**The recent withdrawal of U.N. nuclear inspectors from Iran exacerbates tensions over its nuclear program at a time when international oversight is critical.**
**Nuclear Watchdog's Departure: Iran Suspends Cooperation with U.N. Agency Amid Ongoing Conflict**
**Nuclear Watchdog's Departure: Iran Suspends Cooperation with U.N. Agency Amid Ongoing Conflict**
**In the wake of military strikes, Iran halts collaboration with the I.A.E.A., raising concerns about its nuclear ambitions.**
The International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) announced on Friday that its inspectors have departed from Iran, following the country’s cessation of cooperation amidst ongoing military conflict and attacks. This decision, made by Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, effectively suspends U.N. oversight of Iran's controversial nuclear program, heightening fears of potential escalation towards nuclear weaponization.
The suspension comes just days after Iran was engaged in a war with Israel, which included significant strikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites, drawing attention from global powers. Iranian officials have expressed that the I.A.E.A.'s recent statements regarding non-complaint practices were used to justify these attacks. On the heels of the agency's censure—delivered shortly before Israeli airstrikes that resulted in considerable casualties, including the deaths of nuclear scientists—tensions soured as Iran's leadership shifted blame towards the watchdog.
The I.A.E.A.'s withdrawal raises pivotal questions regarding the status of Iran's nuclear ambitions. Experts worry the conflict could lead Iran to further conceal its activities, complicating the verification of its compliance with nuclear nonproliferation obligations. Mr. Rafael Grossi, I.A.E.A. Director General, indicated in a recent statement the need for immediate discussions with Iran to restore monitoring capabilities, stressing the urgency of re-establishing oversight amid heightened risks.
While President Trump claimed that U.S. actions alongside Israeli operations "obliterated" Iranian nuclear capabilities, other officials, including Grossi, maintained caution, as large quantities of highly enriched uranium remain unaccounted for, representing a significant threat for possible weapons development. Iran has continued to assert that its nuclear intentions are solely for peaceful purposes, despite the I.A.E.A.'s findings that indicate a troubling stockpile of 882 pounds of highly enriched uranium.
As the situation unfolds, Iranian lawmakers have reportedly set conditions for resuming talks with the I.A.E.A., including assurances of safety for its nuclear facilities and an acknowledgment of Iran's rights under international law concerning uranium enrichment. Concurrently, Iranian officials have hinted at a renewed willingness to engage in dialogue with the United States, aiming for diplomacy amidst a complex geopolitical landscape.
Leily Nikounazar contributed reporting on this nuanced and evolving issue.
