Iran Votes to Halt Ties with UN Nuclear Watchdog

Iran’s parliament, the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majles), has voted to halt the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), according to state broadcaster IRIB.

The decision, made on Wednesday, now awaits ratification by the Supreme National Security Council, a powerful body chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian. However, in Iran’s political structure, such parliamentary votes—particularly on foreign affairs—are often viewed as largely symbolic unless endorsed by the Supreme Leader’s inner circle.

This latest move follows heightened tensions triggered by U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. In a separate escalation earlier this week, the Majles’ national security and foreign policy committee proposed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—an action that, if pursued, would also fall under the authority of the Supreme National Security Council.

The IAEA, which had scaled back its activities following Israel’s strikes on Iranian nuclear sites beginning June 13, has called for the swift restoration of cooperation. In a statement released Tuesday, the agency welcomed the cessation of hostilities between Iran and Israel and expressed readiness to resume inspections.

“IAEA inspectors have remained in Iran throughout the conflict and are prepared to resume work immediately, including verifying inventories of nuclear material,” the statement read. The agency noted that its last full verification of Iran’s enriched uranium—over 400 kg enriched to 60%—occurred just days before the Israeli strikes began.