In a move that shook the world of nuclear oversight, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law this week to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The decision comes after parliament and the Constitutional Council passed the law last Wednesday and Thursday.
The new legislation mandates a halt to all inspections until "Iran's sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the safety of its nuclear facilities and scientists are fully guaranteed," said Hadi Tahan Nazif, spokesman for Iran's Constitutional Council. Any future site visits must now receive explicit approval from Tehran's Supreme National Security Council.
IAEA officials responded that they are "awaiting further official information from Iran," signaling a pause in one of the UN's key nuclear watchdog activities. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reported that the U.S. airstrike on the Fordow facility has caused "serious and heavy" damage.
From Washington, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce called Iran's move "unacceptable," urging Tehran to "cooperate fully with the UN agency without further delay," and warning that cooperation offers a window to "choose a path of peace and prosperity."
As global citizens track this standoff, the future of nuclear inspections hangs in the balance. Young leaders, entrepreneurs, and travelers alike will be watching how this dispute shapes the broader conversation on security, diplomacy, and the complex dance of international relations.
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Iran's president issues order to suspend cooperation with IAEA
cgtn.com
