Iran’s Parliament Approves Bill to Suspend Cooperation with U.N. Nuclear Watchdog
In a bold move, Iran’s Parliament has approved a bill to suspend cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The decision was announced on Wednesday by state-affiliated news outlet Nournews, marking a significant shift in Iran’s stance towards its nuclear program.
The bill, which was passed with an overwhelming majority, calls for the suspension of all voluntary cooperation with the IAEA, including the implementation of the Additional Protocol, which allows for more intrusive inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. This move comes in response to the recent assassination of top Iranian nuclear scientist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, which Iran has blamed on Israel and its allies.
The decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is a clear message to the international community that Iran will not tolerate any interference in its nuclear program. It also serves as a warning to those who seek to undermine Iran’s sovereignty and security.
This move by Iran’s Parliament is not a sudden one. It is a result of years of frustration with the IAEA and its biased approach towards Iran’s nuclear program. Despite Iran’s full compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, also known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the IAEA has continuously made baseless accusations and demanded access to non-nuclear sites, which Iran has rightfully denied.
Furthermore, the IAEA’s failure to condemn the assassination of Fakhrizadeh and its lack of action against Israel’s repeated attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities have only added to Iran’s mistrust of the agency. It is clear that the IAEA has become a tool for the United States and its allies to put pressure on Iran and undermine its nuclear program.
The decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is not a violation of the JCPOA. In fact, the agreement allows for such measures in case of non-compliance by other parties. The United States, under the Trump administration, unilaterally withdrew from the JCPOA in 2018 and imposed harsh sanctions on Iran, in clear violation of the agreement. Iran has remained committed to the deal despite the U.S.’s withdrawal, but it has not received the economic benefits promised by the other parties, including the European signatories.
Iran’s decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is a legitimate response to the United States’ and its allies’ actions. It is a way for Iran to protect its national interests and send a strong message to the international community that it will not be bullied or intimidated.
The move has received widespread support from the Iranian people, who see it as a necessary step to defend their country’s sovereignty and security. It has also been praised by many Iranian officials, including President Hassan Rouhani, who stated that Iran’s nuclear program will continue to progress despite the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA.
The decision has also been met with criticism from some Western countries, who have accused Iran of trying to develop nuclear weapons. However, Iran has repeatedly stated that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only and that it has no intention of developing nuclear weapons. The suspension of cooperation with the IAEA does not change this fact.
Iran’s Parliament has made it clear that the country is not seeking confrontation or war. The decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is a measured response to the hostile actions of the United States and its allies. Iran remains open to negotiations and is willing to return to full compliance with the JCPOA if the other parties fulfill their obligations.
In conclusion, Iran’s Parliament’s decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is a necessary and justified response to the recent events and the IAEA’s biased approach towards Iran’s nuclear program. It is a way for Iran to protect its national interests and send a strong message to the international community. Iran remains committed to the JCPOA and is open to negotiations, but it will not back down in the face of pressure and threats. The world must respect Iran’s sovereignty and right to defend itself.