Tensions remain high over Iran’s nuclear program and its future engagement with international oversight.
On July 2, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing a loss of trust in the agency after Israeli and US attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities. “The IAEA no longer has credibility with Iran,” Pezeshkian told French President Emmanuel Macron in a call, emphasizing that Iran would no longer allow unapproved inspections at its nuclear sites.
This move follows a sharp escalation in hostilities in June, where the US and Israel carried out strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, significantly damaging its capacity to enrich uranium. Despite these setbacks, IAEA head Rafael Grossi warned that Iran could resume uranium enrichment within months. Grossi’s comments were a reminder that the situation remains fluid, with Iran potentially regaining nuclear capability at a rapid pace.
The US had initially hoped to resume talks with Iran on its nuclear program, with President Donald Trump suggesting that negotiations could restart soon. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed the prospect of immediate discussions. “The end of US military threats is a precondition for the resumption of talks between Tehran and Washington,” Araghchi stated in an interview, underlining Iran’s stance that diplomatic engagement is contingent upon the cessation of US military actions.
In the US, government officials have also expressed concern over Iran’s nuclear developments. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA was “unacceptable,” stressing the need for Tehran to fully cooperate with international safeguards. “Iran cannot and will not have a nuclear weapon,” she asserted. The US position reflects ongoing concerns about Iran’s nuclear ambitions and its defiance of international monitoring mechanisms.
In the European camp, Germany’s Foreign Ministry called Iran’s decision a “disastrous signal.” German spokesperson Martin Giese emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between Iran and the IAEA for any potential diplomatic resolution. “For a diplomatic solution, it is essential for Iran to work with the IAEA,” Giese said, echoing widespread international calls for transparency in Iran’s nuclear activities.
At the same time, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar urged European nations to trigger the “snapback” mechanism of the 2015 nuclear deal, which would reinstate all United Nations sanctions on Iran. Saar’s comments are part of Israel’s broader push to isolate Iran diplomatically and economically, asserting that Tehran’s nuclear ambitions remain a direct threat to regional stability.
Despite the mounting international pressure, Iran has remained defiant. An Iranian diplomatic source told Euronews, “How do you think we can guarantee the safety of IAEA inspectors when our peaceful facilities were targeted just days ago?” This sentiment reflects the broader skepticism in Tehran regarding the motives of the IAEA and other international bodies, particularly following what it perceives as hostile actions from the US and Israel.
The situation in Iran has also been complicated by domestic concerns. While President Pezeshkian ordered the suspension of IAEA cooperation, the government has faced internal criticism for its handling of the war and the subsequent economic toll. Tehran reported over 900 civilian deaths as a result of the conflict, a tragedy that has fueled further resentment toward Israel and the US.
In light of these developments, the broader prospects for a renewed diplomatic deal between the US and Iran remain unclear. With the Trump administration unlikely to reverse its stance, and Iran firmly asserting its right to pursue nuclear technology, the likelihood of a lasting agreement appears slim. The ongoing political and military posturing signals that the confrontation between Iran and the West, particularly the US and Israel, is far from over, and the potential for further escalation remains a real threat.
Compiled by Team GT
