Fri Jul 04 13:17:47 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
Following a 12-day conflict involving attacks on Iranian military and nuclear sites by Israel and the US, Iran has suspended cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). IAEA inspectors have left Iran via land and returned to Vienna. The move follows criticism of the IAEA for not condemning the attacks and for accusing Iran of non-compliance. Iranian officials state the suspension is a matter of national sovereignty and security and will remain until these are guaranteed. The US has condemned Iran’s decision, while Iran maintains its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
**News Article:**
**IAEA Inspectors Depart Iran After Cooperation Suspended Amid Conflict**
**Vienna, Austria** – A team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has departed Iran, following the country’s decision to suspend cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. The move comes in the wake of a 12-day conflict that saw Israeli attacks on Iranian military sites and subsequent US strikes on nuclear facilities.
The IAEA confirmed the departure of its personnel in a statement on Friday, indicating the inspectors had traveled by land to Armenia before returning to the agency’s headquarters in Vienna. IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi emphasized the urgency of resuming monitoring and verification work with Iran.
The conflict, which began on June 13, saw escalating tensions after Israel targeted Iranian military sites, resulting in casualties. The US later became involved, launching strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, an action the former Trump administration claimed had significantly hampered Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA stems from growing distrust, fueled by the agency’s failure to condemn the Israeli and US attacks and a resolution accusing Tehran of non-compliance. Iranian officials have described the suspension as a matter of national sovereignty and security, stating it will remain in effect until the security of nuclear facilities and scientists is guaranteed.
The US Department of State has condemned Iran’s decision, urging Tehran to reverse course. “Iran cannot and will not have a nuclear weapon,” stated spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
Iran continues to maintain that its nuclear program is for civilian purposes and denies seeking to develop nuclear weapons. Neither US intelligence nor the IAEA has presented concrete evidence to the contrary. The departure of the IAEA inspectors has raised concerns about increased nuclear ambiguity in Iran and further complicates international efforts to monitor the country’s nuclear activities.
First Piper 