Iran Suspends Cooperation with UN's Nuclear Watchdog Amid Sanctions Threat

Iran Suspends Cooperation with UN's Nuclear Watchdog Amid Sanctions Threat TEHRAN, Iran - In a move that has sparked global concern, Iran's Supreme National Security Council announced on Saturday that it will suspend cooperation with the United Nations' nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in response to Western powers' plans to reimpose punishing sanctions. The decision comes as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom launched a 30-day process on August 28 to reinstate UN sanctions on Iran, which had been lifted under the 2015 nuclear deal. The three European nations claimed that Iran's failure to comply with the agreement justified the move. "We will suspend our cooperation with the IAEA if the Western powers proceed with their plan," said President Masoud Pezeshkian, chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, in a statement on Saturday. "This is not just about nuclear issues; it's about the sovereignty and dignity of our nation." The move has been met with concern from international leaders, who fear that it could escalate tensions between Iran and Western powers. The United States, which withdrew from the 2015 nuclear deal in 2018, has long advocated for stricter sanctions on Tehran. "This is a very worrying development," said a senior diplomat at the European Union's foreign affairs council. "We urge all parties to refrain from actions that could destabilize the region and undermine global security." The decision also highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and Western powers over the nuclear deal, which was meant to curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions. The agreement has been under strain since the US withdrawal, with Iran gradually increasing its uranium enrichment levels. Iranian officials have long maintained that their nuclear activities are peaceful and aimed at generating electricity. However, Western powers have accused Tehran of secretly pursuing a nuclear weapons program. The current standoff comes as the UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the situation. The meeting is expected to be attended by representatives from major world powers, including the US, Russia, China, France, Germany, and the UK. As tensions escalate, global leaders are bracing for a potential confrontation between Iran and Western powers. Diplomats warn that any further escalation could have far-reaching consequences for regional stability and global security. In the meantime, Iran's suspension of cooperation with the IAEA has raised concerns about the country's nuclear activities and the ability to monitor its compliance with international agreements. "We will continue to work closely with our international partners to address these concerns," said a spokesperson for the IAEA. "However, we cannot comment on specific actions taken by individual countries." The situation remains fluid, with all parties waiting for the outcome of Monday's UN Security Council meeting and the potential consequences of Western powers' plans to reimpose sanctions. In related news, Iranian officials have warned that any further escalation could lead to a complete withdrawal from the nuclear deal. This would likely have significant implications for global energy markets and regional stability. As the situation unfolds, one thing is clear: the world is watching with bated breath as tensions between Iran and Western powers continue to escalate. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*