Iran Says Cooperation with UN Nuclear Watchdog ‘No Longer Relevant’ After Europe Reinstates Sanctions
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared that Tehran’s cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog is “no longer relevant” after Britain, France, and Germany triggered the reimposition of UN sanctions against the country. The move marks a sharp escalation in tensions between Iran and Western powers over the future of the 2015 nuclear agreement, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
End of Cooperation with the IAEA
Speaking in Tehran on Sunday, Foreign Minister Araghchi said that the Cairo agreement, which outlined renewed cooperation between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has effectively been nullified.
“The Cairo agreement is no longer relevant for our cooperation with the IAEA,” Araghchi said, referring to the deal signed last month. The agreement had established a framework for reintroducing inspections and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear sites after Tehran suspended collaboration in response to Israeli and US attacks on its nuclear facilities in June.
According to Araghchi, the European nations’ decision to trigger snapback sanctions — a mechanism that restores international restrictions lifted under the 2015 accord — has destroyed trust and undermined any justification for continued dialogue.
“The three European countries thought they had leverage in their hands, threatening to implement a snapback,” Araghchi said during a meeting with foreign diplomats in Tehran. “Now that they have used this lever, they have seen the results. They have significantly reduced their role and almost eliminated the justification for negotiations with them.”
He added that the European trio — Britain, France, and Germany — “will have a much smaller role than in the past” in any future discussions on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Growing Rift Between Iran and the West
The decision by the E3 countries to reimpose sanctions stems from allegations that Iran violated the JCPOA’s limits on uranium enrichment and stockpile levels. Tehran has repeatedly rejected these claims, saying that its nuclear activities are strictly peaceful and permitted under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Araghchi accused the European powers of hypocrisy and political pressure, arguing that the sanctions move was driven more by Western alignment with Washington than by genuine concern over nuclear compliance.
“Europe has proven it cannot act independently,” he said. “Their actions have further damaged their credibility as reliable partners in diplomacy.”
Iran Accuses the IAEA of Double Standards
Tehran has also turned its criticism toward the IAEA, accusing the agency of showing double standards in its approach to Iran. Araghchi and other officials have argued that while the IAEA quickly reports on alleged Iranian violations, it has remained silent on Israeli attacks against Iranian nuclear facilities — attacks that Tehran says are clear violations of international law.
“The IAEA has failed to condemn Israel’s aggression despite its obligations under the NPT,” Araghchi said. “This selective silence undermines the agency’s neutrality and damages its credibility.”
Western governments, led by the United States and supported by Israel, have long accused Iran of secretly pursuing nuclear weapons — allegations Iran continues to deny. Tehran insists that its nuclear programme is entirely civilian, focused on medical research and energy production, and that it has every right to enrich uranium under international law.
Possible Shift in Iran’s Nuclear Policy
Some Iranian lawmakers have proposed withdrawing from the NPT altogether in response to Western actions. However, President Masoud Pezeshkian has reiterated that Iran remains committed to its treaty obligations — at least for now.
Araghchi hinted that Tehran’s stance on cooperation with the IAEA could soon change but did not provide specifics. “Iran’s decision regarding future cooperation with the agency will be announced in due course,” he said, adding, “There is still room for diplomacy — but the window is narrowing.”
Analysts say this latest development could push Iran closer to reducing IAEA oversight, raising concerns about the transparency of its nuclear programme and further escalating regional tensions.
Collapse of Negotiations with the US
Diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 nuclear deal have been in disarray since April, when indirect talks between Iran and the United States resumed in hopes of restoring the agreement. Those negotiations collapsed after a series of Israeli attacks in June that targeted Iranian nuclear, military, and residential sites.
Iran has since accused Washington of undermining diplomacy by failing to restrain Israel and refusing to provide guarantees that future US administrations will not abandon the deal again — as former President Donald Trump did in 2018.
“The US must prove its sincerity by recognising Iran’s legitimate rights and lifting all sanctions,” Araghchi said. “Without such assurances, no negotiation will be meaningful.”
The Broader Geopolitical Context
The latest standoff comes amid heightened instability across the Middle East, with tensions involving Israel, Hezbollah, and other regional actors increasing pressure on Tehran. Western nations fear that a complete breakdown of diplomatic engagement could accelerate Iran’s nuclear advancements and destabilise the region further.
Meanwhile, Iran has sought to deepen ties with countries such as Russia and China, both of which have criticised the Western use of sanctions and backed Iran’s right to develop peaceful nuclear technology.
Regional and Global Reactions
The European Union has called on Tehran to remain engaged with the IAEA and to comply with its non-proliferation obligations. A spokesperson for the EU’s External Action Service said that “triggering snapback sanctions was a necessary response to Iran’s continued violations,” but added that “the door to diplomacy remains open.”
However, Iranian officials view these statements as hollow. “Europe cannot burn the bridge and then ask us to walk across it,” one Iranian diplomat told local media anonymously.
In contrast, Moscow and Beijing have voiced opposition to the reimposed sanctions. Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the move “undermines the fragile balance of the JCPOA” and warned that unilateral actions by Western powers “will only provoke further escalation.”
What Comes Next?
Iran’s announcement that cooperation with the IAEA is “no longer relevant” signals a new and potentially dangerous phase in the long-running nuclear dispute. Experts warn that if Tehran follows through by curtailing access to inspectors or increasing uranium enrichment, it could deepen international isolation and heighten the risk of confrontation.
Still, Araghchi’s remark that “there is room for diplomacy” leaves a narrow path open for renewed engagement. For now, much will depend on how Europe and Washington respond — whether they choose further pressure or pursue dialogue before the diplomatic window closes completely.