Iranian Parliament has voted to suspend all cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The decision comes after recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran claims have exposed serious flaws in international nuclear oversight.

The new legislation, supported by Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, challenges Iran’s commitments under the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Western governments have raised concerns that the step could lead to unchecked nuclear activities.

Why Iran is cutting ties with the IAEA

The decision was triggered by the US bombing of three Iranian nuclear sites on June 22 — an attack that followed Israeli airstrikes earlier this month. Iranian officials argue that the IAEA, which is responsible for monitoring peaceful nuclear activities worldwide, failed to even acknowledge the attacks.

Ebrahim Rezaei, spokesperson for the committee behind the bill, said the agency's silence "amounts to complicity." Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation also criticised the IAEA, calling it a "political tool."

What the bill means: No inspections or reports

If the bill becomes law, it would immediately restrict IAEA inspectors from visiting Iranian nuclear sites. It would also stop the installation and upkeep of surveillance equipment, such as cameras and sensors. In addition, Iran would no longer submit regular updates or reports to the IAEA, which are normally required under international agreements.

Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf said Iran’s "peaceful nuclear programme will now move forward at a faster pace," a statement that experts believe hints at more advanced uranium enrichment.

This move is seen as Iran’s most serious rejection of international nuclear oversight since the 2015 nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Although the US pulled out of the deal in 2018, Iran had remained partially cooperative until now.

With growing pressure from international sanctions, cyberattacks on its nuclear programme, and now direct military strikes, Iran’s leaders say they have little reason to trust the current system.

By cutting off the IAEA, Iran is effectively removing the only reliable way the global community has to monitor its nuclear activities, raising fears of a nuclear crisis in the region.

Despite Tehran insisting it has “no plans for non-peaceful nuclear activity,” recent statements from lawmakers have taken a more aggressive tone. Ghalibaf accused the IAEA of “auctioning off its credibility,” and said Iran’s cooperation would now depend on receiving “security guarantees.”

Iran has previously limited IAEA access, such as in 2021 after the assassination of top nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh. But this time, the situation is more tense due to the ongoing military conflict and the breakdown of diplomatic talks.

So far, the IAEA has not officially responded. The ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump on June 24 is still in effect. However, Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation makes it clear that it no longer sees diplomacy as a reliable option.

France and Germany have called for an emergency meeting at the United Nations Security Council, urging all sides to remain calm. Russia and China, meanwhile, have criticised Western military actions and called for de-escalation.

Gulf nations have also expressed concern, warning that the growing tension could lead to an arms race in the region.

If this bill is formally enacted, international inspectors may be forced to leave Iran within weeks, leaving the world completely in the dark about the country’s nuclear programme.