Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has ordered Iran to suspend its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following US and Israeli airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. The decision came after the UN nuclear watchdog declared Iran in violation of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, accusing Iran of justifying Israel’s attacks.
The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty aims to prevent countries from developing nuclear weapons and allows the IAEA to verify compliance through inspections. Iran, a signatory to the treaty, has been under scrutiny for its nuclear program, which it insists is for peaceful purposes. However, Western intelligence agencies claim Iran had a weapons program until 2003.
The recent Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and ballistic missiles arsenal, causing significant damage to nuclear sites. The attacks, which Israel claimed were necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, resulted in casualties and widespread destruction, sparking condemnation from Iranian officials.
In response to the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signaled a willingness to continue negotiations with the US. However, details of the suspension order remain unclear, with the IAEA awaiting official information from Iran on the implications of the decision.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar condemned Iran’s move, calling it a violation of international nuclear obligations. He urged European nations involved in the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran to consider reimposing UN sanctions if Iran is deemed non-compliant with the agreement.
The 2015 nuclear deal limited Iran’s uranium enrichment levels and stockpiles, subject to IAEA oversight. However, former US President Donald Trump withdrew from the agreement in 2018, escalating tensions with Iran over its nuclear program and alleged support for militant groups in the Middle East.
The suspension of cooperation with the IAEA comes amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing assessments of the damage caused by the recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Satellite images reveal the extent of the destruction, with Iranian officials inspecting the sites to determine the impact of the attacks.
As Iran grapples with the aftermath of the airstrikes and the decision to halt cooperation with the IAEA, the international community closely monitors developments in the region. The implications of Iran’s actions on global nuclear non-proliferation efforts and diplomatic relations with the US and other nations remain uncertain.
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