Iran Halts Nuclear Talks and Cuts Ties with IAEA Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel

Tehran: Iran has officially suspended all nuclear negotiations and ended its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in a dramatic response to recent Israeli air strikes that targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities.

According to Iranian officials, the Islamic Republic will no longer provide updates or share data with the IAEA regarding its nuclear program or the status of its facilities. This policy shift marks a significant setback for global diplomatic efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation in the region.

The decision comes days after Israel conducted air raids on Iranian soil, reportedly killing at least nine nuclear scientists and causing extensive damage to nuclear infrastructure. Iran has described the attacks as “unprovoked aggression” and has vowed to retaliate.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister and lead nuclear negotiator, confirmed that Tehran will cease all communication with the IAEA and will no longer notify the agency of any developments in its nuclear activities.

The sixth round of U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, which was scheduled to take place on June 16 in Muscat, Oman, has also been canceled. Iranian officials labelled the talks “unjustifiable” and accused the United States of enabling Israeli aggression by failing to condemn the strikes.

“Iran will not participate in negotiations under threat or coercion,” said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. “Continuing dialogue with a country that stands by while its ally targets our peaceful nuclear sites is meaningless.”

In retaliation for the Israeli strikes, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles and drone attacks at military targets in Israeli-occupied territories, reportedly resulting in dozens of casualties. The regional conflict continues to escalate, raising international concern over the possibility of a broader war in the Middle East.

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Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei further stated, “Despite public statements in favor of diplomacy, the United States has aligned itself with Israel’s military objectives. We cannot negotiate under such blatant hostility.”

The IAEA has not yet issued an official response, but international observers fear the breakdown in talks could jeopardize years of delicate progress on nuclear non-proliferation and increase the risk of direct military confrontation between Iran and Israel, potentially drawing in regional and global powers.

As tensions rise, the international community continues to call for restraint and a return to dialogue — though the prospects for renewed negotiations appear increasingly bleak.