Tehran: Iran’s Constitutional Council has approved a plan, previously ratified by the Parliament, to suspend the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations nuclear watchdog. This decision marks a significant escalation amidst heightened regional tensions.
The plan, which mandates the Iranian government to halt cooperation with the IAEA, was reviewed by the Constitutional Council and found to be in line with Iran’s religious regulations, laws, and constitution. In Iran, the Constitutional Council wields considerable authority over legislation, reviewing all bills for compliance with Islamic law and the constitution and holding veto power. With the Council’s approval, the legislation now becomes law.
This move comes after Iran criticized the IAEA for its report on Iran’s nuclear program and for allegedly failing to condemn recent Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Iranian officials have stated that cooperation will remain suspended until Iran is provided with unequivocal guarantees on its national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the security of its nuclear sites and scientists. The bill also cites Iran’s inherent rights under Article 4 of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The suspension means that IAEA inspectors may be barred from accessing Iranian nuclear facilities, and the installation and maintenance of surveillance equipment could be halted. This decision has raised concerns among international observers about the transparency of Iran’s nuclear activities.
