IAEA Withdraws Inspectors from Tehran Following Iran’s Accusations and President Pezeshkian’s Suspension of Cooperation
[Tehran, July 4, 2025] —
The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has confirmed that one of its inspector teams has safely left Iran and returned to the agency’s headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The team had been stationed in Tehran amid recent military tensions involving Israel, Iran, and the United States.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement:
“Dialogue with Iran is essential in order to resume the agency’s vital monitoring and verification activities as soon as possible.”
His remarks came at a time when Iran’s newly elected President, Masoud Pezeshkian, signed into law a decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. The new legislation stipulates that UN nuclear inspectors must now obtain approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council before being granted access to nuclear facilities.
Analysts believe this move has plunged Iran-IAEA relations into a deep crisis. Notably, on June 12, the IAEA’s 35-member Board of Governors adopted a strongly worded resolution holding Iran accountable for violating the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
In response, Iranian officials sharply criticized the resolution, stating:
“This move by the IAEA effectively gives Israel diplomatic cover to bomb Iranian facilities the very next day.”
Over the past month, a series of joint Israeli-American operations have struck Iranian nuclear research centers and enrichment sites, dramatically escalating nuclear tensions.
Global political analysts warn that the current standoff threatens not just the Middle East, but the broader framework of international security. The future course of this conflict is expected to be shaped by IAEA’s next steps and Tehran’s response in the coming days.
Key Developments:
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IAEA inspection team departs Tehran
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Iran passes new law restricting inspection access
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Recent Israeli-U.S. strikes have damaged Iranian nuclear sites
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Iran labels IAEA’s report “politically motivated”
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Fears grow over a new nuclear crisis in the Middle East
