The story of the expulsion of two International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from Iran."

TEHRAN, July 2025 — Iran has forced the departure of two IAEA inspectors stationed in the country, intensifying concerns over the transparency of its nuclear program. The move comes in the aftermath of a 12-day military confrontation with Israel and the United States, during which Iranian nuclear facilities were reportedly targeted.

The IAEA confirmed that its inspectors, who had been monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities since mid-June, were expelled on July 4. Iranian authorities cited security concerns and criticized the agency for not condemning the recent attacks on the country’s nuclear infrastructure.

The expulsions follow swiftly after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a law halting all official cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog. The legislation, passed rapidly by parliament and approved by the Guardian Council, effectively suspends surveillance of nuclear equipment, restricts inspector access to declared sites, and freezes the sharing of nuclear data. Iranian officials have stated that these measures will remain in place until “verifiable security guarantees and sovereign rights assurances” are provided.

Experts warn that this unprecedented move could undermine international nonproliferation efforts and escalate regional tensions. Analysts describe Iran’s actions as both defensive—aimed at protecting its nuclear infrastructure from external attacks—and strategic, intending to pressure world powers into political concessions regarding its nuclear program.

The international community continues to monitor developments closely. Diplomatic channels remain open as negotiators seek to prevent further escalation and preserve oversight mechanisms over Iran’s nuclear activities.