Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has officially signed into law a measure halting the country’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), state media announced on Wednesday. This decision marks a significant escalation in Tehran’s standoff with the West following last month’s air conflict with Israel.

According to state television, “President Pezeshkian has enacted the law suspending Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency,” solidifying the bill passed earlier by parliament. The legislation emerged in the wake of escalating hostilities with Israel, which has long accused Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons — a claim Iran consistently denies.

Under the new law, any future inspections by the IAEA must now receive prior approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, tightening control over access to the country’s nuclear facilities.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf recently stated that Iran would ramp up its civilian nuclear activities. He also criticized the IAEA for its silence following Israel’s reported attacks on Iranian nuclear infrastructure, accusing the agency of compromising its neutrality.

“The IAEA refused to even issue a statement condemning the attack on our nuclear sites,” Qalibaf said. “Its credibility as an international body is now deeply in question. Therefore, Iran will suspend cooperation with the Agency until the safety of our nuclear facilities can be assured and will advance our peaceful nuclear programme at an accelerated pace.”

Damage to Key Nuclear Facility

In a recent interview with CBS News, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that the U.S. bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility caused “serious and extensive” damage.

“While the full picture is still being evaluated, preliminary assessments suggest significant destruction at the site,” Araghchi noted, adding that a formal report is being prepared by Iran’s Atomic Energy Organisation.

Contrary to these statements, intercepted communications reportedly suggest Iranian officials may be underplaying the extent of the damage, according to a Washington Post report citing U.S. intelligence sources.

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking about the recent strikes, declared that they had “completely and totally obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, U.S. officials admit that a thorough assessment of the strikes’ long-term impact remains ongoing.