Fact Check: Iranian Lawmakers Voted to Suspend Cooperation with the IAEA Amid Tensions
What We Know
On June 25, 2025, the Iranian parliament voted to suspend cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a move reported by multiple news outlets including Reuters and The Guardian. This decision comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and the IAEA, particularly following accusations from Iranian officials that the agency has been complicit in justifying Israeli military actions against Iran. The vote was characterized as largely symbolic, as it requires approval from a higher authority in Iran before it can take effect (New York Times).
The IAEA has been tasked with monitoring Iran's nuclear activities under the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT), which Iran is a party to. The agency's oversight has been a point of contention, especially after the U.S. withdrew from the nuclear deal in 2018, leading Iran to gradually reduce its cooperation with the IAEA (New York Times).
Analysis
The claim that Iranian lawmakers voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA is supported by credible sources. The reports from Reuters and The Guardian confirm that the Iranian parliament, dominated by hard-liners, passed the bill with unanimous support. This legislative action is viewed as a strategic move by Iran to assert its position amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and to possibly leverage future negotiations regarding its nuclear program.
However, it is important to note that the legislation's implementation is contingent upon approval from Iran's Guardian Council, which adds a layer of uncertainty to the claim. The symbolic nature of the vote indicates that while it reflects Iran's defiance and dissatisfaction with the IAEA, it does not immediately alter the operational status of the agency's inspections in Iran (New York Times).
The reliability of the sources reporting this event is high. Both Reuters and The Guardian are established news organizations with a history of accurate reporting on international affairs. The New York Times also provides a thorough analysis of the context surrounding the vote, including the implications for Iran's nuclear ambitions and its relationship with the IAEA.
Conclusion
The claim that Iranian lawmakers voted to suspend cooperation with the IAEA amid tensions is True. The parliamentary vote reflects Iran's ongoing defiance against international oversight of its nuclear program and is indicative of the broader geopolitical tensions in the region. While the vote is currently symbolic and requires further approval, it signals Iran's potential shift in nuclear policy and its response to external pressures.
