Iran Warns Cooperation with IAEA at Risk if UN Sanctions Resume

UNITED NATIONS — Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi issued a stark warning yesterday, stating that Iran’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will collapse if United Nations sanctions are reinstated.

The UN Security Council was unable to pass a resolution aimed at extending the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), by six months. This delay was intended to provide additional time for diplomatic efforts and to prevent the automatic reimposition, or "snapback," of UN sanctions against Iran.

Britain, France, and Germany—the European signatories of the JCPOA—initiated the snapback mechanism on August 28 by informing the Security Council of Iran’s alleged non-compliance. Unless the Council intervenes, the sanctions will be reimposed on September 28, marking the end of the 30-day notification period.

Following the Security Council vote, Araghchi addressed reporters, emphasizing the consequences of these developments. He stated, "We have already said that this action by the E3 and the Security Council’s decision would impact Iran’s cooperation with the agency."

Earlier this month, Iran and the IAEA reached a cooperation agreement in Cairo on September 9. Araghchi lamented the potential fallout, saying, "It is very unfortunate that if everything is activated, then this agreement between Iran and the agency would also be nullified and cannot be implemented."

He reiterated that IAEA inspectors are currently present in Iran and continuing their work despite the tensions surrounding the dispute.

The growing crisis highlights escalating diplomatic strife over Iran’s nuclear program and the fragility of international agreements designed to monitor and restrict its activities.