US slams Iran for ‘unacceptable’ suspension of ties with UN nuclear watchdog

Iran’s suspension of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), is unacceptable, US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said Wednesday.

Tehran officially suspended its cooperation with the IAEA, in the wake of the unprecedented Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear facilities over 12 days in June.

“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,” Bruce told a briefing in Washington.

Washington backed Israel’s effort to damage Iran’s nuclear program by bombing three nuclear sites overnight on June 21-22. Trump has since warned he will order more airstrikes if Tehran tries to obtain nuclear weapons.

Iran, which openly seeks to destroy Israel, claims its nuclear program is solely geared toward civilian use, but it has enriched uranium to 60 percent purity, above levels needed for civilian usage and a short step from the level needed for weapons production, obstructed international inspectors from checking its nuclear facilities, and expanded its ballistic missile capabilities.

Israel says it holds intelligence information indicating that Tehran was taking active steps to build a bomb. It has also warned that it could take further military steps if it sees Iran attempting to rebuild its nuclear and missile programs.

Bruce said Iran must cooperate without delay with the IAEA, including by providing “information required to clarify and resolve long-standing questions regarding undeclared nuclear material in Iran, as well as provide unrestricted access to its newly announced enrichment facility.”

US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce speaks during a briefing at the State Department, April 15, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Rod Lamkey, Jr.)

“Iran cannot and will not have a nuclear weapon,” she repeated.