TEHRAN, June 30 (Alliance News): Iran has officially barred Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), from entering the country, while also suspending the agency’s ability to monitor its nuclear facilities.
According to Turkey’s official Anadolu Agency, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the announcement on Saturday, stating that Iran would no longer permit the installation of IAEA surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites.
The decision follows heightened tensions between Tehran and the United Nations nuclear watchdog amid escalating confrontations involving Israel and the United States.
Citing the Iranian state news agency IRNA, Araqchi said, “We will not allow the International Atomic Energy Agency to install cameras at our nuclear facilities, and the head of the agency will not be allowed to enter Iran.”
This development marks a significant escalation in Iran’s standoff with the IAEA and could further complicate efforts to revive diplomatic engagement over Tehran’s nuclear program.
The move comes just days after the Iranian parliament passed legislation suspending cooperation with the IAEA, following military strikes and growing geopolitical pressure.
The ban is seen as a reaction to recent statements by Rafael Grossi, who said Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months despite US airstrikes damaging several nuclear-related sites.
Grossi’s remarks, which contradicted former US President Donald Trump’s claims that Iran’s nuclear infrastructure was destroyed, appear to have further strained relations.
The IAEA has not yet issued an official response to the Iranian decision, but the agency is expected to address the issue in its upcoming board meeting.
Diplomats and international observers fear the move could lead to a complete breakdown in nuclear oversight in Iran and raise concerns about the transparency and intent of its nuclear activities.
Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and has repeatedly called out Western “double standards” on nuclear policy, particularly in the context of Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal.
International powers, including the European Union and Russia, are closely watching the situation, urging restraint and renewed dialogue to prevent further deterioration of already fragile regional stability.
