Iran has warned it may expel inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and halt cooperation with the nuclear watchdog if the U.S. and Israel continue their military threats against the Islamic Republic. The warning, issued by Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, underscores the deepening tension surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.
Shamkhani’s comments reflect the growing frustration among Iran’s hardliners, who view the escalating threats from Washington and Tel Aviv as a serious provocation. The Iranian government maintains that its nuclear ambitions are solely for peaceful purposes, a claim disputed by the U.S. and its allies, who allege that Iran’s uranium enrichment efforts are edging closer to weapons-grade levels.
The IAEA has been monitoring Iran’s nuclear activities, but the expulsion of inspectors would significantly limit the international community’s oversight, fueling fears of a potential nuclear arms race in the Middle East. The agency has repeatedly raised alarms about Iran’s acceleration of uranium enrichment, which could enable the country to develop nuclear weapons.
Shamkhani, a key member of Iran’s decision-making circle, warned that continued military threats could lead to the expulsion of IAEA inspectors and the suspension of cooperation with the U.N. nuclear agency. He further hinted that Iran might transfer its enriched nuclear materials to undisclosed, secure locations within the country, making it more difficult for international monitors to track its nuclear activities.
Iran’s stance is clear: any military strike against its nuclear infrastructure will provoke a “swift response.” This rhetoric mirrors the confrontational tone coming from Washington, where President Donald Trump has promised a decisive military response if Iran does not agree to a new nuclear deal. Trump has framed the situation as a matter of national security, threatening severe action if diplomatic talks fail to yield results.
Israel, which views a nuclear-armed Iran as an existential threat, has echoed the U.S. position. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his government’s commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, even if that means resorting to military action. “Our goal is clear: Iran must not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons, and we will take all necessary steps to ensure that,” Netanyahu declared.
The mounting tensions set the stage for a crucial round of talks in Oman, scheduled for this Saturday. The meeting could prove pivotal in determining whether diplomatic efforts can avert a military confrontation. With both sides entrenched in their positions, the outcome of these talks may very well shape the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader stability of the Middle East.
Reference
Iran Threatens to Expel Nuclear Inspectors Amid Escalating Tensions with U.S. and Israel