IAEA Inspectors Depart Iran After Tehran Suspends Nuclear Cooperation

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has withdrawn its inspectors from Iran following a recent 12-day conflict involving Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, including Fordow and Natanz. Iran suspended its cooperation with the IAEA, citing sovereignty violations and security concerns after the strikes, and has since banned inspectors from certain sites and threatened to expel remaining personnel. Iranian lawmakers passed a law mandating the suspension of collaboration with the IAEA until Iran's nuclear facility security and enrichment rights are assured. Despite the withdrawal, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the urgent need to negotiate modalities for resuming monitoring and verification activities in Iran as soon as possible. The U.S. condemned Iran's suspension of cooperation as unacceptable amid ongoing international pressure to maintain nuclear oversight. The IAEA team has safely returned to its headquarters in Vienna, with the agency reiterating the importance of restoring its vital monitoring role in Iran.