Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday approved a parliamentary law suspending cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to Iranian state media. The move further escalates tensions between Tehran and Western powers over Iran’s nuclear program.

The legislation mandates that any future inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities by the IAEA must be explicitly authorized by the country’s Supreme National Security Council. This restriction significantly undermines the IAEA’s ability to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

Retaliation for IAEA Vote and Israeli Strikes

Iran has accused the IAEA of being complicit with Western powers after the agency’s board recently voted to declare Tehran in violation of its nuclear obligations. That decision reportedly came just one day before Israeli airstrikes targeted Iranian territory — strikes that Tehran claims were politically justified by the IAEA resolution.

Iranian officials argue that the agency’s actions provided cover for the Israeli attacks. The Iranian Foreign Ministry has repeatedly framed the vote as a breach of neutrality by the IAEA.

U.S. Bombing Allegedly Damages Key Nuclear Site

Further inflaming the situation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated in an interview with CBS News that U.S. airstrikes had “seriously and heavily damaged” Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility — a key underground enrichment site.

The IAEA has acknowledged reports of the new Iranian law but stated it is still awaiting official clarification from Tehran. “We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran,” the agency said in a statement.

The suspension of cooperation marks a significant deterioration in international nuclear diplomacy and could complicate future negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.