Iran Bars IAEA Chief Amid Nuclear Tensions
Iran has announced a ban on the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, from its nuclear facilities and plans to remove surveillance cameras, citing concerns that Israel has acquired sensitive data about its nuclear sites, reports 24brussels.
The decision was communicated by Hamid Reza Haji Babaei, vice speaker of the Iranian parliament, during the funerals of military officials and nuclear scientists who were reportedly killed in recent Israeli strikes, according to Mehr news agency.
This move comes in the aftermath of a ceasefire agreement reached after a 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran, which involved Israeli drone and airstrikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities to thwart the regime’s potential nuclear weapon development. In retaliation, Iran launched counterattacks on Israeli cities.
Historically, Iran had permitted the IAEA to access its nuclear installations and utilize advanced surveillance technology as part of the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, including France, Russia, the U.K., the U.S., Germany, and the European Union, aimed at regulating its nuclear activities. However, following the U.S. withdrawal from the agreement in 2018 under the Trump administration, tensions have escalated.
Iran had previously indicated it might dismantle surveillance systems during ongoing negotiations regarding its nuclear program, signaling a shift in its approach to international oversight.
