Iran to suspend cooperation with IAEA

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran met today under the chairmanship of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The meeting addressed regional developments, Israel's policies in the region, and the ongoing cooperation with the IAEA.

The Council's statement emphasized that Iran will continue its policy of increasing cooperation for the sake of peace and stability under current conditions.

However, it was stated that cooperation with the Agency will be suspended due to the stance of the "E3" countries—the UK, France, and Germany—despite the contacts and proposed solutions offered by the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was instructed to continue its diplomatic contacts to protect national interests.

LIFTING OF SANCTIONS HAD BEEN REJECTED

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) had decided to put to a vote a draft resolution initiated by the E3 countries that envisioned the lifting of sanctions against Iran. In the session held yesterday at the UNSC, the draft resolution, which confirmed Iran's nuclear commitments and envisioned the permanent lifting of UN sanctions, was rejected. During the vote, China, Russia, Pakistan, and Algeria supported the resolution, while 9 countries, including the UK, France, and the US, voted against it, and Guyana and South Korea abstained.

IRAN HAD PREVIOUSLY SUSPENDED COOPERATION WITH THE IAEA

The Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran had approved a bill on June 25 that envisioned suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) until the safety of nuclear scientists and facilities was ensured.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on September 9 in Cairo, Egypt. During the meeting, Araghchi signed an agreement that envisioned the resumption of inspections, which had been suspended following attacks by the US and Israel on Iran's nuclear facilities in June.

News Source: İHA