Wed Jul 02 10:26:23 UTC 2025: ## Iran Escalates Nuclear Standoff, Considers Ban on IAEA Chief

**Tehran, Iran** – Tensions between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have reached a critical point, with Iran considering barring IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi from the country. This comes after President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the IAEA, citing recent Israeli and US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities as justification.

Iranian state media confirmed the law’s enactment on Wednesday, a week after its passage by parliament. The move significantly restricts IAEA inspectors’ access, requiring approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council for any site visits.

The decision follows a period of escalating animosity. Iranian officials have sharply criticized Grossi for failing to condemn the Israeli and US strikes during last month’s 12-day conflict. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Grossi is no longer welcome, accusing him of “malign intent” regarding requests to visit damaged nuclear sites.

“Grossi’s insistence on visiting the bombed sites under the pretext of safeguards is meaningless,” Araghchi declared.

The Iranian government has also condemned a June 12 IAEA resolution accusing Tehran of non-compliance with its nuclear obligations, viewing it as a pretext for the Israeli attacks.

The recent escalation stems from a 12-day conflict initiated by a surprise Israeli bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities and military sites on June 13, including the assassination of prominent figures. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel. The US then launched unprecedented strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Isfahan, and Natanz on June 22. A ceasefire took hold on June 24.

Iran claims that Israeli attacks resulted in the deaths of 935 people, including 132 women and 38 children. Iranian retaliatory attacks reportedly killed 28 in Israel.

While US President Donald Trump has claimed the US attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear program, the full extent of the damage remains unclear. Araghchi has acknowledged “serious” damage but insisted that the technology and science cannot be destroyed through bombings.

The United States and some Western countries accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a claim Tehran consistently denies. This latest move by Iran further complicates efforts to monitor its nuclear program and raises serious concerns about regional stability.

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