Iran reported the suspension of cooperation with the IAEA due to “reckless” actions of several European countries.

Iran announced the suspension of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in response to actions by Western countries, including the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The reason for this step was the alleged “bad faith of Western partners who violated the terms of the negotiations.”

In a statement by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, it is mentioned that despite dialogue with the IAEA and the proposal of plans to resolve existing issues, the actions of European countries will effectively halt further cooperation. Such measures were announced against the backdrop of the UN Security Council vote on September 19, 2025, to restore non-renewed sanctions against Iran.

Return of Sanctions

The vote allows for the reinstatement of sanctions that were suspended in exchange for limiting Iran’s nuclear programs, in accordance with the 2015 agreement. According to new data, the sanctions will come into effect on September 28 if an agreement is not reached by that time.

Details of the Vote

The UN Security Council did not support the permanent lifting of economic sanctions against Iran under resolution 2231. Four countries voted against the renewal of sanctions: Russia, China, Pakistan, and Algeria, while the American side and a number of European powers opposed it. Guyana and South Korea abstained from voting.

Context

The vote was the result of work initiated at the end of August by the E3 countries — the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. They emphasized that further easing of sanctions depends on meeting three conditions: full restoration of inspections, open accounting of uranium stocks, and constructive interaction with the United States. Iran has repeatedly refused direct negotiations with Washington.

Return of IAEA Inspectors

At the end of August, after nearly a two-month break in cooperation with the IAEA, the institute again sent inspectors to Iran. This mission was mainly symbolic, focusing on preparatory actions for the resumption of monitoring.

Significance of Inspections

Iran suspended inspections in July, explaining this as a consequence of bombings of key facilities by the US and Israel. The return of IAEA inspectors was seen as a necessity to find “practical mechanisms” for resuming control at facilities affected by the strikes.

Future Cooperation

The future of Iran’s relations with international organizations will become clear in the coming days, depending on whether the plans proposed today can withstand the test of time. The reaction and further actions of all parties remain important for determining the direction of key processes in the field of international security.