Iran Says Nuclear Cooperation with IAEA 'No Longer Relevant'
TEHRAN, Iran (Oct. 5, 2025) - In a significant development, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declared on Sunday that cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog is no longer relevant after Western countries reinstated international sanctions on the country.
Speaking to foreign ambassadors in Tehran, Araghchi stated, "The Cairo agreement is no longer relevant for our cooperation with the IAEA." The agreement, signed last month with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), had laid out a framework for renewed inspections and monitoring after Tehran suspended cooperation following Israeli and United States attacks on its nuclear facilities in June.
The deal's significance was short-lived, as Britain, France, Germany, and the European Union reinstated sanctions on Iran earlier this week. The move was a response to the country's alleged non-compliance with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
"This is a clear indication that the West is not interested in implementing its commitments under the JCPOA," Araghchi said, adding that Iran would reassess its cooperation with the IAEA.
The Cairo agreement was seen as a crucial step towards rebuilding trust between Iran and the international community. However, the recent developments have raised concerns about the future of nuclear diplomacy in the region.
"The reinstatement of sanctions is a setback for regional stability and will only exacerbate tensions," said a senior diplomat from a European country, who wished to remain anonymous. "We urge all parties to return to the negotiating table and work towards a mutually beneficial agreement."
The current situation has sparked concerns about Iran's nuclear program and its potential implications for global security.
Iran's decision to suspend cooperation with the IAEA was seen as a response to the Israeli and US attacks on its nuclear facilities in June. The country had been under pressure from Western countries to allow inspectors access to its nuclear sites, but Tehran argued that it would not compromise its sovereignty.
The reinstatement of sanctions has significant implications for Iran's economy, which is heavily reliant on oil exports. The move is also likely to further strain relations between Iran and the West, raising concerns about the potential for conflict in the region.
As tensions continue to escalate, international observers are closely watching the situation, hoping that a diplomatic solution can be found to address the nuclear issue and restore stability to the region.
In a statement, the IAEA expressed concern about the development, saying it was "working closely with all parties involved" to find a solution.
The current status of the negotiations is unclear, but one thing is certain: the future of Iran's nuclear program remains uncertain, and the international community will be watching closely for any developments.
*Reporting by Aljazeera.*
