Iran's Constitutional Council approves plan to suspend cooperation with IAEA

TEHRAN -- Iran's Constitutional Council on Thursday approved a plan, already ratified by the parliament, to suspend the country's cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog.

The plan, which calls on the Iranian government to halt cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was reviewed by the council and found to be in line with Iran's religious regulations, laws, and constitution, council spokesperson Hadi Tahan Nazif said in an interview with state-run IRIB TV on Thursday.

"Given the violation of Iran's national sovereignty by the United States and Israel, their attacks on its territorial integrity as well as peaceful nuclear facilities and jeopardizing of the national interests, the Iranian administration is duty-bound to suspend any cooperation with the IAEA by the time full respect is not guaranteed for the country's national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and security is not ensured for Iranian nuclear centers and scientists," said Tahan Nazif.

Tahan Nazif added that the plan also emphasizes safeguarding Iran's inherent nuclear rights, including the enrichment of uranium on its own soil.

In Iran, the Constitutional Council wields considerable authority over legislation passed by the parliament. It reviews all bills to ensure compliance with with Islamic law and the constitution, and holds veto power over legislation. Following the council's approval, legislations become laws.

According to the ICANA news agency, which is affiliated with Iran's legislative body, the plan was passed during an open session of parliament in Tehran on Wednesday, with 221 votes in favor and one abstention.

On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and damage.

On Saturday, the US Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday struck the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.