Iranian Parliament Votes to Cut Ties with UN Nuclear Watchdog, Chants “Death to America, Death to Israel” in Fiery Session

Tehran – In a dramatic escalation of tensions with the West, Iran’s parliament on Tuesday overwhelmingly voted to suspend cooperation with the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), amid growing fallout from recent U.S. and Israeli military actions.

The vote — passed by a near-unanimous margin of 221 to 0, with just one abstention — was followed by lawmakers chanting “Death to America, Death to Israel” in the parliamentary chamber, underlining Tehran’s hardened stance amid renewed geopolitical friction.

Parliament Accuses IAEA of Bias

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf condemned the IAEA for what he described as its failure to defend Iran against foreign attacks. “The IAEA has become politicized and complicit with those targeting our peaceful nuclear progress,” Qalibaf told legislators.

The bill still requires ratification by Iran’s Supreme National Security Council to take full effect. If implemented, it would mark a sharp departure from Iran’s commitments under international nuclear oversight.

Fallout from Airstrikes

The move comes in the aftermath of recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, which Tehran blames on Israel and the United States. Both countries have accused Iran of secretly expanding its nuclear weapons capabilities. Although initial reports suggested the airstrikes caused substantial damage, sources close to the IAEA indicate Iran had relocated much of its enriched uranium beforehand, minimizing the operational impact.

Nuclear Treaty Exit Looming?

In a broader strategic shift, Iranian lawmakers are also drafting legislation that could lead the country to exit the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) altogether — a step that would significantly increase fears of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East.

Global Reactions

The vote has drawn swift condemnation and concern from Western powers. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Tehran to reverse course and return to diplomacy. French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, called for an emergency meeting of key stakeholders to salvage what remains of nuclear negotiations.

U.S. officials have not ruled out new sanctions or possible diplomatic re-engagement, but warned that Tehran’s latest moves undermine any hope of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal.

A New Phase of Confrontation?

Analysts warn the latest developments could mark a turning point in Iran’s nuclear posture, with the country now openly defying global nuclear governance frameworks and embracing a confrontational rhetoric long used in its revolutionary lexicon but rarely within such formal legislative settings.

“This is no longer just saber-rattling — Iran’s parliament is signaling a full-scale policy shift away from international cooperation,” said Dr. Farideh Mahdavi, a regional affairs expert based in Geneva.

As tensions continue to mount, all eyes now turn to Tehran’s Supreme National Security Council, which holds the power to finalize or override the legislature’s decision — a move that could determine whether diplomacy remains a viable path forward or whether a new crisis looms.