Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is “unacceptable,” U.S. State Department spokesman Tammy Bruce said on Wednesday. The sharp criticism comes amid growing international concern over Tehran’s decision to scale back its engagement with the agency, including escalating attacks on IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi.
Speaking at a press briefing in Washington, Bruce urged Iran to resume full cooperation with the IAEA, warning that its current course undermines regional stability and global non-proliferation efforts. “We’ll use the word ‘unacceptable,’ that Iran chose to suspend cooperation with the IAEA at a time when it has a window of opportunity to reverse course and choose a path of peace and prosperity,” she said. The U.S. reiterated its support for the IAEA’s mission and called on Iran to re-engage with the agency without delay.