Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced on Saturday that the agreement reached with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier this month will be void if UN sanctions are reimposed next week.
At a meeting chaired by President Massoud Pezeshkian, the SNSC issued a statement declaring that “the path of cooperation” with the IAEA would be suspended following actions taken by European states.
After Israel’s 12-day war against Iran in June, Iran’s parliament passed legislation halting cooperation with the agency, accusing it of providing Israel with sensitive information on Iranian nuclear facilities and scientists. That law forced IAEA inspectors to leave the country.
However, on September 9, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi signed a cooperation agreement with IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi. Araghchi noted at the time that the deal was conditional on snapback sanctions not being activated.
On Friday, the UN Security Council voted down a resolution that would have permanently lifted sanctions removed in 2015 under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). With that vote, the snapback process initiated by the European “E3” countries will see sanctions reimposed on September 27.
Saturday’s announcement effectively reverts Iran to the pre-agreement status of just two weeks ago. Still, analysts caution that it may not be Tehran’s only move, with debate in parliament continuing over a possible full withdrawal from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The development also comes ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s planned visit to Washington on September 29. Observers suggest Netanyahu may seek U.S. backing for potential new military action against Iran, using Tehran’s suspension of cooperation with the IAEA as justification. Israel’s June strikes on Iran were launched just hours after the IAEA board of governors declared Iran in violation of the JCPOA.