Mon Jun 23 17:13:10 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Iran Considers Suspending IAEA Cooperation Following U.S. Attack, Raising Nuclear Concerns**

**New Delhi – June 23, 2025** – Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply today as the Iranian parliament began debating a bill that could halt Tehran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The move comes in response to a U.S. attack on Iranian nuclear facilities on Sunday, which has drawn strong condemnation both domestically and internationally.

Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), announced the potential suspension, citing a lack of “objective guarantees of the professional behavior” of the IAEA and accusing the agency of becoming a “political tool.” He affirmed Iran’s peaceful intentions regarding nuclear activities, referencing a religious decree from the Supreme Leader.

The announcement coincided with an emergency meeting of the IAEA Board of Governors in Vienna. Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi expressed deep concern, warning of the potential for a “nuclear accident” and the collapse of the global non-proliferation regime. Grossi stated the IAEA’s readiness to mediate an end to the military confrontation.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, called for strong diplomatic action and enforcement of U.N. Security Council Resolution 487, which condemned Israel’s 1981 attack on Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor. Araghchi argued that attacks on nuclear facilities undermine the entire IAEA safeguards regime and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).

The U.S. attack also drew criticism from former IAEA Director General Mohamed ElBaradei, who likened the situation to the lead-up to the 2003 Iraq War. He criticized the “obscene double standards” of those advocating for a rules-based system, highlighting the paralysis of the UN Security Council.

The unfolding situation raises serious concerns about the future of nuclear non-proliferation efforts and the potential for further escalation in the region. The IAEA is actively seeking a diplomatic solution to avert a potential nuclear crisis.

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