Iran to suspend cooperation with IAEA following snapback vote
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Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA after the UN Security Council voted on sanctions related to Tehran’s nuclear program.
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The flag of the International Atomic Energy Agency flies in front of its headquarters during an IAEA Board of Governors meeting in Vienna, Austria, on Feb. 6, 2023. (AP)
Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced on Saturday the suspension of its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution imposing sanctions on Tehran over its nuclear program.
The decision, made during a high-level council meeting, follows the E3's "politically motivated move" of reimposing nuclear sanctions on Tehran.
"Among other things, the ill-considered steps of three European countries were discussed [at the Supreme National Security Council meeting] and, despite the cooperation of the Foreign Ministry with the IAEA and projects to resolve this issue, the cooperation with the IAEA will be suspended due to the actions of those European countries," the statement read, as quoted by the state-run IRIB broadcaster.
Iran's response will be harsher than ever
The chairman of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Commission, Ebrahim Azizi, issued a warning that any countries that might exploit Iran’s goodwill for dialogue and instead resort to pressure will consequently face a response that is both tougher and more decisive than ever before.
In a message posted on X, Ebrahim Azizi stated that the so-called “maximum pressure” strategy has never achieved success and will, in this instance, impose even greater costs on both its designers and its executors.
He stated that Iran has consistently upheld the logic of dialogue and constructive engagement; however, certain powers have shut the doors of diplomacy on themselves by choosing pressure and confrontation.
"This mistaken path will not help them reach their goals; instead, it will only deepen their isolation and guarantee their failure," he affirmed.
Read more: Iran nuclear chief: Europe hardened stance after Iran-IAEA agreement
