Iran suspends cooperation with IAEA

Tehran, Jul 2 (EFE).- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed a law suspending the country's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state media reported.

Under the new legislation, IAEA inspectors will be barred from entering Iran unless the security of the country's nuclear facilities and its "peaceful" nuclear program is guaranteed. Any future access must also be approved by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the official Press TV reported. The law, which was approved by Iran's Guardian Council last week, also calls for the expulsion of all current IAEA inspectors. The move comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the UN nuclear watchdog, following Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities in June.

Tehran has criticized the IAEA, particularly Director General Rafael Grossi, for failing to condemn the attacks, which Iran claims violate the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and international law. Iran is reportedly also considering banning Grossi from entering the country, accusing him of issuing politically motivated reports on Iran's nuclear activities. Grossi acknowledged the strained relations in an interview with French broadcaster RFI, saying some political factions in Iran question the agency's impartiality. He said he had written to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi requesting a meeting and offered to travel to Iran immediately to resume inspections, but has not received a response.