UN nuclear watchdog inspectors departed Iran on Friday following the Islamic Republic’s official suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The agency called for the swift resumption of its “indispensable monitoring” activities.
The withdrawal follows last month’s 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, which included unprecedented Israeli and US strikes on Iran’s nuclear sites, heightening tensions between Tehran and the IAEA.
“An IAEA team of inspectors today safely left Iran to return to headquarters in Vienna after remaining in Tehran during the recent military conflict,” the agency stated on social media.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasised the urgent need to engage Iran on arrangements to restart vital monitoring and verification work as soon as possible.
Iran formally ceased cooperation on Wednesday after its parliament overwhelmingly voted the day following the ceasefire on June 25. The legislation is intended to “ensure full support for the inherent rights of the Islamic Republic” under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, particularly regarding uranium enrichment, according to Iranian media.
The United States condemned Iran’s decision, describing it as “unacceptable” while continuing to urge Tehran to resume negotiations, which were disrupted by Israel’s unprovoked military strikes on June 13.
