Iran Halts Cooperation with IAEA Following Snapback of UN Sanctions
TEHRAN, Iran – Iran announced Sunday it is indeed halting cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after European nations triggered the restoration of all UN sanctions lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).the move escalates tensions already heightened by Iran’s accelerating nuclear program and regional conflicts.
the snapback of sanctions – initiated by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom – stems from Iran’s continued breaches of the JCPOA’s restrictions on its nuclear activities. This action effectively removes limitations on Iran’s enrichment of uranium, reprocessing of spent fuel, and the advancement of ballistic missiles, possibly shortening the pathway to nuclear weapons capability. The decision impacts Iran’s economy, international trade, and diplomatic relations, while raising concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation.
According to a statement released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, all “voluntary measures” taken by Iran under the JCPOA, including allowing IAEA access to its nuclear facilities, will be suspended. “Iran considers the recent move by britain, France and Germany as a violation of their commitments under the JCPOA and a destructive step,” the statement read.
The European nations invoked the snapback mechanism after the US, which unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, requested its implementation. While the US is not a party to the JCPOA, it argued that it had standing to trigger the snapback as a participant in the original UN Security Council resolution that endorsed the deal. This claim was disputed by Russia and China, who also remain parties to the JCPOA.
The IAEA expressed regret over Iran’s decision, stating that it would “assess the implications of this declaration for the Agency’s verification activities in Iran.” IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly called for Iran to fully cooperate with the agency and address outstanding questions regarding its nuclear program.
The suspension of IAEA cooperation raises serious concerns about transparency and verification of Iran’s nuclear activities. Without IAEA oversight, it will be more tough to monitor Iran’s progress and ensure that its nuclear program remains peaceful. Diplomatic efforts to revive the JCPOA have stalled, and the future of the agreement remains uncertain. The snapback of sanctions and Iran’s retaliatory measures further complicate the situation,increasing the risk of miscalculation and conflict in the region.
