escalation in the region. Without international oversight, the world will have less visibility into Iran’s nuclear activities, raising fears of a potential arms race and further destabilization in the Middle East. The coming days will be crucial as the Guardian Council considers the bill and the international community weighs its response.
