Iran bars UN nuclear inspectors, escalating global tensions

Tehran, Jul 3 (EFE).- Iran has closed its nuclear program to international inspections after the suspension of cooperation with the UN nuclear agency, amid doubts about the damage suffered by Iranian atomic installations in the bombings of Israel and the United States.

Guardian Council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif announced on Thursday the entry into force of the law suspending Iran's cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The law was promulgated yesterday by Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian, who is a member of the Guardian Council. The move marks a further escalation in tensions between Iran and Western countries and the IAEA over its nuclear program and following the 12-day war between the Persian country and Israel. Without precise details on the legislation, Iranian media have reported that the law "does not allow" IAEA inspectors to supervise nuclear facilities unless it guarantees their safety.

During the 12 day war, different parts of Iran were bombed by Israel, including nuclear facilities, and was later joined by the US. Iran responded by conducting bombings on Israel. In addition to those attacks, Israel killed at least 11 nuclear scientists in the war that began in the early morning of Jun.13 and lasted until Jun.24, when US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire. The IAEA, for the moment, has said it awaited more official information from Iran, while analysts consider the move to be the most important long-term consequence of Israeli and US attacks.