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Russia Urges Iran to Continue Cooperation with IAEA
Russia urges Iran to keep cooperating with the IAEA after Tehran suspends its nuclear oversight deal. Lavrov says dialogue must continue to avoid a “new crisis,” echoing IAEA chief’s warning.
ND
by News Desk
2025-06-26
Russia Urges Iran to Continue Cooperation with IAEA

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has called on Iran to maintain its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following Tehran's move to suspend oversight by the UN nuclear watchdog.

Lavrov’s remarks come amid mounting international concerns after Iran’s Guardian Council ratified a parliamentary bill to suspend all cooperation with the IAEA — a response widely seen as retaliation for recent Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and military sites.

“We want our ally Iran to continue engaging constructively with the IAEA,” Lavrov said in Moscow. “We believe dialogue and transparency are essential to avoid misunderstandings and prevent escalation.”

IAEA Warns of "New Crisis"

Following the ratification of the bill, IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi issued a sharp warning, stating that Iran had no right to unilaterally suspend its cooperation under international agreements.

“If inspectors are denied access to Iran’s nuclear sites, we risk entering a new crisis that would destabilize not only the Middle East but the entire global non-proliferation regime,” Grossi said.

He urged Tehran to reconsider and emphasized that continued oversight was crucial for verifying Iran’s compliance with international obligations.

Escalating Tensions

The decision to suspend cooperation comes amid heightened tensions following recent Israeli and U.S. military actions targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities. Tehran maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, despite accusations by Israel and its Western allies.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei recently described the IAEA as “politicized” and dismissed Western criticism, vowing not to bow to pressure. However, Lavrov’s statement signals potential diplomatic friction between Iran and Russia, traditionally close allies.

📍 Background

Iran had previously agreed to monitoring measures under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which collapsed after the U.S. withdrawal in 2018. Since then, Iran has gradually scaled back its cooperation with the IAEA.

The latest move to sever ties altogether is seen as a significant escalation that could complicate any future diplomatic talks between Tehran and Western powers — talks that U.S. officials recently claimed may resume in the coming weeks.
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Russia

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