Iran Announces Temporary Suspension of Cooperation with IAEA Amid European Sanctions Dispute
Iran has taken a significant step in its ongoing nuclear standoff by declaring a halt to its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
The decision was announced by the Islamic republic’s High Council of National Security (HCNS) in response to what it characterizes as ‘reckless’ actions by European countries—namely the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—that, according to Tehran, are effectively undermining prospects for fruitful collaboration with the global nuclear watchdog.
The council emphasized that despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, including dialogue initiated by Iran’s Foreign Ministry and proposals aimed at resolving nuclear issues, the actions taken by Europe are deteriorating the environment for effective cooperation.
The statement underscored that Iran has been instructed to continue internal consultations within the framework set by the HCNS to protect national interests amid these developments.
This move follows a recent resolution by the United Nations Security Council, which rejected the proposal to extend sanctions relief and reinstated restrictions similar to those before the 2015 nuclear agreement.
Earlier, in late August, Britain, France, and Germany, as the principal European guarantors of the nuclear deal, submitted a letter to the UN Security Council urging the re-imposition of sanctions against Iran due to stalled negotiations and Iran’s failure to meet commitments aimed at preventing nuclear weapon development.
Diplomats indicated that time is rapidly running out for a diplomatic compromise, with the European countries pushing for new measures that could be enforced by the end of next week if Iran does not make concessions.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence that sanctions would indeed be reinstated soon, signaling a challenging path ahead for diplomacy in this prolonged standoff.