Iran suspends cooperation with IAEA as President Pezeshkian approves new law

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has approved legislation to halt collaboration with the UN's nuclear monitoring body, as reported by state media on Wednesday. The law suspending cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency was promulgated by Pezeshkian, following the Iran-Israel conflict last month. The legislation has taken immediate effect, confirmed by state TV quoting AFP.

Iran's Parliament passed a law to suspend cooperation, which was approved by a constitutional watchdog. The parliamentary decision received 221 votes in favor, one abstention, and no opposition among those present in the 290-member house. The implications for the IAEA, the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, remain uncertain.

The suspension comes after escalating hostilities that started on June 13 when Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, targeting Iran's nuclear sites and military leadership. Iran responded with Operation True Promise 3, launching missile and drone attacks on Israeli positions. The US joined the conflict with Operation Midnight Hammer, hitting key Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan on June 22. Iran criticized the strikes as a \"savage assault\" and pledged to continue its nuclear ambitions. Tehran officials also expressed dissatisfaction with the IAEA's silence during the military campaign.