Iran orders suspension of cooperation with UN nuclear agency

Iran's president has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). It comes after US and Israeli airstrikes last month hit Iran's nuclear facilities.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday signed legislation to suspend access for IAEA inspectors into the country until the "security" of its nuclear facilities is guaranteed. 

The move could further limit inspectors' ability to monitor Iran's nuclear program that had been enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels. 

The suspension comes after US and Israeli airstrikes targeted Iran's nuclear facilitieson June 22.

What do we know about the suspension?

According to Iranian state television, the suspension "will remain in effect until certain conditions are met, including the guaranteed security of nuclear facilities and scientists." 

Further details on the decision are limited and it is not yet clear how Iran will implement it.

The IAEA has already been refused access to the damaged nuclear facilities that Israel and the US bombed last month.

On Sunday, Iran's ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, said IAEA inspectors' work had been suspended but denied any threats against them.

Stronger reaction was feared

Experts had feared that Iran's decision could have been more severe. They were worried that Iran would end, rather than suspend, its cooperation with IAEA.

There were also concerns that Iran would abandon the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty. Under the deal, countries agree to not build or obtain nuclear weapons and allow the IAEA to carry put inspections. 

Iran has previously used restrictions on IAEA inspections as a pressure tactic. However, Iran has signaled that there is no immediate plan to restart nuclear talks with the US.  

"I don't think negotiations will restart as quickly as that," Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said. However, he added: "The doors of diplomacy will never slam shut." 

Israel condemns decision 

Iran's move to suspend IAEA cooperation drew condemnation from Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

He appealed to European nations that are part of Iran's 2015 nuclear deal to implement its so-called snapback clause. That would reinstate all UN sanctions on Iran, which were originally lifted by Tehran's nuclear deal.

Israel is widely believed to be the only country with nuclear arms in the Middle East. The IAEA does not have access to its facilities.