Iran Gives Nuclear Update
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Iran will not cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) unless it abandons what President Masoud Pezeshkian called double standards in its handling of the country's nuclear file and warned again of a "more decisive response" if it comes under attack again.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and the IAEA for comment.
Why It Matters
The statement is a further sign of defiance following Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites — at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Tehran has formally suspended cooperation with the IAEA, prompting the withdrawal of international inspectors.
With diplomatic talks stalled, Western powers warn that monitoring Iran's nuclear activities will become increasingly difficult and have threatened further sanctions. The tensions unfold amid a fragile ceasefire, with Iran accusing Israel of sabotaging earlier progress with the U.S.
Protesters chant slogans as they hold up posters of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a protest following the U.S. attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025....
Protesters chant slogans as they hold up posters of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a protest following the U.S. attacks on nuclear sites in Iran, in Tehran, Iran, Sunday, June 22, 2025. More
Vahid Salemi/AP Photo
What To Know
Iran's cooperation with the IAEA depended on transparency, and "biased and unprofessional conduct" by the agency led to suspension of cooperation, Pezeshkian told European Council President Antonio Costa in a phone call, the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.
"Pezeshkian said the Islamic Republic remains committed to constructive engagement, regional peace, and global stability," IRNA said. "He also warned that any further acts of aggression against Iran would be met with an even more decisive response."
The IAEA had assessed that Iran has enriched uranium close to bomb-grade levels, although Iran says its program is for civilian purposes only. The IAEA's recent reports said Iran had failed to comply with its nuclear safeguards obligations and had hidden undeclared nuclear activities, indicating this could trigger renewed UN sanctions.
The U.S. issued new sanctions on Iran this week. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned Europe will impose "dramatic sanctions" within weeks if Iran doesn't clarify its nuclear plans, The Guardian reported.
IAEA Chief Rafael Grossi has expressed concerns over the unknown location of nearly 900 pounds of potentially enriched uranium.
What People Are Saying
Iranian news agency IRNA: "President Masoud Pezeshkian says Iran's continued cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (I.A.E.A.) hinges on the agency ending its double standards in handling the country's nuclear file."
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters on Tuesday: "Our commitment has been steadfast through all of these conflicts and now is a time for Iran to take advantage of that. But we've, of course, seen them do certain things that have not been helpful, like withdrawing from the IAEA, et cetera."
Britain's Foreign Secretary David Lammy told parliament on Tuesday, according to The Guardian: "I'm very clear about the choice they should make, but I'm also clear that the UK has a decision to make that could lead to far greater pain for the Iranian regime unless they get serious about the international desire to see them step back from their nuclear ambitions."
What Happens Next
Despite ongoing signals that the U.S. may be open to renewed diplomacy, Iran is questioning Washington's intentions, seeking guarantees that it will not be attacked again.
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