Iran will suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following a failed UN Security Council (UNSC) vote to extend sanctions relief, the country's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced Saturday. The decision, made during a meeting chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian, comes in response to what Iran called "ill-considered" actions by European nations regarding its nuclear program.
The UNSC on Friday rejected a resolution to maintain sanctions relief under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Last month, France, Britain, and Germany triggered the deal's "snapback" mechanism, which could reinstate UN sanctions by late September if Iran is found non-compliant. Tehran criticized the move despite its stated cooperation with IAEA inspectors.
"This suspension reflects our principled response to the E3's unilateral approach," the SNSC stated, referring to the three European countries. Iran's Foreign Ministry has been tasked with pursuing diplomatic measures to protect national interests.
The development escalates tensions over the JCPOA, which aimed to limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief. Analysts warn the suspension could complicate ongoing monitoring efforts and further strain international negotiations.
