IAEA Condemns Iran for Barring Inspectors

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi. (AFP)
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi. (AFP)
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IAEA Condemns Iran for Barring Inspectors

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi. (AFP)
UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi. (AFP)

UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi on Saturday condemned Iran's "disproportionate and unprecedented" move to bar multiple International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors assigned to the country, hindering its oversight of Tehran's atomic activities.

"I strongly condemn this disproportionate and unprecedented unilateral measure which affects the normal planning and conduct of agency verification activities in Iran and openly contradicts the cooperation that should exist between the agency and Iran," he said in a statement.

"These inspectors are among the most experienced agency experts with unique knowledge in enrichment technology," the IAEA said. "With today's decision, Iran has effectively removed about one-third of the core group of the Agency's most experienced inspectors designated for Iran."

Grossi added: "I call upon the Iranian Government to reconsider its decision and to return to a path of cooperation with the Agency."

Separately, Iranian Defense Minister Mohammad Reza Ashtiyani criticized the US decision to offload Iranian oil cargo seized by Washington.

"This move is a robbery on the part of the US," he added.

The US Department of Justice (DOJ) last week revealed that it had disrupted a multimillion-dollar shipment of crude oil by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The Suez Rajan Ltd company pleaded guilty in April and was sentenced to a fine of almost $2.5 million, according to legal documents.

Empire Navigation, the operating company of the vessel carrying the contraband cargo, agreed to cooperate and transport the Iranian oil to the United States, the DOJ added, calling it the first criminal resolution to such a sanctions-violating sale.



European Leaders: Iran Must Not Take Destabilizing Action

A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
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European Leaders: Iran Must Not Take Destabilizing Action

A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER
A Pakistani woman holds a national flag of Iran during a rally in solidarity with the Iranian people, in Karachi, Pakistan, 22 June 2025. EPA/SHAHZAIB AKBER

The leaders of Britain, France and Germany on Sunday urged Iran not to take any actions that would further destabilize the region following US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities overnight.

"We have consistently been clear that Iran can never have a nuclear weapon and can no longer pose a threat to regional security," the government heads of Germany, Britain, France, known as the E3, said in a joint statement.

"We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program. We stand ready to contribute to that goal in coordination with all parties."

The E3 also confirmed their support for the security of Israel, the statement said.

US forces struck Iran's three main nuclear sites, President Donald Trump said late on Saturday, warning Tehran it would face more devastating attacks if it does not agree to peace.

"We will continue our joint diplomatic efforts to defuse tensions and ensure the conflict does not intensify and spread further," the E3 statement said.