• IAEA inspectors have departed Iran after the country suspended cooperation in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes.
• The decision follows a 12-day conflict that raised concerns over Iran's nuclear program.
• IAEA Chief stressed the need for dialogue to resume monitoring and verification of Iran's nuclear activities.

A team of inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has safely left Iran, marking an end to their presence in Tehran during a period characterized by intense military conflict. The departure comes after Iran's decision to suspend cooperation with the agency, influenced by attacks from the United States and Israel on its nuclear facilities, as stated in a post on X by the IAEA. This suspension signals a period of uncertainty regarding Iran's nuclear program, especially following significant military actions taken against it, according to Al Jazeera, TRT Global, Newsweek, and Dawn.

The conflict initiated when Israel launched military strikes against Iran's nuclear sites, prompting retaliatory actions by the U.S. and leading to a significant escalation in tensions. As of now, the IAEA has reported that inspectors could not access Iran's nuclear facilities due to safety concerns linked to the ongoing hostility and legislative actions taken by Iran that restrict the oversight of its nuclear program. This situation complicates prior agreements and monitoring responsibilities stipulated under international treaties, citing growing insecurity for IAEA personnel, according to Al Jazeera, TRT Global, and Newsweek.

In recent statements, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi emphasized the "crucial importance" of resuming monitoring activities, arguing for dialogue with Iran to ensure that its nuclear ambitions remain within the bounds of international agreements. The agency has expressed that without access, the oversight on Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles becomes significantly weakened, complicating global efforts to curb nuclear proliferation risks. The heightened rhetoric from both Iran and the U.S. continues to amplify these concerns, according to Al Jazeera, TRT Global, Newsweek, and Dawn.