Russia blames US-Israeli strikes for undermining IAEA credibility

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
25 Jun 2025 15:45

Russia blames US-Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites for damaging the IAEA’s credibility, following Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the agency.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov waits for the talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Interim President of the Republic of Mali Assimi Goita at the Grand Kremlin Palace at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, Monday, June 23, 2025. (AP Photo/Pavel Bednyakov, Pool)

The Iranian Shura Council has approved a decision to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following recent US and Israeli attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Commenting on Iran's decision, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the US and Israeli strikes, stating that they have severely damaged the credibility of the IAEA. He described the Iranian decision as a direct consequence of the attacks, adding that the IAEA’s reputation has been seriously compromised by what he termed unjustified military actions against Iran.

Peskov also confirmed that contacts are ongoing between Iran and the US, with Russia closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular communication with its partners in Tehran. On that note, Moscow has expressed deep concern about the regional implications of the crisis.

In response to US President Donald Trump’s claim that American strikes had "obliterated" Iran’s nuclear program, the Kremlin said it was too early to make any definitive assessments. Peskov noted that no concrete data has yet been presented to substantiate such assertions.

The Russian government stressed that credible and verifiable information is essential before concluding the effectiveness of the recent military operations, calling for restraint and a return to diplomatic solutions.

Tehran halts IAEA access

Earlier today, Iran’s Parliament announced a major shift in nuclear oversight policy, voting to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unless the safety of its nuclear facilities is guaranteed. The move comes in the wake of recent Israeli-US aggression targeting key nuclear sites, which Iranian lawmakers say the IAEA failed to condemn.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf declared that Tehran would no longer cooperate with the IAEA until its nuclear facilities are fully secured. He criticized the international watchdog for remaining silent in the face of attacks on Iran’s sovereign infrastructure.

“The IAEA did not issue even a symbolic condemnation,” Ghalibaf stated, criticizing the agency’s silence in the face of blatant attacks. He warned that Iran’s peaceful nuclear program will now accelerate “at a faster pace,” with heightened vigilance against diplomatic manipulation. The top Iranian lawmaker emphasized that Tehran is more prepared than ever and will meet any future aggression with “crushing force.”