UN Atomic Watchdog Withdraws Inspectors from Iran Amid Safety Concerns

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has withdrawn its inspectors from Iran following Tehran's suspension of cooperation and a new law criminalizing international monitoring, marking the first expulsion of IAEA personnel since Iran began uranium enrichment two decades ago. This withdrawal effectively ends direct international oversight of Iran's nuclear sites, though Western and Israeli intelligence continue satellite surveillance. Iran's move, supported by its parliament and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is framed as a defense of national sovereignty but has been condemned by the U.S. as unacceptable and a setback to non-proliferation efforts. The recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities heightened tensions and contributed to Iran's decision to limit IAEA access. Despite Iran's insistence that its nuclear program is peaceful, the IAEA and U.S. officials remain concerned about undeclared nuclear materials and potential weaponization, with the Pentagon estimating the strikes delayed Iran's nuclear progress by up to two years. The IAEA continues to seek resumed cooperation to resolve outstanding issues and maintain international oversight.