In a significant move on Wednesday, June 25, Iran’s parliament passed a bill that aims to limit the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This decision comes as Iran maintains its right to a civilian nuclear program, following recent attacks by Israel and the United States that have caused damage to its nuclear facilities.
The parliamentary action follows a US and Qatar-brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which concluded 12 days of intense hostilities. These hostilities included a US military intervention on Sunday that reportedly struck three Iranian nuclear facilities. While the ceasefire appears to be largely holding, the underlying tensions remain high.
An Iranian official, speaking to Al Jazeera, stated that the US had “torpedoed diplomacy” and could no longer be trusted, citing damage to nuclear infrastructure. The official reiterated Iran’s right to pursue peaceful nuclear energy under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The recently passed bill sets specific conditions for Iran’s future engagement with the IAEA. According to Al Jazeera, these conditions include guarantees for the safety and security of Iranian scientists and nuclear facilities.
People’s Dispatch reported that the bill, which passed with overwhelming support (221 out of 223 present members voting in favor), would prevent IAEA inspectors from visiting Iranian nuclear sites and disallow other forms of inspection until the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) deems it safe. It also demands that the IAEA guarantee the implementation of Article IV of the NPT, which affirms the right of signatories to peaceful nuclear programs.
This parliamentary move is seen by Iran as a direct response to what it views as biased actions by the IAEA. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf criticized the IAEA for not condemning the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He indicated that the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran would suspend cooperation with the IAEA until security is ensured and Iran’s peaceful nuclear program can advance.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) and other sources indicate that US and Israeli strikes likely caused significant damage to Iran’s enrichment program, particularly at sites like Fordow and Natanz.
Assessments vary on the extent, with some suggesting a setback of several months, while others like the Institute for Science and International Security believe it could take “a long time” to restore capabilities. Iran, however, maintains that its nuclear program remains intact and will continue to pursue its rights under the NPT.
The bill passed by parliament now requires approval from the Guardian Council to become law, after which it would proceed to the Supreme National Security Council for final endorsement.
This legislative step highlights Iran’s determination to redefine its engagement with international nuclear oversight in the wake of recent hostilities and perceived threats to its nuclear infrastructure and personnel. The international community, including Russia, has described Iran’s decision as a direct consequence of the US and Israeli actions.
