Synopsis by enewstime: A critical report by IAEA chief Rafael Grossi—alleging Iran’s non-compliance with nuclear safeguard obligations— followed by a resulation triggered a chain reaction of diplomatic and military escalations, culminating in Iran’s decision to suspend all cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. Amid this rising tension, the Iranian Parliament passed a law mandating the suspension of IAEA cooperation, with President Masoud Pezeshkian formally ordering its enforcement.
Tehran, July 2, 2025 — A recent report by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi has set off a dramatic chain of geopolitical and military events in the Middle East, ultimately prompting Iran to suspend its cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog.
The report—criticizing Iran’s nuclear program and alleging non-compliance with safeguard obligations— by Grossi was the basis for an anti-Iran resolution passed by the IAEA Board of Governors.
Backed by the United States and pushed by Britain, France, and Germany, the resolution accused Iran of breaching international nuclear protocols. It passed with 19 votes in favor, 11 abstentions, and opposition from Russia, China, and Burkina Faso.
Iran strongly rejected the claims, denouncing the resolution as politically motivated and “baseless.” Analysts suggest that the report and subsequent resolution laid the groundwork for a wider escalation.
On June 13, Israel launched widespread airstrikes across Iranian territory, targeting key nuclear and military facilities. The strikes killed senior military officials, nuclear scientists, and numerous civilians.
In retaliation, Iran launched a barrage of missile and drone attacks on Israel, escalating regional tensions.
Days later, on June 22, U.S. President Donald Trump announced targeted strikes on Iran’s major nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. In a swift response, Iran struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with ballistic missiles.
A ceasefire between Iran and Israel was brokered on June 24 after 12 days of intense attacks and counter-attacks.
Amid such volatile backdrop, Iranian lawmakers swiftly moved to adopt a tough stance against international oversight.
The Majlis (the Iranian Parliament) passed a law last Wednesday to halt cooperation with the IAEA, citing violations of national sovereignty and attacks on peaceful nuclear installations. The legislation was approved by the Constitutional Council the following day.
President Masoud Pezeshkian formalized the decision by issuing an executive order on Tuesday to implement the law. The directive was sent to the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, the Foreign Ministry, and the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC), which Pezeshkian also chairs.
According to Constitutional Council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif, the new law calls for suspension of all cooperation with the IAEA until Iran receives concrete guarantees ensuring its territorial sovereignty, protection of nuclear facilities, and safety of its scientific personnel.
The resolution passed by the IAEA was described by Iranian officials as a tool to justify aggression. Senior lawmaker Esmail Kowsari accused Grossi of facilitating U.S.-Israeli hostility and urged the SNSC to ban Grossi from entering Iran.
Earlier, during a parliamentary session, Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf stated that the Majlis was drafting legislation to freeze ties with the IAEA unless assurances were provided regarding the agency’s impartiality.
As per the law, no IAEA inspectors will be permitted entry into Iran unless the Supreme National Security Council determines that sufficient security guarantees are in place to protect peaceful nuclear activities.
While the council has not yet made a public declaration, Pezeshkian’s directive signals that implementation is imminent.
This marks a serious blow to the 2015 nuclear accord signed during Barack Obama’s presidency, under which Iran had agreed to cap uranium enrichment at 3.67%, maintain a limited stockpile, and permit robust IAEA inspections. That framework now appears increasingly fragile in the face of escalating hostilities and diplomatic breakdown.
Iran’s decision to disengage from the IAEA, triggered by Grossi’s report, has added another layer of uncertainty to the already tense nuclear landscape in the region.
Analysts believe, by suspending cooperation with the IAEA, Iran has drawn a firm line, signaling that external pressure and perceived violations of sovereignty will not be tolerated. The move raises serious concerns about the future of nuclear diplomacy in the region and casts fresh doubt over the viability of past agreements like the 2015 nuclear deal. (Edited)
