IAEA Inspectors Leave Iran, Return to Vienna Amid Suspension of Cooperation

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed on its social media account that a team of inspectors has safely left Iran and returned to the agency’s headquarters in Vienna. The inspectors had remained in Tehran during the recent military conflict.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi reiterated the importance of resuming the agency’s “indispensable monitoring and verification activities” in Iran as soon as possible. This comes after Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA following military strikes on its nuclear facilities.

Iran Suspends Cooperation with IAEA
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently approved a bill passed by the Iranian parliament to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated, “The IAEA has lost its international credibility by failing to condemn the attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities. Therefore, the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran will suspend cooperation with the Agency until the security of nuclear facilities is fully ensured.”

Under the new law, IAEA inspectors will not be allowed to visit Iran’s nuclear facilities without the approval of the Supreme National Security Council.