Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has officially enacted a new law suspending cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iranian state media reported the move on Wednesday, confirming that the legislation passed by parliament last week is now in effect.

The law represents a sharp escalation in Tehran’s nuclear policy and comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations. It restricts IAEA access by requiring that any future inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites be approved by the country’s Supreme National Security Council.

Tensions Rise Over IAEA Decision and Israeli Air Strikes
Iran has accused the IAEA of aligning with Western powers and indirectly justifying Israeli air strikes, which began one day after the IAEA board voted to declare Iran in violation of its obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

In response to these accusations, the IAEA said in a statement, “We are aware of these reports. The IAEA is awaiting further official information from Iran.”

Damage to Nuclear Site Adds to Strain
Further straining the situation, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told CBS News that a recent U.S. bombing had “seriously and heavily damaged” the Fordow nuclear facility. The Fordow site is one of Iran’s most sensitive nuclear installations.

iran suspending IAEA

A satellite overview shows the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Facility, amid the Iran-Israel conflict, near Qom, Iran, June 29, 2025. Maxar Technologies/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. MANDATORY CREDIT. DO NOT OBSCURE LOGO.

This latest development underscores the growing complexity of international efforts to monitor Iran’s nuclear program and the fragile state of diplomatic relations between Tehran and the West.