Mon Jun 30 17:36:27 UTC 2025: **Iran Rejects IAEA Visit to Bombed Nuclear Sites, Cites “Malign Intent”**

**Tehran, Iran** – Tensions have escalated between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) as Tehran has rejected a request from IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to visit nuclear facilities allegedly bombed by Israel and the United States during recent conflict. Iranian officials have sharply criticised the IAEA’s perceived lack of condemnation of the strikes and accused the agency of political bias.

“Grossi’s insistence on visiting the bombed sites under the pretext of safeguards is meaningless and possibly even malign in intent,” stated Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on X. He further asserted Iran’s right to defend its interests and sovereignty.

President Masoud Pezeshkian informed French President Emmanuel Macron that Iran had suspended cooperation with the IAEA, citing Grossi’s “destructive” behaviour. This decision follows a vote by Iranian lawmakers to halt cooperation with the agency, citing the alleged attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Al Jazeera’s Resul Serdar reported from Tehran that Iranian leadership views the IAEA as facing “immense political pressure from Israel and the United States,” leading to concerns about the agency’s impartiality.

The IAEA has not publicly commented on the specific allegations of the bombing. However, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have issued a joint statement condemning “threats” against Grossi and reaffirming their support for the IAEA. They urged Iran to resume full cooperation with the agency and ensure the safety of its personnel.

While the nature of the threats remains unspecified, Iran’s Kayhan newspaper recently accused Grossi of being an Israeli spy and suggested he should be executed. Iranian officials deny any threats were made against Grossi or IAEA inspectors.

Meanwhile, Qatar is reportedly involved in efforts to mediate a resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue and prevent further escalation.

According to Iranian judiciary spokesperson Asghar Jahangir, at least 935 people, including 132 women and 38 children, were killed during the recent conflict with Israel.

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