Iran has cautioned Western nations and Israel against increasing pressure via the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), threatening a calibrated response that may include limiting cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. This comes as the IAEA’s Board of Governors convenes in Vienna, with a potential censure resolution against Tehran on the agenda.
Behrouz Kamalvandi, spokesperson for Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization, signaled on Monday that Iran could reduce its engagement with the IAEA to minimal levels if Western-backed pressure continues. “We have acted beyond our legal commitments. If that’s not acknowledged, we’ll revert to standard levels of cooperation,” Kamalvandi said on state television.
The warning coincides with renewed scrutiny of Iran’s nuclear activities. The United States, along with the UK, France, and Germany, are pushing for a formal rebuke over Iran’s alleged non-compliance. Diplomats suggest that this could lead to the reactivation of the 2015 nuclear deal’s “snapback” sanctions mechanism—restoring all UN penalties lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
The JCPOA, signed in 2015, restricted Iran’s uranium enrichment in return for sanctions relief. It has been unraveling since the U.S. withdrawal in 2018 under then-President Donald Trump, who reinstated sweeping sanctions.
Iranian officials continue to dispute IAEA reports of undeclared nuclear traces, alleging foreign sabotage. Kamalvandi claimed particles found at the Turquzabad site were planted deliberately, hinting at foreign intelligence cooperation. “Inspectors had precise information. Clearly, those who contaminated the site also guided them,” he stated, referencing an Israeli operation in 2018 that allegedly uncovered Iran’s secret nuclear archives.
In a provocative development, Tehran now claims to possess classified intelligence on Israel’s undisclosed nuclear weapons program. Though not publicly released, Iranian officials assert the documents enhance their deterrence and would justify retaliatory strikes on Israeli nuclear sites in case of aggression. “Any Israeli attack will be answered with proportional strikes on their concealed facilities,” the Supreme National Security Council warned.
Iran has also leveled personal criticism at IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi, accusing him of bias and political ambition. Nuclear chief Mohammad Eslami suggested Grossi is serving the interests of a few Western states: “They issue instructions; he executes them.” Grossi has rejected these allegations, affirming the agency’s commitment to impartiality.
Despite the heightened rhetoric, diplomatic backchannels remain open. A sixth round of indirect U.S.-Iran nuclear talks is expected soon, mediated by Oman. While Sunday is the tentative date, former President Trump, whose envoy Steve Witkoff is leading the U.S. team, has floated Thursday as a possible start.
Sticking points remain, particularly over uranium enrichment. Washington has reportedly shifted from demanding a permanent Iranian renunciation of nuclear weapons to seeking a total end to enrichment on Iranian soil—something Tehran continues to oppose, citing its right to peaceful nuclear development. Iran has said it will present a new counterproposal in the coming days.
Meanwhile, Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea is expected to consult with the U.S. team before the next negotiating round, underlining the strategic weight of the issue across multiple fronts.
