Iran has officially barred Rafael Grossi, the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), from entering the country. The announcement was made by Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, the vice speaker of the Iranian parliament, during a ceremony for fallen military personnel. This decision comes amid rising tensions with Israel, particularly following recent Israeli strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities.

Removal of Surveillance Cameras

In addition to blocking Grossi, Iran has also decided to remove surveillance cameras installed at its nuclear plants. The Iranian government claims that these security measures were compromised when Israel allegedly gained access to "sensitive facility data." This development comes after the IAEA's routine inspections as part of the nuclear deal Iran signed with world powers in 2015. This deal, which was intended to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions, has faced repeated challenges, especially after the U.S. withdrew under President Trump in 2018.

Context of Israeli Strikes

The decision follows a series of Israeli drone attacks on Iranian nuclear sites, which were aimed at preventing the country from advancing its nuclear program. These strikes resulted in significant casualties, including high-profile military officials and nuclear scientists. In retaliation, Iran launched counterattacks against Israeli cities. A ceasefire was eventually brokered, halting the 12-day conflict.

Impact on Nuclear Negotiations

The removal of surveillance equipment and the expulsion of Grossi could signal a further breakdown in the already fragile negotiations surrounding Iran's nuclear program. Iran had previously hinted at the possibility of eliminating surveillance cameras during talks aimed at resolving the nuclear dispute.