Iran warns to halt collaboration with UN nuclear watchdog

(MENAFN) Iran has threatened to halt its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) if “any hostile action” is taken against the country.

“In the event of any hostile action against Iran – including the reinstatement of cancelled UN Security Council resolutions – Iran will consider these practical steps null and void," Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said during a joint press conference in Cairo on Tuesday with Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.

Last month, Britain, France, and Germany activated the snapback mechanism under UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which automatically reinstates sanctions unless the Council decides otherwise within 30 days.

“The message is clear: Iran will never compromise on its sovereignty, rights, or security. At the same time, Iran is demonstrating restraint and responsibility by reaching an agreement with the Agency to allow continued cooperation,” Araghchi added.

On Tuesday, Iran and the IAEA reached a Cairo-mediated agreement to resume the agency’s operations in Tehran. This followed Tehran’s suspension of its ties with the UN nuclear watchdog after US and Israeli strikes in June, with Iran accusing the agency of bias.
Araghchi noted that the previous safeguards agreement with the IAEA was designed for normal conditions, which he said proved “inappropriate after the attacks by Israel and the US” on Iranian nuclear facilities.

Iran was involved in Oman-mediated nuclear talks with the US when Israel launched a surprise attack on June 13, targeting military, nuclear, and civilian sites as well as senior military officials and nuclear scientists. Tehran retaliated with missile and drone strikes, and the US bombed three Iranian nuclear sites. The 12-day conflict ended under a US-sponsored ceasefire on June 24.

MENAFN10092025000045017281ID1110043053