Iran has suspended its nuclear cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in response to the reimposition of sanctions by Western European nations. The decision was announced by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which cited the “ill-considered actions” of Britain, France, and Germany as the reason for the suspension.
The UN Security Council voted to reimpose sanctions on Iran on Friday, following the triggering of the “snapback” mechanism by the three European countries last month. The mechanism was initiated in response to Iran’s alleged non-compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a nuclear deal signed with several world powers, including the US, Russia, and China.
The IAEA had recently reached an agreement with Iran to resume inspections of its nuclear facilities, which had been suspended following attacks on its nuclear sites by Israel and the US. However, the new sanctions have derailed this agreement, with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council stating that the path of cooperation with the IAEA has been “effectively suspended.”
The JCPOA, which was signed in 2015, imposed restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the deal effectively collapsed in 2018 when the US unilaterally withdrew from the agreement during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Russia has expressed opposition to the reimposition of sanctions, with its envoy to the UN Security Council, Vassily Nebenzia, stating that Moscow does not recognize the decision. Nebenzia argued that the three European countries had “chronically” violated their JCPOA obligations and failed to follow the dispute mechanism.
The reimposition of sanctions is set to take effect on September 28, following a 30-day period triggered by the “snapback” mechanism. The move is likely to escalate tensions between Iran and the Western European nations, and may have significant implications for the region and the global economy. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the parties involved will respond to the newly imposed sanctions and the suspension of nuclear cooperation.
