Iran Parliament Votes to Halt UN Nuclear Watchdog Cooperation

Iran’s parliament convened this week with a defiant agenda: to approve a bill halting cooperation with the UN’s nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The vote, which took place on Tuesday, underscores the increasing friction between Tehran and Western nations as negotiations over its nuclear program remain deadlocked.

Breaking Ties with the IAEA

The legislation, which passed with overwhelming support, mandates the suspension of all voluntary measures under the 2015 nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). According to Intellinews, Iranian officials framed the decision as a direct response to sanctions imposed by the United States and Europe, which they argue have violated the spirit of the original agreement.

“We cannot stand idly by as the West continues its economic warfare against our people,” said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of Parliament, addressing the chamber. He emphasized that this was a necessary step to ensure Iran’s sovereignty.

What’s at Stake?

The IAEA plays a critical role in monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities to ensure they remain peaceful. The agency’s inspections are considered vital for global security. By severing these ties, Tehran risks not only escalating tensions but also isolating itself further from the international community.

Sources close to the IAEA, as cited by The Irish Times, expressed concern over the bill’s potential to accelerate uranium enrichment activities. Iran has already breached several limits set by the JCPOA, including stockpiling enriched uranium and installing advanced centrifuges.

“This is a significant blow to transparency,” an unnamed European diplomat told The Irish Times. “Without oversight, the world is left to guess Iran’s intentions—a scenario no one wants.”

Global Reactions: A Familiar Deadlock

While the Iranian government insists the move is reversible should sanctions be lifted, Western powers are skeptical. In a joint statement, the U.S. and European Union called for Iran to return to full compliance with the JCPOA. “This brinkmanship serves no one’s interest,” the statement read.

But Iran’s frustration runs deep. According to BBC, Iranian officials argue that the West has failed to meet its obligations under the deal, particularly in easing financial restrictions. “We’ve honored our commitments, and they have not,” said Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s foreign ministry spokesman, during a press conference last month.

A Strategy of Defiance

Iran’s latest move fits into a broader pattern of resistance. Over the past two years, Tehran has incrementally reduced its compliance with the JCPOA, each step calibrated to pressure the U.S. and Europe into lifting sanctions. The decision to cut ties with the IAEA, however, represents the most dramatic escalation yet.

Some analysts see the parliamentary vote as a calculated gamble. “Iran is betting that the international community, particularly Europe, will push back against American sanctions,” explained a regional expert in Intellinews. “But it’s a high-risk strategy with no guaranteed outcome.”

What Comes Next?

The bill must still be approved by Iran’s Guardian Council, a constitutional body that vets all legislation. While the Council rarely opposes parliamentary decisions on such matters, its final endorsement will formalize the policy shift.

Meanwhile, the IAEA has not yet issued a formal response. However, insiders speculate that the agency will call an emergency meeting to discuss the implications.

The longer the standoff continues, the more fragile the diplomatic threads become. Iran may see this as a bold move to reclaim leverage, but the global stakes make it a precarious game.