Iran warns of reduced cooperation with IAEA ahead of crucial board meeting

Tehran issued a firm warning, declaring it would scale back its cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog should an anticipated resolution against Iran be adopted at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) board meeting, which begins on June 9 in Vienna.

A new diplomatic confrontation is expected to unfold as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany reportedly plan to jointly submit a draft resolution accusing Iran of failing to uphold its nuclear commitments, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

The high-ranking official characterized the draft as a “serious step,” reflecting mounting frustration among European states regarding Tehran’s level of cooperation. Nevertheless, the diplomat insisted that the resolution does not mark the end of diplomatic engagement, stressing that one “does not close the door for diplomacy in the matter.” According to the source, the primary objective of the resolution is to compel Iran to “solve the issue.”

This escalation follows the release of a sharply critical IAEA report last week, which accused Iran of failing to sufficiently cooperate with the agency’s inspectors. Particular concern was directed at Iran’s lack of transparency regarding traces of nuclear material discovered at undeclared sites — an issue that has been the subject of long-standing disputes between Tehran and the agency.

Iran has categorically rejected the report’s findings, dismissing them as politically driven. On June 8, Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran, warned that adoption of the resolution would have serious repercussions. Speaking to state television, he said the move would bring “negative consequences” and cautioned that the IAEA should not expect Iran to “continue its open and friendly cooperation” under such conditions.

By Vafa Guliyeva