Iran’s parliament has voted to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), escalating tensions days after US and Israeli airstrikes targeted key Iranian nuclear facilities. The decision, made Wednesday, follows a fragile ceasefire brokered by the US and comes amid renewed diplomatic overtures for a nuclear deal.
Iranian state media reported that the measure was passed almost unanimously, with 221 lawmakers in favor and only one abstention. The suspension would halt IAEA inspections, camera monitoring, and nuclear reporting.
Iran Denounces Attacks, Vows to Strengthen Nuclear Program
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf condemned the strikes on facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, vowing that Tehran’s nuclear program would continue with greater intensity.
“The attack on Natanz was a crime, but the Islamic Republic of Iran will not be held back for a moment,” Qalibaf said. “The construction of the nuclear site will continue more powerfully.”
President Hassan Rouhani echoed similar sentiments earlier this week, accusing the United States of trying to provoke Iran into a wider, “unlimited war.”
Trump Claims Success, But US Intelligence Warns of Limited Impact
Former President Donald Trump, speaking on Wednesday, described the airstrikes as a “very big” preventive action that set back Iran’s nuclear development significantly.
“I’m hearing about a ten-year setback,” Trump said. “You witnessed the events of last night; they were truly remarkable.”
However, a leaked report from the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency contradicted that claim, stating the strikes are likely to delay Iran’s nuclear ambitions by only a few months, not years.
Russia Warns Against Withdrawal, Urges Iran to Maintain Dialogue
Moscow has voiced strong disapproval of the recent strikes and expressed concern about Iran’s parliamentary decision. On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged Tehran to continue cooperating with the IAEA.
“This does not augur well for us,” Lavrov said at a press conference in Moscow. “We want Iran to continue working with the IAEA so that the Supreme Leader’s repeated assurances that Iran will not pursue nuclear weapons are upheld.”
Lavrov noted the decision still requires approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and Guardian Council to take effect.
IAEA Chief Raises Alarm Over Inspection Suspension
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi described Iran’s decision as “enormously concerning.” In an interview with RFI, Grossi warned the move could trigger a major crisis, as regular inspections are required under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), to which Iran is a signatory.
A recent IAEA report revealed Iran had enriched uranium at the Fordow facility up to 60%, dangerously close to weapons-grade levels. Experts estimate this material could be further enriched to yield up to nine nuclear bombs.
Iran Accuses IAEA of Bias, Calls Out ‘Zionist Influence’
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei justified the suspension by citing the recent strikes and alleged IAEA partiality. He accused the agency of taking a “polar political position” and serving “Zionist interests,” claiming the move was a response to “fatal and savage aggression” against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.
Talks to Resume Despite Diplomatic Setback
Despite the rising tensions, both Washington and Tehran are preparing for a new round of diplomatic talks. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on June 29.
President Trump indicated optimism for a renewed agreement, saying, “Iran is ready to talk, and we are meeting with them… We’re close to a deal that ensures Iran won’t have a nuclear weapon.”
A proposed U.S. draft agreement reportedly allows Iran to enrich uranium up to 3.67% under a regional consortium, supervised by the IAEA. Iran, however, insists on its right to enrich uranium domestically.
Next Steps
The Iranian parliament’s decision is currently advisory and awaits final approval from the Guardian Council. Still, the move reflects Tehran’s hardening stance in the face of recent military and diplomatic pressure — potentially setting the stage for either a major breakthrough or further escalation in the region.