The President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, implemented a directive on the 3rd of July for Iran to halt its collaborations with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This came as a response to the US’s offensive attack on three substantial nuclear locations in Iran amidst the air conflict with Israel. Anticipated dialogues between Iran and the IAEA are expected to be ‘technical’ and ‘complex’, according to the Foreign Ministry of the Islamic Republic, in preparation for the nuclear supervisory organization’s inaugural visit since Iran terminated its association with the organization a month ago.
The rapport between Iran and the IAEA deteriorated following a 12-day air conflict instigated by the US and Israel in June, during which pivotal Iranian nuclear infrastructures were targeted. On June 12, the IAEA board voiced concerns about Iran violating its non-proliferation commitments. This occurred a day before the commencement of Israel’s aerial onslaught over Iran, leading to a full blown conflict.
Despite the importance of the events, the IAEA refrained from issuing any immediate statements regarding the impending visit of its deputy head. This visit to Iran was not intended to include any kind of planned access to the nation’s nuclear sites. Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, hinted at possible talks with Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi, but cautioned that it was too early to anticipate the outcome of these ‘complicated’ and ‘technical’ discussions.
Baghaei also expressed criticism towards the IAEA for its ‘unique position’ during Israel’s military offensive in June. He pointed out that the peaceful facilities under the 24-hour surveillance of the IAEA were unduly targeted. The spokesperson was displeased with the IAEA for their lack of a rational and critical reaction to the situation, even claiming that the agency did not make the expected condemnation.
In previous statements, Aragchi had pointed out that any cooperation with the IAEA, now subject to the approval of Iran’s highest security body – the Supreme National Security Council -would primarily focus on reconfiguring the cooperative approach between the two parties. The ultimate impact of this decision is likely to curtail further the ability of inspectors to monitor Tehran’s uranium enrichment program, which had been edging closer to weapons-grade levels.
In light of the escalating conflicts, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian repeated his directive on July 3 instructing Iran to temporarily halt its collaborations with the IAEA. This came following the bombing of three vital Iranian nuclear facilities by the US as part of the ongoing air war with Israel. The conflicts resulted in fatalities close to 1,100 individuals, comprising many military personnel.
In retaliation to the Israeli offense, Iran launched strikes that resulted in 28 deaths in Israel. Whilst Iran has often used restrictions on IAEA inspections as a negotiating tactic with Western nations in the past, it remains uncertain when negotiations between Tehran and Washington regarding the nuclear program will recommence.
Prior assessments by US intelligence agencies and the IAEA had suggested Iran last had an organized nuclear weapon program in 2003. Nevertheless, Iran had been processing uranium to achieve a concentration as high as 60%. This is just a small technical step away from the weapons-grade concentration level of 90%.
The post Iran Halts Collaboration with IAEA Post US-Backed Israeli Offensive appeared first on Real News Now.
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