Iran has barred International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) chief Rafael Grossi from entering the country and declared it will no longer permit surveillance cameras at its nuclear sites. The move comes in the wake of the 12-day war between Iran, the U.S., and Israel, and follows reports that Israeli forces may have obtained sensitive nuclear data. Iranian Vice Speaker of Parliament Hamid Reza Haji Babaei said the decision stems not from nuclear concerns but from what he called a decades-long struggle against U.S. dominance.
“This is not about missiles or nuclear programs,” Babaei said. “It’s about Iranian independence and strength.”
Iran’s announcement marks a significant breakdown in international nuclear oversight and adds tension to already fragile diplomatic channels following recent strikes on Iranian facilities. The IAEA had previously warned that lack of monitoring would cripple its ability to verify Iran’s compliance with nonproliferation agreements.
This latest move signals Tehran’s intent to defy international pressure and solidify its posture of strategic resistance, even at the risk of global isolation and renewed sanctions.