• Iranian lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to suspend cooperation with the IAEA after a military conflict with Israel.
• The Guardian Council ratified the bill, asserting it is necessary for national security.
• The legislation comes after significant US and Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.

Iranian lawmakers have voted in favor of suspending cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), following a 12-day conflict involving strikes from Israel and the United States on Iranian nuclear facilities. "The IAEA has put its international credibility up for auction," stated Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, emphasizing the need for guaranteed security of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. The legislation received overwhelming support, with 221 votes in favor and one abstention in the 290-seat parliament, according to state TV reports from thejakartapost and channelnewsasia.

The decision to suspend cooperation is now law after receiving approval from the Guardian Council, which confirmed that the bill is consistent with Islamic principles and the Iranian Constitution. The spokeperson of the Council, Hadi Tahan Nazif, stated that the government's action is aimed at ensuring "full respect for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Iran in light of recent military escalations by Israel and the US. This bill will significantly restrict IAEA inspectors' access to Iranian nuclear sites unless permitted by the Supreme National Security Council, marking a critical shift in Iran's diplomatic engagement with the IAEA, as detailed in reports by Al Jazeera and Dawn.

The renewed legislative move follows an intense military conflict that commenced with Israeli strikes on June 13, 2025, which targeted key nuclear sites and resulted in significant casualties, including top Iranian military personnel. The US later conducted strikes on Iranian facilities as part of its support for Israel, further complicating the situation. The Iranian response included missile attacks directed at various Israeli targets, leading to a ceasefire negotiated by President Trump, as noted in coverage by Al Jazeera and anadolu agency.

Following the approval, Iranian officials have reiterated their stance on maintaining a peaceful nuclear program, despite accusations regarding non-compliance raised by the IAEA shortly before the conflicts escalated. Ghalibaf, in a social media post, reaffirmed that cooperation with the IAEA is untenable unless security at the Iranian nuclear facilities is assured. This legislative action reflects profound distrust towards the IAEA, which Iranian officials accuse of complicity with the attackers, as reported by SCMP and Al Jazeera.