Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) announced on Saturday that Tehran will suspend its path of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), citing “reckless and hostile measures” taken by European governments.

The SNSC convened under the chairmanship of President Masoud Pezeshkian to assess the regional situation, recent developments involving the Zionist regime, and the escalating diplomatic tensions with Europe. At the conclusion of the meeting, the Council declared that continued cooperation with the IAEA was no longer tenable following the actions of the so-called European troika — the United Kingdom, France, and Germany.

“Despite Iran’s extensive collaboration with the IAEA and its constructive proposals to resolve outstanding issues, the European states have acted recklessly, pursuing hostile steps such as the activation of the snapback mechanism,” the Council stated. “This has left Iran with no choice but to suspend cooperation.”

Officials described the decision as a defensive and lawful response grounded in Iran’s sovereign rights. The SNSC stressed that Tehran’s commitments under the Cairo Agreement with the IAEA were always conditional on the absence of hostile measures. The recent European actions, Iranian officials said, constitute a direct violation of that precondition.

However, the Council emphasized that the move should not be seen as an abandonment of diplomacy. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been tasked with continuing consultations in line with the SNSC’s directives, focusing strictly on safeguarding national security and interests.

“The real responsibility for the breakdown lies with the European governments, which have proven unwilling or unable to maintain an independent and good-faith approach to diplomacy,” the statement read. “By aligning with Washington’s agenda, they have closed the door to dialogue and undermined global non-proliferation efforts.”

Iranian officials reiterated that their decision is consistent with international law, arguing that no agreement can bind one party while the other acts in bad faith. They further warned that the European snapback push is both illegitimate and damaging to the broader framework of non-proliferation norms.

The suspension of cooperation marks a significant escalation in tensions between Tehran and the European signatories of the 2015 nuclear agreement, raising new concerns over the future of diplomacy and regional stability. (ILKHA)