Iran Reaffirms NPT Commitment Despite IAEA Cooperation Shift

Iran has reaffirmed its commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and its safeguards agreement despite recently enacting legislation that suspends direct cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi clarified that cooperation with the IAEA will continue but will be coordinated through Iran's Supreme National Security Council, citing safety and security concerns following Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iran accuses Germany of supporting Israel's attacks and repudiating commitments under the 2015 nuclear deal by demanding zero uranium enrichment. The IAEA continues to have inspectors in Iran and is awaiting official clarification on the new arrangements. In response to the attacks, the Pentagon stated that the strikes set back Iran's nuclear program by up to two years. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have escalated their criticism of the IAEA, with threats directed at its Director General, which drew condemnation from European countries.